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Course description

Our accredited four year MPhys Theoretical Physics course puts an emphasis on the fundamental mathematics behind the principles of physics and provides you with valuable research experience. 

In your first two years, you’ll study fundamental physics theories like heat, motion and quantum mechanics. You’ll also build a more detailed understanding of mathematical concepts that underpin physics including vector calculus, linear algebra, and mathematical models.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in our specialist teaching lab, developing lab skills and learning how theories can be applied in the real world. You’ll also take part in programming classes, which will teach you skills that are valuable in a variety of graduate careers ranging from data science to computer game design.

In your third year, you’ll continue to explore essential concepts in theoretical physics in even more detail. You’ll develop your expertise by choosing a specialist pathway, such as mathematical physics, particle and nuclear physics, quantum technologies, or computational physics. You’ll also have the opportunity to branch out into a variety of areas through more in-depth optional modules.

You'll get the chance to investigate a real-world problem and refine your technical skills by completing a research project. You’ll choose from a range of different areas, including industrial group work, data science, physics education, our Quantum Information Laboratory, or a project working within a research group.

In your fourth year, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your degree to your interests through advanced optional modules. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your research skills through a year-long research project. You’ll work with academic researchers who are experts in their field to investigate a real scientific question, gaining time management, project planning and analysis skills, which are valuable for careers in research or industry.

Modules

Title: Theoretical Physics MPhys course structure
UCAS code: F321
Years: 2026, 2027

First year Second year Third year Fourth year

First year

Core modules:

Fundamental Physics and Mathematics I: Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves and Thermal Physics

This core module will give you an understanding of the fundamental physical principles, mathematical tools, and laboratory skills you'll use throughout your degree. 

You'll learn about key physical principles, such as Newton's laws, linear and rotational equations of motion, the wave equation, the laws of thermodynamics, and heat transfer. 

You'll also learn about the linear algebra and calculus that underpins these principles, covering differentiation and integration, complex numbers, matrices and differential equations. 

You'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques through hands-on experience. You'll learn how to build and use DC circuits and set up experiments to test principles, including kinematic motion, standing and travelling waves, heat engines, and diffraction.

40 credits

Fundamental Physics and Mathematics II: Electricity, Magnetism and Quantum Physics

In this core module you'll further develop your knowledge of the fundamental physical principles, mathematical tools and laboratory skills needed for your degree.

You'll explore topics across electricity, magnetism and quantum physics, such as electric potentials and fields, electrical circuits, magnetic fields, the Lorentz force, the photo-electric effect, and the quantum wave function. You'll also learn to describe these phenomena through vector calculus and probability theory.

You'll gain hands-on experience of conducting laboratory work. You'll test various aspects of physical principles, including measuring and mapping electric and magnetic fields, and building and using AC circuits.

40 credits

Investigating Nature: the Physicist's Toolbox

This core module provides you with the foundational skills and techniques necessary for success as a physicist. You'll learn how to use self-study skills for independent learning, conduct and report on research projects ethically, and integrate AI responsibly. You'll learn how to import and analyse data in Python, and present these results professionally. You'll also develop your interpersonal and team-management abilities by working with your coursemates on a group project, such as analysing optical precision instruments.

You'll employ general problem-solving techniques that are routinely used in physics, including dimensional analysis, making approximations, and checking your calculations using order-of-magnitude estimations, limiting behaviour, and symmetry considerations.

Through employability workshops, you'll receive guidance on how to showcase your achievements effectively to help secure projects, placements, and graduate opportunities.

20 credits

Mathematical modelling

Mathematics is the language of science.  By framing a scientific question in mathematical language, it is possible to gain deep insight into the empirical world.  This module aims to give students an appreciation of this astonishing phenomenon.  It will introduce them to the concept of mathematical modelling via examples from throughout science, which may include biology, physics, environmental sciences, and more.  Along the way, a range of mathematical techniques will be learned that tend to appear in empirical applications.  These may include (but not necessarily be limited to) difference and differential equations, calculus, and linear algebra.

20 credits

Learning and assessment

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, including a portfolio of problem sets and lab work, as well as exams, essays, lab reports and presentations.

Entry requirements

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAB, including Maths and Physics + B in a relevant EPQ

International Baccalaureate

36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics; 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics, and A in a physics-based extended essay

BTEC Extended Diploma

Not accepted

BTEC Diploma

Not accepted

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s

AAABB + AA in Maths and Physics

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

A + AA in Maths and Physics

Access to HE Diploma

Award of the Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (all in Maths/Physics units) and 6 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and Physics + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification

AAB, including Maths and Physics + B in a relevant EPQ

International Baccalaureate

34, with 6, 5 (in any order) in Higher Level Maths and Physics

BTEC Extended Diploma

Not accepted

BTEC Diploma

Not accepted

Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s

AABBB + AB in Maths and Physics

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels

B + AA in Maths and Physics

Access to HE Diploma

Award of the Access to HE Diploma in Science, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (all in Maths/Physics units) and 9 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Graduate careers

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

You won’t be short of career options with a degree in physics from Sheffield. Our courses are designed to give you the skills that will help you succeed. Employers hire our graduates because of their ability to plan projects, work to deadlines, analyse data and solve complex problems.

A physics degree from Sheffield can take you far, whatever you want to do. Whether you want a job that involves developing renewable energy technologies, improving medical treatments, creating quantum telecommunications systems or exploring outer space.

We have graduates putting their skills to use in a variety of careers, including:

• research and development
• computing and software development
• data science
• engineering
• finance and consultancy
• public sector roles in healthcare and government
• education.

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as BT, BAE Systems, Deloitte, HSBC, IBM, the Ministry of Defence, the NHS and Rolls Royce.

Many of our students choose to pursue a career in research. Sheffield graduates have secured PhDs at many of the world's top 100 universities and have gone on to work at major international research facilities, such as CERN and ESA.

We are part of the White Rose Industrial Physics Academy (WRIPA), a partnership with other universities and technical industries. Our students benefit from collaborations with industrial partners through internships, year in industry placements, final-year projects and careers activities. WRIPA also organises the UK’s largest physics recruitment fair, where our students can meet potential employers.

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences is leading the way with groundbreaking research and innovative teaching.

Our physics and astronomy researchers are focusing on some of the biggest questions in science, such as how to build a quantum computer, how to detect dark matter and how to distribute clean energy.

Our lecturers run experiments on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, help to map the Universe using the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and are working with the National Grid to help maximise the potential of solar energy.

To help our students feel part of a community, the Physics Society (PhySoc) organises activities ranging from guest lectures to the annual Hicks Ball. Our students can also take part in an LGBT+ support group and a crafts group.

Facilities

Physics and astronomy students are based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and specialist undergraduate teaching laboratories.

We have telescopes and a solar technology testbed on the roof, and run a telescope at the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

We’re home to the UK’s first Quantum Information Laboratory, where students can study the fundamental science behind the next technological revolution.

We also have facilities for building super-resolution microscopes and analysing 2D materials.

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

University rankings

Student profiles

Fees and funding

Fees

Placements and study abroad

Placement

Our students have secured placements with a range of organisations, including CERN, Jaguar Land Rover, Sellafield, EDF Energy, the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes, and UK Research and Innovation.

Research experience

Develop your research skills through the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme. This initiative gives you the opportunity to gain paid research experience, working in one of our research groups over the summer in an area of physics that you’re excited about.

Study abroad

Visit

Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Apply

Contact us

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences