Course Overview
Taught jointly with Lancaster's Department of Mathematics, our degree in Theoretical Physics with Mathematics combines core Physics and specialised Theoretical Physics subjects with classes in Pure Mathematics. Topics include real and complex analysis, algebra and group theory and functional analysis. This degree will equip you with an understanding of the foundations of the mathematical tools used in Physics.
You begin with core Physics courses including Quantum Physics and Electro magnetism before learning about a range of topics in your second year, such as Further Classical Mechanics, Classical Field Theory and Complex Analysis. You will go on to complete a Second Quantization project and study Particle Physics and Hilbert Spaces in your third year. In your final year we offer you a range of possible topics for your extended final year project. For example: Advanced Magnetism and Nanophysics as well as Topology and Fractals.
Lancaster University's an interesting place. It's a friendly and accepting environment, and I'm really enjoying it here.
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
- Calculus
- Classical Mechanics
- Differential Equations
- Discrete Mathematics
- Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Geometry and Calculus
- Integration
- Matrix Methods
- Numbers and Relations
- Probability
- Quantum Physics
- Series and Functions
- The Physical Universe
- Thermal Properties of Matter
- Vector Calculus
PartII (Year 2)
- Classical Fields
- Complex Analysis
- Electromagnetism
- Experimental Physics
- Further Quantum Mechanics
- Groups
- Introductory Real Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Mechanics and Variations
- Quantum Mechanics
- Relativity
PartII (Year 3)
- Atomic Physics
- Differential Equations
- Groups and Symmetry
- Hilbert Space
- Particle Physics
- Physics of Fluids
- Representation Theory of Finite Groups
- Short project I (Theo)
- Short project III (Theo)
- Short project TP II (Theo)
- Solid State Physics II
- Statistical Physics
PartII (Year 4)
- Advanced Electrodynamics and Gravity
- Advanced Magnetism
- Advanced Relativity and Gravity
- Flavour Physics
- Hilbert Space
- Lasers and Applications
- MPhys Literature Search
- MPhys Project
- Matter at low temperature
- Operator Theory
- Quantum information processing
- Quantum transport in Low Dimensional Nanostructures
- Representation Theory of Finite Groups
- Research Presentation Skills
- Semiconductor Device Physics
- Topology and Fractals
For more detailed module information please visit the Physics department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: A*AA. All degrees require Physics and Maths/Further 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: AAAAB or equivalent, including Advanced Higher Physics and Grade A in Advanced Higher 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: 38 pts overall with 17 pts from three HL courses including Maths and Physics with 6 points in HL Maths.
BTEC: D*DD 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
Mature applicants: Welcomed - entry conditions may be relaxed. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further 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.
