Theoretical Physics BSc
AAB at A level, Physics and Mathematics; graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
Physics and Mathematics · 90% of entrants came with A levels · 89% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab including physics and mathematics.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1Physics and Mathematics
Who actually got in: 90% with A levels, 10% with the IB. Based on 10 entrants.
Other qualifications3
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 35 points35 points overall, including 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches), plus 5 in | 5 in Higher Level Mathematics |
| Scottish Highers | BB | — |
| Advanced Highers | BB in Physics and Mathematics plus | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 46% · mathematics & statistics 32% · digital & ict skills 8% · transversal skills 7%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Classical and Quantum Waves
What you learn (5)
- formulate wave phase and amplitude using complex-exponential and trigonometric forms
- construct mathematical models of interference, diffraction and resonance
- apply wave theory to real-world oscillators and optical systems
- explain how quantum waves differ from classical wave theory
- solve one-dimensional time-independent problems using the schrodinger equation
- Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
What you learn (11)
- explain how newtonian postulates enable mathematical formulation of mechanics problems
- apply force, torque, momentum and energy concepts to derive equations of linear motion
- solve linear motion problems using kinematic methods
- solve rotational motion problems using dynamic methods
- plan a physics experiment to test a given hypothesis
- execute and record experimental procedures accurately
- appraise and discuss experimental findings
- identify sources of experimental uncertainty
- evaluate experimental uncertainties using normal distribution properties
- apply techniques to reduce experimental uncertainty
- produce a scientific report following standard structure and conventions
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
What you learn (15)
- describe electromagnetic fields as vector quantities
- explain how forces act on charges within electric and magnetic fields
- relate scalar potential functions to electric fields and potential energy
- calculate electric fields produced by charge distributions
- calculate magnetic fields produced by current distributions
- calculate potential energies associated with charge and current distributions
- apply Maxwell's equations in integral form to solve physical problems
- apply Maxwell's equations in differential form to solve physical problems
- explain how Maxwell's equations predict electromagnetic waves
- describe the postulates of special relativity
- derive the Lorentz transformations from relativity postulates
- solve problems involving time dilation for objects in relative motion
- solve problems involving length contraction for objects in relative motion
- solve problems involving relativistic energy of moving objects
- solve problems involving relativistic momentum of moving objects
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 1
What you learn (23)
- distinguish scalar quantities from vector quantities
- apply vector methods to analyse physical systems
- explain why complex numbers are useful in physics
- apply complex numbers to find roots of polynomials
- explain the concepts of differentiation and integration in one dimension
- compute derivatives and integrals using standard techniques
- explain the meaning of a partial derivative
- calculate partial derivatives in multivariable series expansions
- explain the significance of first and second order differential equations
- solve differential equations to analyse physical systems
- construct a basic python script
- apply a python script to solve a physics problem
- explain how physics skills prepare students for future employment
- communicate ideas about career preparation effectively
- reflect on personal skills to plan professional development as a physicist
- describe the concept of scientific enterprise and roles available to physicists
- engage in personal development activities relevant to physics careers
- apply basic probability concepts to physical problems
- apply binomial, poisson and normal distributions to data
- calculate errors and standard error in measurements
- identify ethical issues relevant to scientific practice
- use computer software for numerical analysis in physics
- use computer software to create graphs in physics
- Theoretical Skills and Laboratories
What you learn (12)
- explain the rationale underlying mathematical modelling
- apply dimensional analysis to suggest a model structure
- derive model parameter values from experimental data
- optimise parameter values within a mathematical model
- write code in a scientific programming language
- plan a scientific experiment to address a given problem
- carry out an experiment and record data accurately
- appraise and discuss experimental results
- identify sources of experimental uncertainty
- analyse experimental uncertainties to assess their impact
- reduce experimental uncertainties through improved methods
- write a scientific report following standard conventions
- Mathematical, Computational and Professional Skills 2
What you learn (13)
- compute multiple integrals in cartesian, spherical and cylindrical coordinates
- apply multiple integration to solve a physical problem
- define the fourier series of a periodic function
- derive the fourier transform from a fourier series
- describe directional rates of change of scalar and vector fields
- apply python programming to model physical systems
- apply python programming to analyse data
- use office software to produce scientific presentations
- communicate physics concepts in written form
- communicate physics concepts orally
- reflect on personal development through communication
- work independently to complete tasks
- collaborate effectively within a team
Year 2 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
What you learn (32)
- interpret the time-dependent schrodinger equation
- derive the time-independent schrodinger equation from the time-dependent form
- construct quantum operators for physical observables
- calculate eigenfunctions and eigenvalues for multidimensional quantum systems
- calculate expectation values for quantum systems
- determine how quantum states evolve over time in multidimensional systems
- apply quantum mechanics to particles in symmetric potentials
- discuss quantum numbers arising from potential symmetries
- relate quantum system behaviour to the postulates of quantum mechanics
- describe atomic physics models
- define degeneracy in quantum systems
- calculate degeneracy in atomic systems
- use spectroscopic notation to describe atomic states
- explain how spectroscopic measurements are obtained
- construct and compare atomic energy level diagrams
- apply selection rules to atomic transitions
- describe the standard model particles including fermions and bosons
- illustrate particle interactions using feynman diagram vertices
- derive baryon and meson properties from quark substructure
- discuss the origin of hadron substructure
- discuss the properties of leptons
- illustrate leptonic decay modes using feynman diagrams
- determine conservation laws in standard-model reactions from feynman diagrams
- relate hadron decay modes to their quark structure
- discuss the significance of standard model particles in atomic and nuclear systems
- apply the semi-empirical mass formula to explain the chart of nuclides
- discuss key physics concepts of nuclear reaction and decay processes
- apply nuclear physics concepts to calculate decay and reaction quantities
- determine energies involved in nuclear reactions and processes
- relate nuclear energy quantities to nuclear stability and drip lines
- apply shell model rules to predict nuclear quantum properties
- discuss nuclear force properties in terms of exchange particles
- Advanced Mechanics, Computational Laboratories and Skills
What you learn (17)
- derive Lagrange's equations using Hamilton's principle of least action
- apply Lagrange's equations to model diverse physical systems
- explain how conservation laws arise from Lagrangian mechanics
- apply the Hamiltonian to demonstrate conservation of total energy
- describe the stages of a typical recruitment process
- prepare for and conduct an effective job interview
- synthesise information drawn from multiple disciplines into a coherent response
- evaluate open-ended questions critically to construct a reasoned answer
- construct a coherent argument on a broad topic using evidence, theory and speculation
- adapt communication style to suit audience and purpose
- design a plan to achieve personal career objectives
- implement a career action plan
- develop python algorithms to model physical problems from the course
- plan and run a computational experiment
- critically assess the results of a computational experiment
- use third-party libraries to extend a program's functionality and efficiency
- present computational results clearly to an audience
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
What you learn (9)
- explain key principles of electromagnetism
- describe standard mathematical formulations used to express electromagnetic laws
- apply Maxwell's equations to analyse electromagnetic phenomena
- use mathematical and computational tools to solve unfamiliar electromagnetism problems
- solve problems relating to heat and work transfer
- calculate changes in entropy for thermodynamic systems
- calculate thermodynamic properties of solids, liquids and gases using equations of state
- apply simplifying assumptions to model material behaviour
- explain how materials undergo phase changes
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
What you learn (6)
- derive macroscopic material properties from particle-level statistical models
- describe classical and quantum statistical distributions
- solve physics problems using statistical distribution functions
- apply statistical methods to analyse real physical systems such as solids
- describe crystalline microscopic ordering using lattice terminology
- apply electron behaviour models to distinguish insulators, metals and semiconductors
- Mathematical Techniques and Machine Learning
What you learn (11)
- classify numerical solutions obtained from differential equation solvers
- determine whether a complex function is analytic
- evaluate complex integrals using complex analysis techniques
- identify extrema of a multivariable function under constraints
- use special functions to construct a complete orthogonal set
- select an appropriate machine learning algorithm for a given problem
- implement a chosen machine learning algorithm
- evaluate the suitability of a machine learning algorithm for a task
- train a machine learning model on a dataset
- evaluate the performance of a trained machine learning model
- use a machine learning software library to analyse real datasets
- Mathematics, Professional Skills and Computational Laboratories
What you learn (17)
- apply matrix methods to solve simultaneous equations
- calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix
- evaluate personal professional attributes valued by employers
- communicate ideas effectively to strengthen employability
- design a plan to achieve career objectives
- identify ways to engage others in achieving professional goals
- evaluate personal competencies and strengths relevant to a sector
- produce a CV and cover letter tailored to a sector
- evaluate database sources to retrieve relevant information
- adapt behaviour to meet peer expectations
- use python libraries to solve physics problems
- develop python algorithms for physics applications
- write a Fortran program implementing a given physics algorithm
- plan and run a computational experiment
- interpret results from a computational experiment
- verify the correctness of a computational simulation
- present computational results clearly to an audience
Year 3 · 2 core, 12 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- BSc Research Project and Skills
What you learn (14)
- plan a major research project including timeline and resources
- carry out a research project in accordance with safety procedures
- produce risk and ethical assessments for a research project
- present complex physics findings to peers through posters
- write an academic report describing physical concepts and results
- design a systematic investigation into a chosen physics topic
- appraise literature sources critically within a specialist physics area
- apply experimental, computational or theoretical techniques to a physics problem
- search databases and libraries to locate relevant academic sources
- evaluate the credibility of published scientific papers and books
- record project work systematically in a laboratory notebook
- maintain contemporaneous documentation of research activities
- collaborate effectively with supervisors and project partners
- communicate project progress clearly to stakeholders
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
What you learn (10)
- describe physical principles behind computational simulation methods for materials
- assess benefits and limitations of different material simulation approaches
- operate materials simulation software to model physical properties of matter
- apply simulation techniques to investigate physical properties of diverse materials
- evaluate simulated physical properties across different materials
- analyse simulation output data to derive material physical properties
- apply integral transform methods to solve differential equations
- interpret physical processes described by transformed differential equations
- extend differential equation solutions to account for nonlinear behaviour
- transform physical quantities between different coordinate systems and reference frames
12 optional modules
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (11)
- analyse how sensors convert physical quantities into measurable signals
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor technologies
- explain how sensors contribute to control system design
- analyse how application requirements determine sensor selection
- design a basic control system for a sensing application
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and precisely
- evaluate advanced technical concepts for accuracy
- apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve complex problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to engineering tasks
- apply mathematical skills to analyse engineering problems
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
What you learn (5)
- apply medical technologies for patient prevention, diagnosis and treatment
- explain physiological concepts relevant to medical technology applications
- describe the process of adopting new technology in healthcare organisations
- solve problems using critical analysis in healthcare technology contexts
- evaluate the efficacy of a proposed solution for real-world suitability
- Scientific Supercomputing
What you learn (8)
- describe different categories of high-performance computing hardware
- select appropriate hardware for a given computational task
- develop parallel software programs to solve scientific problems
- use profiling tools to locate performance bottlenecks in code
- devise strategies to resolve identified performance bottlenecks
- explain the operation of high-performance computing systems
- operate a high-performance computing system
- analyse a scientific problem to select a suitable parallelisation strategy
- Astrobiology
What you learn (14)
- explain the chemical conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
- describe the astrophysical conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
- describe the biological conditions that enabled life to emerge on Earth
- identify solar system environments with potential to support life
- explain key biological processes relevant to habitability assessment
- identify potential biosignatures produced by biological activity
- evaluate astrophysical techniques used to detect biosignatures
- relate current research debates to planetary and exoplanetary science
- discuss philosophical questions concerning extraterrestrial life
- synthesise information from multiple disciplines into a coherent discussion
- write coherently on astrobiology topics using supporting evidence
- construct coherent arguments on astrobiology questions using facts and theory
- distinguish between factual evidence, theory and speculation in arguments
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to a non-specialist audience
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
What you learn (13)
- derive statistical mechanics results from basic statistical postulates
- relate statistical mechanics outcomes to classical thermodynamics laws
- apply statistical mechanics formulas to determine properties of physical systems
- use knowledge of microstates to analyse systems of varying complexity
- describe models of electron-electron and electron-lattice interactions
- explain the free electron approximation for metals
- describe free electron behaviour under electric and magnetic fields
- calculate density of states using Fermi statistics
- determine the electronic contribution to heat capacity
- describe conduction mechanisms in semiconductor materials
- explain operating principles of diodes and transistors
- distinguish types of magnetic behaviour in solid materials
- explain the fundamental principles underlying superconductivity
- Nuclear and Particle
What you learn (12)
- explain how shell model mechanisms generate ground and excited nuclear states
- predict angular momentum and parity of nuclear states from shell model
- interpret published nuclear level schemes using single-particle and collective models
- extract evidence of excitation types from nuclear spectroscopic data
- explain the quantum-mechanical basis of alpha, beta and gamma decay
- calculate decay rates for alpha, beta and gamma processes
- analyse the physics of nuclear fission and fusion processes
- describe the operation of nuclear power reactors based on fission and fusion
- describe the fundamental interactions between elementary particles
- explain how composite particles form from elementary particles
- apply symmetry principles and force types to constrain particle reaction dynamics
- evaluate detectors and techniques used in modern particle physics experiments
- Quantum Mechanics
What you learn (16)
- explain the link between commutators and measurement compatibility
- calculate commutators of simple quantum operators
- derive angular momentum operators in cartesian and spherical form
- solve eigenvalue problems for angular momentum operators
- explain how the central force theorem applies to spherically symmetric potentials
- derive the analytical eigensolutions for the hydrogen atom
- interpret the quantum numbers n, l and ml physically
- solve the spin eigenproblem using pauli spin matrices
- apply matrix formalism to analyse stern-gerlach experiments
- derive first- and second-order energy corrections in perturbation theory
- apply perturbation formulae to systems such as anharmonic oscillators
- apply degenerate perturbation and variational methods to quantum problems
- explain the procedure for quantising relativistic equations of motion
- manipulate commutator and anticommutator expressions of operators
- relate spin and gyromagnetic ratio to relativistic quantum mechanics
- explain the origin of hydrogen fine structure using relativistic quantum theory
- Medical Physics
What you learn (5)
- explain interactions of radiation with matter and biological tissue
- describe detectors and methods for monitoring radiation dose
- explain mri and pet imaging and how they are realised in devices
- use computer simulations to investigate medical-physics problems
- present applications of physics techniques in a medical case
- Stars and Galaxies
What you learn (9)
- describe how matter and radiation are distributed throughout a galaxy
- apply physical principles to explain stellar evolutionary processes
- explain the different phases present in the interstellar medium
- describe stellar evolution stages leading to and from the main sequence
- calculate stellar evolutionary endpoints based on initial stellar mass
- explain how stellar evolution affects the surrounding interstellar medium
- evaluate how radiation affects atomic and molecular interstellar components
- discuss processes underlying galaxy formation and evolution
- appraise extreme galactic phenomena including active galactic nuclei
- Relativity and Cosmology
What you learn (8)
- construct space-time diagrams to represent relativistic events
- apply four-vector formalism to describe relativistic motion
- describe the outcomes of the four classical experimental tests of general relativity
- explain black hole physics using semi-quantitative reasoning
- calculate the evolution of different universe models using cosmological equations
- explain the inflationary Big Bang theory and its supporting evidence
- describe the principles of gravitational wave astronomy
- explain how gravitational wave observations inform relativity and cosmology research
- Quantum Science and Technologies
What you learn (8)
- explain the fundamental principles of quantum computation
- describe basic techniques of quantum error correction
- identify criteria for physical systems to function as quantum computers
- describe proposed physical implementations of quantum computers
- explain the fundamental principles of quantum communication
- describe modern protocols used in quantum communication
- compare theoretical security with its practical implementation
- describe methods used for quantum key distribution
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
What you learn (6)
- describe the defining physical characteristics of a plasma state
- identify different theoretical models used to describe plasma behaviour
- identify real-world applications that rely on plasma physics
- explain the scientific principles underlying plasma-based technologies
- apply mathematical techniques to analyse plasma physics problems
- solve novel quantitative problems relating to fusion physics
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£30,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£24k
Median£30k
Upper quarter£40k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 125 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 23
Half of graduates earned between £24,000 and £39,500. Five years on, the median is £37,500. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 90% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 17% left | 89% | 165 |
| In work or study, 15 months on25% studying | 85% | 55 |
| Professional or managerial job | 90% | 25 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £34,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,000 | 125 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £37,500 | 145 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
83%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 72% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 115 students answered
Highest: 94% agreed on question 15; lowest: 52% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 88% |
| Question 2 | 79% |
| Question 3 | 91% |
| Question 4 | 88% |
| Question 5 | 80% |
| Question 6 | 85% |
| Question 7 | 86% |
| Question 8 | 84% |
| Question 9 | 89% |
| Question 10 | 64% |
| Question 11 | 82% |
| Question 12 | 78% |
| Question 13 | 79% |
| Question 14 | 52% |
| Question 15 | 94% |
| Question 16 | 90% |
| Question 17 | 74% |
| Question 18 | 76% |
| Question 19 | 89% |
| Question 20 | 91% |
| Question 21 | 88% |
| Question 22 | 87% |
| Question 23 | 76% |
| Question 24 | 60% |
| Question 25 | 65% |
| Question 26 | 83% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.