Theoretical Physics with Mathematics

BSc Hons

  • UCAS code F3GC
  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 3 years

We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 4

    4th for Physics

    The Guardian University Guide (2025)

  • 5

    5th for Physics and Astronomy

    The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2025)

  • 8

    8th for Physics

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

The technologies of tomorrow will be rooted in our understanding of the physical laws of the universe. Breakthroughs made by theoretical physicists have led to nano materials, solar cells, wireless technologies, and diagnostic imaging. This combined degree gives you 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. As a graduate you will be uniquely equipped with an understanding of physics that sets you up for an exciting, multi-disciplinary future. You could be working on cutting-edge technologies, modelling climate change, or even bringing your advanced mathematical skills to complex issues at the heart of the economy.

Build a degree around two passions

With our three-year BSc Hons Theoretical Physics with Mathematics degree you get the benefit of not one, but two departments where excellence in teaching and research is at the core of what you learn. Taught alongside the School of Mathematical Sciences, your maths foundations are laid down early in the degree, while in the latter parts, the focus shifts to applications of theoretical physics.

What to expect

In the first year, core content will be shared between physics and mathematics covering topics such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, group theory and vector calculus. The physics content increases in each subsequent year where you will study topics like solid state physics, ladder operators and variational techniques, complemented by topics from mathematics such as real analysis and linear and abstract algebra. It’s so much more than lectures and workshops; you’ll also spend time gaining hands on experience with experimental physics in our state-of-the-art labs.

There are opportunities to undertake significant project work, applying theoretical physics and maths skills to a key topic in contemporary research.

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferable skills that make you highly desirable to future employers. Through working in collaboration, delivering presentations, communicating your research results, using modern computer programs and taking part in experiments, you will grow skills in analytical thinking, logic and reasoning, digital proficiency and the ability to liaise across teams in the workplace or research environments.

3 things our theoretical physics with mathematics students would like you to know

  • It’s a fun and challenging combination of subjects. We get to apply our mathematical brains to theoretical physics questions that need disentangling before heading to the lab to test our models and predictions

  • We have great physics-based study and social spaces which are perfect for group work or downtime between lectures. You’ll find us hanging out in the atrium where we work on physics related problems or playing games!
  • There are plenty of doors to knock on whenever you need support. You’ll also have a dedicated academic advisor to support your studies

Course accreditation

BSc programmes are accredited as partially meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Physicists (CPhys). MSci/MPhys programmes are accredited as fully meeting the educational requirements for Chartered Physicist (CPhys).

Careers

Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Physics with Mathematics are disciplines that are fundamental to advancements in modern society. Theoretical Physicists are highly numerate with advanced problem-solving skills, programming knowledge, critical thinking abilities and project management experience, all of which are developed and refined over the course of your degree. These skills open a wealth of career options from the very pure, such as expanding knowledge through scientific research, or very practical like exploring the world of data science and software development. Many of our graduates continue their studies to PhD level and embark on a career in academia. A wealth of additional opportunities also exists, such as teaching or careers within the business and finance sectors. Our graduates are well-paid, with the median starting salary of our Physics degrees being £28,000 (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).

Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MPhys Theoretical Physics and Theoretical Physics with Mathematics students have progressed into upon graduating:

  • Software Engineer – Capital One
  • Software Automation Engineer – Cortex Intelligent Automation
  • PhD Candidate – Lancaster University
  • Tech Consultant – QA
  • Research Assistant – Quantum Base
  • Software Engineer – Cambridge Consultants
  • PhD Researcher – Cardiff University
  • Research Software Developer – Riverlane
  • Principle Scientist (Radar Protection) – Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory
  • Project Scientist – DNV
  • Physics Teacher – Bolton School
  • Data Scientist – Office for National Statistics (ONS)

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.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. You may need to have qualifications in relevant subjects. In some cases we may also ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You must also meet our English language requirements.

Find more about these qualifications and others not shown here

Learn about how we will assess your application

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Contact Admissions

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Enhancing our curriculum

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

As a guide, our fees in 2025/26 were:

Home International
£9,535 £29,820

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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