Course Overview
Theoretical physicists devote themselves to uncovering the most appropriate mathematical laws for deducing the essence of physical phenomena.
Lancaster's Theoretical Physics course concentrates on some of the more fundamental and mathematical aspects of Physics and is designed to help you develop analytical skills appropriate for solving a wide range of theoretical Physics problems.
In addition to the core first year Physics courses on Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism, you will study a range of topics in the following year, including Further Classical Mechanics, Classical Field Theory and Further Quantum Mechanics. In the final year of our three-year BSc degree scheme, students complete an extended research project alongside subjects such as Particle Physics and Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
The course selection is really good and you can get all the help you need as the departmental staff are very helpful.
Career opportunities
As a Lancaster Physics graduate, you will have a wide range of possible career options. Our graduates often go into careers where Physics is a requirement for example, as meteorologists, geophysicists, astronomers or medical physicists. Others develop careers in teaching, research or industry, where they carry on using their Physics knowledge.
Others make the most of the transferable skills they have acquired and take up employment in the financial service industries, the military, the police and management.
A substantial number of our graduates stay on to undertake research degrees at Lancaster and elsewhere. For example, recent graduates are now studying Physics, Theoretical Cosmology, Gravitational Physics, Particle Physics, Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Ultralow Temperature Physics, Biomedical Physics, Accelerator Physics and Mathematical Physics to PhD level.
Modules
Here are some of the current modules which are available during your studies at Lancaster:
PartI
- Basic Physics Skills / Communication Skills
- Classical Mechanics
- Complex methods
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Electrical Circuits & Instruments / Practical Lab II
- Functions and differentiation
- Integration
- Optics & Optical Instruments / Practical Lab III
- Oscillations & Waves / Practical Lab I
- Quantum Physics
- Series and Differential Equations
- The Physical Universe
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Vector Calculus
- Vectors & Vector Algebra / IT Skills
PartII (Year 2)
- Classical Fields
- Electromagnetism
- Further Quantum Mechanics
- Maths I
- Maths II
- Mechanics and Variations
- Nuclei & Particles
- Programming and Modelling
- Quantum Mechanics
- Relativity
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Waves & Optics
PartII (Year 3)
- Advanced Electrodynamics and Gravity
- Advanced Spectroscopy and Microscopy
- Astronomy
- Atomic Physics
- Computer Modelling
- Energy
- Experimental Lab I
- Experimental Lab II
- Flavour Physics
- General Physics Examination Paper
- Groups and Symmetries
- Lasers and Applications
- Matter at low temperature
- Particle Physics
- Physics of Fluids
- Physics of Global Warming
- Quantum information processing
- Semiconductor Device Physics
- Solid State Physics II
- Space Physics
- Statistical Physics
For more detailed module information please visit the Physics department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAA. All degrees require Physics and Maths at A-level. We normally expect three A-levels.
General Studies: Accepted as one of 4 A-levels
Preference: A-levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: AAABB or equivalent, with Advanced Highers in Physics and Maths.
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher Level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information.
International Baccalaureate: 36 pts overall with 16 pts from three HL courses including Maths and Physics.
BTEC: DDD including all available Maths and Physics modules at distinction level.
HNC/D: With merits in Physics and Maths you may be considered for direct entry to second year
IELTS: 6.0
New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page.
