Theoretical Physics with a Year Abroad
UCAS code F345
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 5 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Combining the study of Physics and Mathematics in your degree programme will give you a strong foundation for your future career. You will learn mathematical techniques to help you deal with new ideas and will understand new concepts such as quantum mechanics and relativity. This four year courses means you will graduate with a master's qualification.
Introduction
Mathematics is a fascinating, beautiful and diverse subject to study. It underpins a wide range of disciplines; from physical sciences to social science, from biology to business and finance.
Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. New concepts, such as quantum mechanics and relativity, are introduced at degree level in order to understand nature at the deepest level. These theories have profound philosophical implications because they challenge our view of the everyday world. At the same time they have a huge impact on society since they underpin the technological revolution.
Combining the study of Physics and Mathematics in your degree programme will give you a strong mathematical training. You will learn mathematical techniques to help you to deal with new ideas that often seem counterintuitive, such as string theory, black holes, superconductors and chaos theory.
Physics and Mathematics degrees are highly prized and our graduates have excellent career opportunities.
With this degree programme you also have the option to spend your third year abroad, an incredible opportunity to spend one academic year at one our partner universities expanding your academic and cultural horizons.
What you'll learn
- Numeracy
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to reason and communicate clearly
- Teamwork
- Presentation skills
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In your first year you will take core mathematics modules, a module in Newtonian Mechanics, and physics modules. After passing the first year, you have the flexibility of transferring to Mathematics or Physics if you wish, subject to approval.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
All modules in year two are compulsory.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year abroad (year three)
You are required to spend the year abroad on an approved placement at a European or overseas partner institution.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year four
Exactly one of the modules MATH325 and PHYS361 must be taken. Exactly one of the project modules MATH334 and PHYS305 must be taken.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FURTHER METHODS OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS (MATH323) | 15 |
| RELATIVITY (MATH326) | 15 |
| PHYSICS DATA ANALYSIS WITH STATISTICS (PHYS392) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year five
You will choose optional modules below to make up a total of 60 credits, with at least 45 credits being from PHYS modules. We regularly review our teaching so the choice of modules may change.
Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS (PHYS480) | 15 |
| DISSERTATION FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS (MATH434) | 45 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will be taught through a diverse blend of engaging teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, video content, interactive learning sessions, independent study, and supervised project work.
The department of mathematical sciences offers a vibrant, stimulating, and supportive learning environment with highly motivated and exceptionally qualified staff, renowned for their world-leading research and teaching.
In year 1, lectures are supplemented by a thorough system of small-group tutorials; computing work is carried out in supervised practical classes. Key study skills, presentation skills and group work start in the first year and are developed later in the programme. The emphasis in most modules is on the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are regarded very highly by employers.
How you're assessed
Each module has an assessment scheme tailored to fit its syllabus. This might include traditional written exams, class tests, assignments, projects, group work, or online exercises with automatic marking and immediate feedback.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including Mathematics: B and Physics: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM and Mathematics at A Level grade B. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB including Mathematics grade B and Physics grade B at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include Mathematics grade B and Physics grade B. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction including 12 in Mathematics and 15 in Physics and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Study as a bachelor's degree
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
Your experience
We have a large department with highly qualified staff, a first-class reputation in teaching and research, and a great city in which to live and work.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Explore where you'll study
Meet Kate: studying Maths at Liverpool
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
The academic staff in the Department are fantastic and their doors are all open if you want to go and talk to them.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Careers and employability
A degree in applied mathematics provides access to an almost limitless range of rewarding career paths. As a graduate with an applied mathematics degree from the University of Liverpool, you’ll have an extremely valuable set of analytical and critical thinking skills that employers value, enabling you to pursue careers in almost any field.
Graduates with a mathematics-based degree are in high demand across a broad spectrum of industries, thanks to their expertise in quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and mathematical modelling. Some of the key career paths include:
- Data Science and Analytics: Mathematics graduates are well-equipped to work as data scientists, data analysts, or business analysts. Their skills in statistical modelling, machine learning, and data interpretation are highly sought after in sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech.
- Engineering and Technology: Mathematics graduates can work in engineering roles, including systems engineering, computational modelling, and simulation. They may also contribute to software development, particularly in fields that require complex algorithms, like AI and cybersecurity.
- Operations Research and Logistics: Companies in manufacturing, transportation, and supply chain management often hire mathematics graduates to optimise processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Roles include operations research analyst, supply chain planner, and logistics coordinator.
- Healthcare and Biostatistics: Mathematics is increasingly used in medical research, epidemiology, and healthcare analytics. Careers may include a biostatistician, a health data analyst, or a mathematical modeller in disease forecasting.
The versatility of a mathematics-based degree allows graduates to enter nearly any sector that requires mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and algorithmic problem-solving. The growing demand for data-driven decision making in today’s world ensures that career prospects remain strong, with opportunities for advancement and specialisation across fields.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Abbie McCarrick, MPhys Physics
Abbie graduated from our Physics MPhys course and is now undertaking a Physics PhD at the University of Liverpool.
Dr Matt Taylor, MPhys Physics
Rosetta Mission Project Scientist and University of Liverpool alumnus, Dr Matt Taylor, talks cosmos, computers and The Cambridge.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers almost everything but you may have additional study costs to consider, such as books.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions