Theoretical Physics MSci
Our Theoretical Physics MSci degree course draws on the expertise of Newcastle physicists engaged in cutting-edge research. This will enable you to gain strong theoretical and practical skills from experts in this field, during your modules and your final-year project too. You will become a member of one of our research groups and tackle a real open ended research problem for your project.
In addition to project work you will study a range of mathematical physics modules and also have a choice from a wide range of optional modules across all areas of physics. This will allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests, you can keep your choices broad or focus on a couple areas of physics if you wish. Additionally some modules from the Mathematics department are open to you, giving a wealth of choice.
Our Theoretical Physics MSci course provides you with a choice of either a ‘lab’ or a ‘no lab’ flavour. Both cover the essential core of theoretical physics, but the ‘lab’ option allows you to carry out experimental work too. Choosing the ‘no lab’ option means you’ll take courses in data analysis and some additional mathematical physics courses instead. By the middle of the second year the ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ options combine with neither at a disadvantage.
Why study Theoretical Physics MSci at Newcastle?
- Very broad range of leading research leading to a wide range of optional modules and projects
- High employability rate, including a high percentage who go on to do PhDs. Employability is embedded through the course
- Friendly and supportive environment. Year 1 and year 2 have weekly tutorials with one academic member of staff and no more than 4 students. Lecturers have open door policy. Elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to resolve any issues quickly
- Flexibility between our range of specialised courses
- BSc and MSci identical for first two years so don’t need to make final decision between the two until end of second year.
- In some cases it’s possible to swap to Physics, Physics and Astrophysics, or Physics with Particle Physics and Cosmology after first year
- Theoretical Physics comes in a lab or a no-lab flavour in the first year
- If you switch to the BSc you can choose to do a year out in computer science during their third year.
Institutional Accreditation
Regional accreditation is an institution-level accreditation status granted by one of six U.S. regional accrediting bodies. Accreditation by more than one regional accrediting body is not permitted by the U.S. Department of Education.
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
Theoretical Physics MSci
Course Level:
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Credits
120
Course
CODE U556
How long it takes:
Undergraduate (4 Years)
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$20,220
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
The Theoretical Physics course itself comes in two varieties – ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ – you are free to choose between them on arrival. By the middle of the second year the ‘Lab’ and ‘No Lab’ options combine with neither at a disadvantage.
Year 1
Laboratory pathway | Non-Laboratory pathway |
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Core modules
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Core modules
Optional modules – choose ONE of the following modules:
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Year 2
Laboratory pathway | Non-Laboratory pathway |
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Core modules
Optional modules – choose ONE of the following modules:
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Core modules
Optional modules – choose TWO of the following modules:
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Year 3
Core modules
- Quantum Mechanics 3 – 10 credits
- Radiation and Relativity – 10 credits
- Statistical Physics – 10 credits
- Complex Variable Theory – 10 credits
- General Physics – 10 credits
- Current Topics in Theoretical Physics – 10 credits
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 – 10 credits
Optional modules. Please choose 50 credits.
Example modules:
- Chaos and Dynamical Systems – 10 credits
- Observational Cosmology – 10 credits
- Group Studies – 20 credits
- Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
- Fission and Fusion – 10 credits
- Medical Imaging – 10 credits
- Images and Communications – 10 credits
- Physics Teaching in Schools – 10 credits
- Particle Physics – 10 credits
- Nuclear Physics – 10 credits
- The Life and Death of Stars – 10 credits
- Atomic Physics – 10 credits
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure – 10 credits
- Semiconductor Optoelectronics – 10 credits
- Continuum Mechanics – 20 credits
- Methods in Partial Differential Equations – 20 credits
- Partial Differential Equations – 10 credits
- Asteroseismology and Exoplanets – 10 credits
- Physics of Music and Sound – 10 credits
- Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 – 10 credits
- Physical Principles of Radar – 10 credits
- Applied Mathematical Analysis – 20 credits
Year 4
Core modules
- The General Theory of Relativity – 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 4 – 10 credits
- Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory – 10 credits
- Project Proposal and Dissertation (Theoretical Physics) – 20 credits
- Project Seminar and Viva (Theoretical Physics) – 20 credits
- Phase Transitions – 10 credits
Optional modules. Please choose 40 credits.
Example modules:
- Nuclear Physics – 10 credits
- Fission and Fusion – 10 credits
- Current Topics in Particle Physics – 10 credits
- Experimental Particle Physics Techniques – 10 credits
- Superconductivity – 10 credits
- Images and Communications – 10 credits
- Observational Cosmology – 10 credits
- Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
- Quantum Optics – 10 credits
- Evolution of Cosmic Structure – 10 credits
- Topics in Applied Mathematics – 20 credits
- Nonlinear Waves – 20 credits
- Nanophotonics – 10 credits
- Asteroseismology and Exoplanets – 10 credits
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
- Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases – 10 credits
- Numerical Weather Forecasting and Climate Modelling – 10 credits
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have one of the following:
- A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a US university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
- A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
- An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level
If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.
If you intend to become a Solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements,. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section.
USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)
£8,500
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,100
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology.
Over 40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD, a route open to you directly after completing an MSci degree. As well as being the main route into academic research, a PhD also opens the door to many careers that need specific advanced scientific knowledge. The most compelling reason to do a PhD is love of the subject, and the high number of our graduates choosing this route illustrates the satisfaction of students who study with us. The remaining third of students who carry on to further study either take a specialised postgraduate masters in subjects such as a very specific branch of physics, or engineering or computing, or they are pursuing a postgraduate teaching qualification such as a PGCE or PGdipEd.
Graduates who have studied our courses:
Example employers
- NASA
- NHS – Medical Physics
- Rolls-Royce
- EDF Energy
- BAE Systems
- Barclays Capital
- PriceWaterhouse Coopers
- Accenture – Technology Services
Example careers
- Scientific researcher
- Medical physicist
- Energy consultant
- Defence analyst
- Meteorologist
- Statistician
- Financial services analyst
- Business consultant