Theoretical Physics MSci
AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Mathematics and Physics; graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB – BBB
A-level Mathematics and Physics · 85% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Mathematics and Physics
Who actually got in: 85% with A levels, 5% with the IB, 10% via Access courses. 70% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 20 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAAminimum from S5: BBBB | Higher Mathematics and Physics at AA. (AB may be considered. |
| IB | 34 (6,5,5) | HL Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and Physics. |
Years 1–5
What do you study?
2compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: mathematics & statistics 83% · transversal skills 11% · language & communication 6%.
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.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 2 core · 40 credits ≈ 400 hours
- Mathematics 1
What you learn (18)
- communicate mathematical ideas using sets, functions, relations and groups
- identify the components of a mathematical statement such as hypotheses and conclusions
- construct valid proofs using direct argument, induction, contradiction or counterexample
- solve equations and inequalities across number systems and geometric settings
- solve differential equations using algebraic and calculus techniques
- define groups and subgroups and recognise their properties
- perform group operations using cycle notation for permutation groups
- calculate the order of groups and elements using Lagrange's theorem
- derive derivatives and integrals from first principles using limits
- relate differentiation and integration through the fundamental theorem of calculus
- compute derivatives of scalar and vector functions using standard rules
- compute integrals using substitution, parts and other standard methods
- apply calculus techniques to solve optimisation and geometric measurement problems
- perform matrix and vector operations in three-dimensional space
- model real-world problems using mathematical tools and interpret the solutions
- extract key concepts and methods from independent reading of mathematical texts
- present mathematical arguments in writing with precise notation and clear conclusions
- collaborate with peers to discuss and solve mathematical problems
Year 2 · 5 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Mathematics 2A: Multivariable Calculus
What you learn (14)
- sketch three-dimensional surfaces using cross-sections and contour lines
- apply the chain rule to differentiate partial derivatives
- determine stationary points of multivariable functions
- apply Lagrange multipliers to solve constrained optimisation problems
- state the definitions of divergence, gradient and curl operators
- apply vector differential operators to solve problems
- compute signed volume under a surface via double integration
- determine integration limits for a given domain
- change the order of integration and apply jacobian-based variable substitution
- compute line integrals along curves
- parametrise surfaces and compute surface integrals
- apply Green's theorem to evaluate closed line integrals
- state key mathematical definitions, results and formulae from lectures
- apply lecture results and formulae to solve new problems
- Mathematics 2B: Linear Algebra
What you learn (18)
- state fundamental properties of matrices and their operations
- apply matrix operations and symbolic manipulation to solve problems
- determine whether a given set forms a vector subspace
- determine whether a set of vectors is linearly independent
- describe the span of a set of vectors
- determine whether a map between vector spaces is linear
- derive the matrix representation of a linear map for given bases
- calculate a matrix determinant using cofactor expansion
- prove properties of determinants under row or column operations
- derive the characteristic polynomial of a square matrix
- compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix
- apply eigenvalues and eigenvectors to solve problems
- derive the quadratic form associated with a symmetric matrix
- determine the rank and signature of a symmetric matrix
- diagonalise a symmetric matrix
- apply the Gram-Schmidt process to construct an orthonormal basis
- state key definitions and theorems covered in the module
- apply covered theorems and definitions to solve problems
- Mathematics 2D: Mathematical Methods and Modelling
What you learn (7)
- analyse dynamical systems with one dependent variable using ODE models
- construct phase portraits for single-variable dynamical systems
- solve linear autonomous ODE systems using matrix exponentials
- compute Fourier series and Fourier and Laplace transforms
- apply transform properties to simplify and solve differential equations
- state key definitions, results and formulae taught in the module
- apply taught formulae and methods to solve new problems
- Physics 2
What you learn (13)
- explain fundamental physics laws in varied contexts
- describe the experimental evidence underpinning physical laws
- relate different physical laws to a coherent framework
- solve physics problems by applying relevant laws
- apply mathematical techniques to model change over time and position
- apply mathematical methods to describe continuous charge and matter distributions
- define key technical terms used in physics
- identify common laboratory equipment and its uses
- perform physical measurements using appropriate techniques
- evaluate the accuracy and uncertainty of measurements
- maintain accurate laboratory records of experimental work
- present experimental findings in written and oral formats
- research a chosen topic using library and online resources
- Physics 2T: Programming Under Linux
What you learn (12)
- write multi-file Python programs to solve moderately complex problems
- describe how low-level system interactions affect program performance and resource use
- analyse unfamiliar Python code to determine its purpose and structure
- identify bugs and design flaws in existing Python implementations
- identify useful Python functions and modules for computational physics tasks
- locate and interpret library documentation to determine function usage
- apply Bash shell commands to locate, access and manipulate files
- write single-file Bash scripts to solve simple procedural tasks
- explain the Linux process model and its handling of inputs and outputs
- chain processes, including Python scripts, into functional pipelines
- apply tools for planning, editing, testing and debugging software projects
- use version control and packaging tools for research software
Year 3 · 7 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Electromagnetic Theory 1
What you learn (3)
- describe key processes and relationships in electromagnetic theory
- analyse electromagnetic problems quantitatively using relevant techniques
- apply electromagnetic concepts to solve unfamiliar problems
- Honours Computational Physics Laboratory
What you learn (3)
- explain key concepts underlying computational physics
- write simple procedures in a high level programming language
- analyse computational data to draw valid conclusions
- Mathematical Methods 1
What you learn (3)
- describe mathematical techniques used in physical problem solving
- apply mathematical techniques to solve unfamiliar quantitative problems
- derive or justify the theoretical basis of key physical laws
- Quantum Mechanics
What you learn (3)
- describe core concepts and processes in quantum mechanics
- analyse quantum mechanical relationships and techniques quantitatively
- apply quantum mechanical techniques to solve unfamiliar problems
- Theoretical Physics Group Project
What you learn (3)
- explain key principles of computational physics
- write simple programs in a high-level programming language
- analyse and interpret computational data
- Thermal Physics
What you learn (3)
- describe key processes and relationships in thermal physics
- analyse thermal physics processes using quantitative methods
- apply thermal physics concepts to solve unfamiliar problems
Year 4 · 6 core · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Atomic Systems
What you learn (18)
- solve the schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom
- calculate radial and angular wavefunction components
- apply perturbation theory to time-independent quantum systems
- derive energy level corrections for perturbed systems
- apply perturbation theory to relativistic and magnetic hydrogen properties
- explain spin-orbit coupling in single-electron atoms
- calculate the zeeman effect in atomic energy levels
- calculate the lande g-factor for atomic states
- calculate electric field effects on hydrogen energy levels
- apply angular momentum addition to two-electron systems
- distinguish ortho- and para-hydrogen molecular states
- discuss rotational spectra of molecules
- apply the simple harmonic oscillator model to vibrational spectra
- explain periodic trends through electron orbital filling order
- relate electron-hole transitions to x-ray energies
- interpret moseley's empirical x-ray observations
- describe optical spectra of single-electron atoms
- estimate shell energies using ls and jj coupling schemes
- General Physics Workshop
What you learn (3)
- conduct independent study and revision of physics topics
- answer general physics questions drawing on course content
- assess own performance on past examination questions
- Mathematical Methods 2
What you learn (3)
- describe key mathematical methods and relationships covered in the course
- apply mathematical techniques to solve familiar and novel problems
- derive or justify the theoretical basis of mathematical principles taught
- Nuclear & Particle Physics
What you learn (3)
- describe core processes and relationships in nuclear and particle physics
- analyse quantitatively physical processes using relevant techniques
- apply physical laws and techniques to solve unseen problems
- Quantum Theory
What you learn (3)
- describe key processes and relationships in quantum theory
- analyse quantum phenomena using quantitative methods
- apply quantum theory techniques to solve unfamiliar problems
- Solid State Physics
What you learn (21)
- describe and quantitatively analyse processes and relationships in solid state physics
- apply solid state physics concepts and techniques to solve unseen problems
- derive or justify physical laws underlying solid state physics topics
- calculate density of states and fermi energy in one, two and three dimensions
- explain how free electron theory describes electron transport in metals
- identify the limitations and failures of the free electron model
- describe different crystal systems using lattice and basis structures
- compare x-ray, neutron and electron diffraction techniques
- derive the mathematical basis of x-ray diffraction
- explain the role of atomic scattering and structure factors in diffraction
- relate the reciprocal lattice concept to bragg scattering
- describe the nearly free electron model and its qualitative formation of energy bands
- derive the central equation in a periodic potential leading to bloch waves
- derive the mathematical origin of energy gaps and apply this in 1d, 2d and 3d
- draw brillouin zones in one and two dimensions
- explain how state filling determines metallic, insulating and semiconducting behaviour
- explain extrinsic semiconductor behaviour using the law of mass action
- apply the concept of effective mass in semiconductor analysis
- explain the temperature dependence of semiconductor conductivity
- explain the concept of crystal momentum and the role of holes in charge transport
- describe charge carrier mobility and the hall effect in semiconductors
“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£25k
Median£30k
Upper quarter£33k
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 80 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 23, 14, 24
Half of graduates earned between £24,500 and £33,000. Five years on, the median is £37,000. 86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 75% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on21% studying | 86% | 65 |
| Professional or managerial job | 75% | 35 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £30,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,000 | 80 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £37,000 | 90 |
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
92%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 87% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 15 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 4; lowest: 54% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 92% |
| Question 2 | 77% |
| Question 3 | 85% |
| Question 4 | 100% |
| Question 5 | 85% |
| Question 6 | 77% |
| Question 7 | 85% |
| Question 8 | 77% |
| Question 9 | 77% |
| Question 10 | 77% |
| Question 11 | 92% |
| Question 12 | 69% |
| Question 13 | 69% |
| Question 14 | 62% |
| Question 15 | 85% |
| Question 16 | 92% |
| Question 17 | 77% |
| Question 18 | 92% |
| Question 19 | 92% |
| Question 20 | 77% |
| Question 21 | 92% |
| Question 22 | 85% |
| Question 23 | 69% |
| Question 24 | 54% |
| Question 25 | 73% |
| Question 26 | 92% |
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 Glasgow’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 Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.