Learn about the deep connections between mathematics and theoretical physics and develop your scientific computing and theoretical modelling skills to understand and solve complex physical problems.

During the course, you’ll learn about the fundamental theoretical physics describing the intertwining of space, time, matter and energy. You’ll develop and apply theoretical models, learn about active matter and general relativity, investigate nonlinear physics and quantum optics.

As well as gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of physics, you’ll graduate with strong experimental, mathematical and computational expertise. You’ll also gain powerful problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a career in physics and many other fields as well.

Flexibility

You'll study the same units as for our Physics and Physics with Astrophysics courses in year one. In later years, core material expands to include more computational physics, further mathematics and foundational theoretical physics. This gives you the greatest flexibility and makes it possible to change between courses if your interests change once you're at Bath. It also allows you to modify your placement or study abroad options, or even whether you are on a bachelor’s or master’s programme after you've started.

In your final year, you’ll carry out a substantial project, choosing from a wide range of topics and types. You’ll study a wide-range of topics in theoretical physics, and you can also choose some broader options to enable you to experience a taster of a field you might be considering for graduate employment.

Master of Physics

The MPhys degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses. We offer a wide range of MPhys options at the forefront of research, from quantum field theory to graphene and topological insulators. You’ll also carry out a major master’s level research project during your final year. This offers you an immersive and authentic experience of physics research and is excellent preparation for postgraduate study or a research career.

Get involved with our research

Our courses reflect the wide range of research activities in the Department. You’ll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate quantum optics, study the properties of graphene and the importance of symmetry in theoretical physics, and explore the structure and evolution of the Universe. We bring the latest developments in physics into our teaching, and you can get involved by working with us on your own research project.

Develop your professional skills

All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews.

Use specialist facilities

You’ll learn experimental and computing skills in our well-equipped teaching labs. You can carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers in our specialist research labs. We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.

• Watch a tour of our new undergraduate physics labs with two of our students.

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
• TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
• Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Get ready for your future career

With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as:

• R&D
• Engineering
• Finance
• IT
• Telecommunications
• Renewable energies

Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Learn more on our Physics Virtual Experience page

You can find out more about studying a physics degree at Bath by visiting our Physics Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.