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Theoretical Physics with Mathematics MSci Hons - 2022 Entry

UCAS Code
F3G1

Entry Year
2022

A Level Requirements
AAA see all requirements

Duration
Full time 4 Year(s)

3rd

For Physics
3rd

For student satisfaction
9th

For Physics and Astronomy

Course Overview
Entry Requirements
Course Structure
Careers
Fees and Funding

Course Overview

Taught jointly with Lancaster's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, our degree in Theoretical Physics with Mathematics combines core physics and specialised theoretical physics subjects with classes in pure mathematics. This equips you with an understanding of the mathematical foundations of physics, for example, you will learn how quantum mechanics is underpinned by the powerful mathematical concept of a Hilbert space.

In your first year you will cover the core of physics in modules such as Quantum Physics and Electromagnetism, and the core of mathematics including geometry and calculus, numbers and relations, and probability.

In years two and three, the core physics modules are complemented by courses from the Theoretical Physics scheme and mathematical topics such as group theory and differential equations. In the final year of your course you will take advanced options such as Quantum Information and Advanced Gravity and Relativity, and complete your extended research project on a topic such as Gravitational Waves, Quantum Computation, Physics of Graphene, Photonic Crystals, and Geometry and Electrodynamics.

We offer you a range of possible topics for your extended final year project. Recent project topics include adatoms on graphene, silicine, photonic crystals, topological insulators, fundamentals of radiation reaction and gravitational waves.

Entry Requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAA

Required Subjects A level Mathematics grade A and A level Physics grade A

IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Interviews Applicants may be interviewed before being made an offer.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL and Physics HL

BTEC May be considered alongside A level Mathematics and A level Physics.

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Course Structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and others which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism. We divide academic study into two sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). For most programmes Part 1 requires you to study 120 credits spread over at least three modules 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 please visit our Teaching and Learning section.

The following courses do not offer modules outside of the subject area due to the structured nature of the programmes: Architecture, Law, Physics, Engineering, Medicine, Sports and Exercise Science, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine and Biomedical Science.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research.

Year 1

Core

Calculus
Classical Mechanics
Convergence and Continuity
Discrete Mathematics
Electric and Magnetic Fields
Further Calculus
Linear Algebra
Numbers and Relations
Probability
Quantum Physics
Series, Integration, and Differentiation
Statistics
The Physical Universe
Thermal Properties of Matter
Vector Calculus

Year 2

Core

Abstract Algebra
Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
Experimental Physics, Skills and Mechanics
Linear Algebra II
Quantum Mechanics
Real Analysis
Relativity, Nuclei and Particles

Year 3

Core

Atomic Physics
Particle Physics
Solid State Physics
Statistical Physics
Theoretical Physics Group Project
Theoretical Physics Independent Study

Optional

Algebraic Curves
Commutative Algebra
Differential Equations
Geometry of Curves and Surfaces
Graph Theory
Groups and Symmetry
Hilbert Spaces
Lebesgue Integration
Linear Systems
Metric Spaces
Probability Theory
Representation Theory of Finite Groups

Year 4

Core

MPhys Project

Optional

Advanced Electrodynamics and Gravity
Advanced Magnetism
Advanced Relativity and Gravity
Algebraic Curves
Galois Theory
Gauge Theories
Hilbert Spaces
Lasers and Applications
Lebesgue Integration
Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
Matter at low temperature
Metric Spaces
Operator Theory
Probability Theory
Quantum information processing
Quantum transport in Low Dimensional Nanostructures
Representation Theory of Finite Groups
Semiconductor Device Physics
Topology and Fractals

Careers

Physics is an exciting subject that is fundamental to the developments in modern society. Applications of the subject range from the very pure to the very practical, and a physics degree opens up a wide range of rewarding careers in scientific research and technological development, as well as in a variety of other professions. A substantial number of our graduates continue on to postgraduate education, or enter employment that directly relies on their specialist skills. Our students also find employment in careers where they are valued because of general skills gained during the course such as logical thinking, problem solving, numeracy and computer literacy. Examples include consulting, finance, computer programming, and accountancy, as well as managerial and administrative positions.

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.

Fees and Funding

Fees

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2022/23 are:

UK	International
£9,250	£25,270

Scholarships and Bursaries

At Lancaster, we believe that funding concerns should not stop any student with the talent to thrive.

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover the cost of tuition fees and/or living expenses.

Undergraduate tuition fees

Fees are set by the UK Government annually, and subsequent year's fees may be subject to increases. For international applicants, any annual increase will be capped at 4% of the previous year's fee. For more information about tuition fees, including fees for Study Abroad and Work Placements, please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page.

Applicants from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Some science and medicine courses have higher fees for students from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. You can find more information about this on our Island Fees page.

Additional course costs and information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College Fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. We have nine colleges in total, and every student belongs to a college, whether you live on campus or choose to commute. All students pay a small college membership fee, which supports the running of college events and activities. Once you have been accepted into a college, you will receive confirmation and be required to pay a college membership fee.

For students starting in 2022, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.

Computer Equipment and Internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or Broadband support in place.

Funding

For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page

Students taking Part I of the course are charged £10 for a bound copy of the lab manual. There are a number of optional one-day visits to places of interest and students pay travel costs.

Students also need to consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation it may be necessary to take out subscriptions to professional bodies and to buy business attire for job interviews.

Download the latest Physics brochure, featuring all of the information you could need. The includes detailed course information about each of our courses.

Physics Brochure

This is Theoretical Physics with Mathematics

Students explain Theoretical Physics with Mathematics and some of the key concepts and highlights of the course at Lancaster University.

The right degree for you

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP), all of our degrees provide you with a comprehensive education and cover all the general and specialist skills valued for further study and employment in the private and public sectors.

3 or 4 years

We offer a choice of 4 year MPhys Hons degrees and 3 year BSc Hons degrees. Providing you meet academic requirements you can easily switch to the MPhys from the BSc. The fourth year in the MPhys degrees contains an extended research project, which is ideal if you are considering studying for a PhD in the future or aiming at a research-based career outside academia.

Joint Honours

We also offer a BSc/MSci degree in Theoretical Physics with Mathematics, taught jointly with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. This means that there is extra maths content, and you will also receive extra support from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Scholarships

The Physics Department provides an academic scholarship of £1,000 for applicants who choose one of our Physics Masters degrees as their firm choice and achieve A*A* in A level Mathematics and Physics with a strong third A level (or equivalent). Eligibility is subject to an interview during the application process and satisfactory performance in the first-term exams at Lancaster.

Pascale Desmet, MPhys Physics, Astrophysics & Cosmology

A place for Pascale

When did you know Physics at Lancaster University was the place for you?
When I visited, I felt so at home, it was so welcoming, and everyone was so enthusiastic and friendly, plus the facilities were great, I could see myself living and studying here.

What made the facilities so great?
The newly refurbished Physics Department has lots of study spaces, including computer rooms and laboratories. They're perfect for getting work done between lectures, and the open-door policy means that if you're stuck on a worksheet, you can find lecturers outside of teaching hours to get help. It's also in a central position on campus, meaning you never have to walk too far to get to a different lecture theatre throughout the day.

What is your favourite aspect of your course?
I've most enjoyed the astrophysics modules, as well as the coding, which is something I've found out that I'm quite good at that I wouldn't have done otherwise. I like all the study space in the Department; it makes it much easier to sit with your friends and work through coursework.

What are you going to do after your degree?
I want to stay in academia and do research. Lancaster is helping me by letting me know about all the internships I can apply for as well as hosting some within the Department and supporting all my applications

Pascale Desmet, MPhys Physics, Astrophysics & Cosmology

Becoming the researcher

Our courses are designed to link strongly to our research - providing an up to date physics education that is engaging and inspiring to our students and contributes to excellent student-staff relations. Recent third year group research projects include:

Theory and theoretical physics with mathematics

Modelling the properties of electrons in crystal lattices (e.g. graphene), cold atoms in optical lattices and studies of particles obeying fractional statistics.

Industrial projects

Student teams worked with external organisations to investigate re-condensing gas-based anaesthetics to reduce waste, testing high-tech plastic films to improve the shelf-life of food and characterising technical non-woven fabrics for magnetic shielding.

Hello Future

Preparing you for your next step and helping you achieve good employment prospects is important to us. Our graduates find employment in high-technology industries, medical and telecommunication businesses, computer programming, public health and teaching programmes, as well as in consulting, finance and accountancy and further research.

Transferable skills

Our degree schemes will develop your transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, numeracy, computational skills, communication skills, and team working, which are all highly valued by both employers and academia.

Employability Champion

Our dedicated Employability Champion provides individual support, organises trips to careers fairs and runs the Employability Booster programme. This is designed to help you achieve the career you want and prepare you for your future.

Internships

Each year we offer a number of internships for our students, which will give you relevant work experience and the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in real-world situations.

Industry and placements

You will benefit from our direct links with industry and outside agencies, which contribute to the range of our third and fourth year projects and fund departmental research.

What else?

You will have ample opportunities to further enhance your CV, for example, acting as a student ambassador, taking part in outreach activities, or by joining student societies and participating in the University's Lancaster Award.

Contact hours

The amount of time you spend in lectures, seminars and other learning activities will differ from year to year and vary depending on the module options you choose. These figures are averages from the most recently available data for this course, the academic year 2018-2019, and are based on 1,200 study hours per year. The figures apply to single honours degrees. Joint honours degrees will vary from the percentages below depending on the combinations studied.