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Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Theoretical Physics
University of Sussex
Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Theoretical Physics course at University of Sussex.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
A,A,B
A-levels must include Mathematics at grade B. Physics A-level is desirable, but we will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis without it. You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.
Tuition fees
| Location | Fees |
|---|---|
| England | £9,535 per year |
| Scotland | £9,535 per year |
| Wales | £9,535 per year |
| Northern Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| Channel Islands | £9,535 per year |
| Republic of Ireland | £9,535 per year |
| EU | £27,300 per year |
| International | £27,300 per year |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: F325
Here's what University of Sussex says about its Theoretical Physics course.
7th in the UK for our research environment in Physics in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
About the course
If you want to use your mathematics skills to explore the concepts of fundamental physics, this course is for you.
Alongside mathematics, you’ll learn the methods of theoretical physics, and apply them to areas such as particle physics, cosmology, and condensed-state and atomic physics. This focus means that you’ll spend less time on experimental techniques compared to other physics courses.
You’ll be taught by our world-leading researchers who are at the forefront of physics. Their work includes:
-
developing next-generation quantum computing devices
-
using the ATLAS detector at CERN
-
studying our universe using the James Webb Space Telescope.
This work informs your teaching – our modules are based on the latest faculty research. Topics may include:
-
lasers and photonics
-
perturbation theory
-
quantum mechanics
-
stellar and planetary physics
In your third year, you’ll join a research team for your final-year project. From sustainability to economics and modern languages, you take electives from other subjects to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests. You can also apply for a year studying abroad or going on a placement.
By graduation, you’ll have gained the skills employers are looking for. You’ll be skilled in Python programming, transforming physics problems into mathematical statements and statistical analysis.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
MPhys or BSc?
We also offer this course as a four-year MPhys. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
Location
Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.
About the University of Sussex
Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.
Source: University of Sussex
Course details
Qualification
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Location
Main Site | Brighton
Duration
3 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Theoretical physics
Start date
September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
The modules you will study
See the modules you will study by year by going to the ‘visit our course page’ link at the bottom of the page.
University of Sussex reviews
Showing 120 reviews
1st year student
Two stars: Could be better
1 year ago
1st year student
Not really a social being
1 year ago
1st year student
Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.
1 year ago
1st year student
As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team
1 year ago
1st year student
Ancient and not really modern
1 year ago
1st year student
The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry
1 year ago
National Student Survey (NSS) scores
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 University of Sussex 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
87%
low
Teaching on my course
87%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
85%
low
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
97%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
70%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
96%
med
Learning opportunities
81%
low
Learning opportunities
81%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
87%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
87%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
89%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
73%
low
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
69%
low
Assessment and feedback
66%
low
Assessment and feedback
66%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
67%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
73%
low
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
53%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
80%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
55%
low
Academic support
87%
low
Academic support
87%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
87%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
87%
med
Organisation and management
77%
med
Organisation and management
77%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
79%
med
How well organised is your course?
75%
med
Learning resources
84%
low
Learning resources
84%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
70%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
88%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
92%
med
Student voice
67%
low
Student voice
67%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
45%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
92%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
65%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
55%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
92%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
86%
med
Student information
See who's studying at University of Sussex. These students are taking Theoretical Physics or another course from the same subject area.
| Most popular A-levels studied | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Grade | |||||
| Physics | C | |||||
| Mathematics | C | |||||
| Chemistry | D | |||||
| Further Mathematics | C | |||||
| Geography | B | |||||
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about University of Sussex graduates who took Theoretical Physics - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
55%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
85%
In work, study or other activity
65%
Say it fits with future plans
40%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Information Technology Professionals
15%
Elementary occupations
15%
Natural and social science professionals
10%
Administrative occupations
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from University of Sussex graduates who took Theoretical Physics - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£27.7k
First year after graduation
£32.5k
Third year after graduation
£45.3k
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 University of Sussex on The Student Room.
University of Sussex open days
Are you thinking of applying to this university?
Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.
Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.
