Physics with Theoretical Physics
Advance your understanding of theoretical physics in this professionally accredited degree.
Advance your understanding of theoretical physics in this professionally accredited degree
Develop your interest in mathematics and its application in relation to this field of science
Complete a substantial project exploring a topic area of your choice during your final year
Course key facts
Qualification
BSc
Duration
3 years
Start date
October 2026
UCAS course code
F325
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
Not set Home
Not set Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
7 : 1 (2024)
Minimum entry standard
A*A*A (A-level)
40 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Explore how the principles and laws of physics underpin most science and engineering disciplines on this three-year course.
Problems in physics can relate to phenomena on gigantic scales such as the cosmos, minutely small ones, and virtually any other scale in between.
Throughout this course, you'll develop a large range of problem-solving skills that can also be applied to many other (seemingly unrelated) situations.
You'll receive a grounding in physics, mathematics, computational and experimental methods in preparation for advanced study or a career in the field.
This programme is particularly suited to those with a specific interest in mathematics and its application, with less emphasis on experimental work than our standard Physics courses.
You'll learn in a department at the forefront of research, guided by world-leading researchers with a high level of expertise in their specific field. Key topics covered during your first two years include electromagnetism, relativity and quantum physics.
Your third year provides opportunities to advance your knowledge across a wide range of optional modules. This work will allow you to take advantage of the diverse research specialisms within the department.
Your studies will culminate in a major project, carried out under supervision within one of our research groups.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study these core modules.
Core modules
Build your laboratory and computing skills and receive training in a range of experimental techniques covering several areas of physics.
Become familiar with the key concepts of vector calculus and use them to provide a foundational introduction to electricity and magnetism.
Develop your understanding of the mathematics and physics of motion in space and time and advance your knowledge of classical mechanics.
Gain an in-depth knowledge of oscillation and waves and appreciate their importance in multiple areas of basic physics.
Further develop your understanding of several practical aspects of physics and carry out a project in either practical physics, computational physics, or a blend of the two.
Learn to think ‘like a mathematician” and understand the mathematics underlying notions of limits and infinity, with particular emphasis on the underpinnings of Calculus.
Professional accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
Our BSc Physics courses partially satisfy the academic requirement for professional registration as a Chartered Physicist (CPhys). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in physics, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.
To gain Chartered status after you graduate, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have knowledge equivalent to an accredited integrated Master’s degree.
Our accreditation agreement with the Institute of Physics is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement was recently renewed through 2027.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
- Independent study
- Research project
Years 1 & 2
- 50% Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
- 50% Independent study
- 0% Research project
Year 3
- 13% Lectures, tutorials and laboratory work
- 87% Independent study
- 0% Research project
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Laboratory classes
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Computing labs
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Office hours
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Project work
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Virtual learning environment
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Independent learning
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Written examination
Year 1
- 25% Coursework
- 15% Practical
- 60% Written examination
Year 2
- 20% Coursework
- 10% Practical
- 70% Written examination
Year 3
- 15% Coursework
- 15% Practical
- 70% Written examination
Assessment methods
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Computing reports and laboratory reports
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Mastery tests
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Oral presentations and assessments
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Poster presentations
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Project reports
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Progress tests and quizzes
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Written examinations
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Written problems
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
Minimum entry standard
A*A*A
To include:
- A* in Mathematics
- A* in Physics
- A in another subject (Further Mathematics is recommended, but not essential)
Not accepted: General Studies and Critical Thinking
Science Practical Endorsement: If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
Typical offer
A*A*A-A*A*A* (applicants studying three A-levels)
Offers made to at least 50% of 2024 entry A-level applicants.
Support for widening participation applicants
Our contextual admissions route for UK applicants may entitle you to additional considerations within the application process to help us form a more complete picture of your potential to succeed at Imperial.
Find out more about who is eligible and what support you may receive.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Applications open on 13 May 2025
Application deadlines – 14 January 2026 at 18.00 (UK time)
Admissions test (ESAT)
To be eligible for selection for this course for 2026 entry, you must sit the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) as part of the application process.
Check the entry requirements section on this page to learn more about the ESAT.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
The high level of shared content in the first two years of our Physics degrees means that transfer to another degree within the Department is usually possible in the first two years.
- To transfer onto the BSc or MSci with Theoretical Physics, you must take the appropriate mathematics module(s).
- Students who wish to go to France, Germany, Italy, Spain or Switzerland for their Year Abroad should apply directly to the Year Abroad programme (F309) through UCAS. Those who wish to go to the USA or the Netherlands should apply to the MSci in Physics (F303) or the MSci in Physics with Theoretical Physics (F390) and apply to transfer to the Year Abroad programme when they are in their second year.
- Please note there is no benefit in applying to multiple courses within the Department of Physics, and you should only apply to one course from this department.
If you are made an offer, you will have the opportunity to discuss your choice of degree and the potential to transfer on to another degree within the department.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 60% or above will be eligible for a Year Abroad in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. There is also a separate call for all BSc/MSci in Physics to undertake a Year Abroad in the Netherlands or the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2026 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2025-26 was £9,535 per year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
97% Of Imperial Physics graduates in work or further study*
- 97% Of Imperial Physics graduates in work or further study*
- 3%
92% Of Imperial Physics graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 92% Of Imperial Physics graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 8%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
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Improve your career prospects by developing a broad range of professional skills.
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Approximately half of Imperial students also pursue MSc or PhD degrees.
Many Imperial graduates move into traditional technical jobs because of their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Oil and gas, telecommunications, business consultancy, banking, and finance are among them.
Other potential career prospects include the civil service, cyber risk modelling, the energy industry, and the automotive industry.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7510
- Email: ph.admissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Physics website
Request info
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications