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Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Theoretical Physics
Royal Holloway, University of London
Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Theoretical Physics course at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
A,A,A
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Required subjects: A in Mathematics and Physics, plus a Pass in the practical element of any Science A-levels being taken
Most popular A-levels studied
See who's studying at Royal Holloway, University of London. These students are taking Theoretical Physics or another course from the same subject area.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Physics | B |
| Mathematics | B |
| Chemistry | C |
| Further Mathematics | C |
| Computer Science | C |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: F321
Here's what Royal Holloway, University of London says about its Theoretical Physics course.
One of the best-known theories in science, Einstein’s theory of relativity, came from the ‘mere’ observation that Clerk-Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism and the Galilean relativity were incompatible. Beyond this and since the development of quantum mechanics, theoretical physics has played an important part in constantly questioning what we know, by putting forward deeper and usually more mathematical expressions of understanding and explanation.
On our four-year Theoretical Physics MSci, you will cover all the core material that a graduate physicist would be expected to know, but there will be more emphasis on developing what you will have learned during A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, to allow a deeper conceptual understanding of classical and modern physics. This emphasis on theoretical concepts and foundations could help give you a deeper appreciation of the beauty and surprises of Physics.
Because of the theoretical nature of this course, you’ll spend less time in the laboratory in later years, with options from more theoretical areas, such as Quantum Theory, Further Mathematical Methods, Stellar Astrophysics, General Relativity & Cosmology and Non-Linear & Chaotic Systems to provide an emphasis on advanced theoretical topics in Physics.
Your fourth year is intercollegiate, which means you can pick choices from other University of London colleges – modules can include Quantum Computation, Nanoscale Physics and others. You’ll also develop experimental, conceptual and observational skills from your final year Major Project, which will make you an attractive candidate in a range of sectors, including management and finance, as well as scientific, technical, engineering and teaching careers.
Develop the underlying mathematical and theoretical skills required for physics.
Potential final projects in theoretical physics include topological quantum matter, super-conductivity and fluidity, quantum optics, quantum information processing, standard model phenomenology, particle cosmology and quantum field theory.
Take modules from the Department of Mathematics, such as Non-linear Phenomena and Chaos.
Source: Royal Holloway, University of London
Course details
Qualification
Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Department
Physics
Location
Main Site | Egham
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Theoretical physics
Start date
21 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Wales | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year (provisional) |
| EU | £29,900 per year |
| International | £29,900 per year |
The modules you will study
Please refer to our website for information https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/physics/theoretical-physics-msci/
How you will be assessed
Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.
Royal Holloway, University of London student reviews
Showing 102 reviews
2nd year student
1 year ago
Things a little expensive but there's always something on. Summer Ball ticketing is a bit of a joke. They offer a certain number of cheaper tickets early but you have to be lightning fast to secure the.ticket at th e cheaper price. Plenty of variety and bars eating and shops
2nd year student
1 year ago
There's always something on , Egham a bit run down but campus socialising is great. There's everything you need on campus ,although exploring further afield like Windsor and London is reasonable on the train.
2nd year student
1 year ago
This is my main negative with this university. I was in really nice halls Kingswood 1st year. Affordable nice location. 2nd year halls were not an option so had to find private. Expensive. The student finance maintenance loan.does not cover then full cost. Work opportunities are few at the univers...
2nd year student
1 year ago
Support has been OK.
2nd year student
1 year ago
Lack of affordable accommodation for continuing students. Student union on campus great safe little expensive.Other facilities library etc good.
2nd year student
1 year ago
As stated course content challenging and found that workload high but was able.to keep on top of assignments. Tutors helpful and approachable.
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Royal Holloway, University of London
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from Royal Holloway, University of London students who took the Theoretical Physics course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
94%
high
Teaching on my course
94%
high
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
93%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
100%
high
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
83%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
100%
high
Learning opportunities
96%
high
Learning opportunities
96%
high
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
92%
high
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
100%
high
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
96%
high
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
96%
high
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
97%
high
Assessment and feedback
84%
med
Assessment and feedback
84%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
93%
high
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
92%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
71%
med
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
85%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
81%
med
Academic support
94%
med
Academic support
94%
med
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
93%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
96%
high
Organisation and management
87%
med
Organisation and management
87%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
92%
high
How well organised is your course?
81%
med
Learning resources
96%
high
Learning resources
96%
high
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
96%
high
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
96%
high
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
97%
high
Student voice
80%
med
Student voice
80%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
72%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
88%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
82%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
80%
high
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
88%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
92%
high
Student information
See who's studying at Royal Holloway, University of London. These students are taking Theoretical Physics or another course from the same subject area.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about Royal Holloway, University of London graduates who took Theoretical Physics - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
75%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
90%
In work, study or other activity
75%
Say it fits with future plans
45%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Information Technology Professionals
10%
Administrative occupations
10%
Business and public service associate professionals
10%
Engineering professionals
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from Royal Holloway, University of London graduates who took Theoretical Physics - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£31.8k
Third year after graduation
£37.2k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Theoretical Physics.
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about Royal Holloway, University of London on The Student Room.
Chat with Royal Holloway, University of London
Hello!
This is the Official Rep profile for Royal Holloway, University of London.
We're proud to be ranked in the top 30 of all UK universities in the country (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024). We have a supportive community, where all our students can excel. Our vibrant campus has a mixture of classic and modern buildings, with lots of beautiful green spaces to explore!
Get in touch if you'd like to ask us anything.
www.royalholloway.ac.uk +44 (0)1784 434 455 @royalholloway
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Royal Holloway, University of London open days
Secure your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days and visit our beautiful campus to experience life at Royal Holloway.
See where you could be living and studying and get a sense of what it’s like to be part of our diverse and supportive community.
Our next Undergraduate Open Day is taking place on Saturday 22 November. Can't join us in person? Our next Online Open Day is on Wednesday 26 November.
Source: Royal Holloway, University of London
