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.
In the final year of our four-year MPhys course you will study Advanced Magnetism and Nanophysics and Quantum Transport in Nanostructures and can choose from a range of possible topics for their extended project. Recent project topics include adatoms on graphene, silicine, photonic crystals, topological insulators, fundamentals of radiation reaction and gravitational waves.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Physics department.
Year 1
- The Physical Universe
- Classical Mechanics
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Quantum Physics
- Functions and differentiation
- Integration
- Series and Differential Equations
- Complex methods
- Vector Calculus
- Vectors & Vector Algebra / IT Skills
- Basic Physics Skills / Communication Skills
- Oscillations & Waves / Practical Lab I
- Electrical Circuits & Instruments / Practical Lab II
- Optics & Optical Instruments / Practical Lab III
Year 2
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Mechanics and Variations
- Classical Fields
- Programming and Modelling
- Maths I
- Maths II
- Quantum Mechanics
- Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
- Relativity, Nuclei and Particles
- Cosmology I
- Relativity
- Waves & Optics
- Nuclei & Particles
- Further Quantum Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
Year 3
- Particle Physics
- General Physics Examination Paper
- Atomic Physics
- Statistical Physics
- Physics of Fluids
- Groups and Symmetries
- Quantum information processing
- Flavour Physics
- Astronomy
- Space Physics
- Solid State Physics
- Theoretical Physics Research Skills
- Physics of Global Warming
- Energy
- Computer Modelling
- Advanced Relativity and Gravity
- Experimental Methods in Particle Physics
- Gauge Theories
- Advanced Electrodynamics and Gravity
- Matter at low temperature
- Lasers and Applications
- Semiconductor Device Physics
- Solid State Physics II
- Short project I (Theo)
- Short project TP II (Theo)
- Short project III (Theo)
Year 4
- MPhys Project
- Advanced Magnetism
- Quantum transport in Low Dimensional Nanostructures
- MPhys Literature Review
- Advanced Relativity and Gravity
- Research Presentation Skills
- MPhys Literature Search
- Matter at low temperature
- Physics of Global Warming
- Experimental Methods in Particle Physics
- Advanced Spectroscopy and Microscopy
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Physics department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: A*AA(Physics and Mathematics). 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: AAAAB or equivalent, with Advanced Highers in Physics and Mathematics.
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: 38 pts overall with 17 pts from three HL courses including Mathematics and Physics.
HNC/D: With merits in Physics and Mathematics you may be considered for direct entry to second year
IELTS: 6.0
New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information
Careers
Our degree programmes provide a strong underpinning for a wide range of careers. They have proven popular with employers who require advanced research in sectors such as geophysics, meterorologies, finance and computing. Our students have a wide range of possible employment opportunities with the potential of a good salary. Many of our students undertake 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, for example, the financial service industry, the military and the police.
A substantial number of our graduates stay on to undertake research degrees at Lancaster and top research intensive universities elsewhere. For example, recent graduates are now studying Physics, Theoretical Cosmology, Gravitational Physics, Space Plasma Physics, Particle Physics, Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Ultralow Temperature Physics, Biomedical Physics, Accelerator Physics and Mathematical Physics to PhD level.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
