Close icon

Personalise what you see on this page.

Choose from the options below. We'll show you information based on your current location as default.

I'M FROM

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LIVING IN

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LOOKING FOR

  • Undergraduate courses
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.
Viewing as a student from United States living in United States interested in Undergraduate courses

Theoretical Physics

University of Sheffield

Add to favourites
University of Sheffield

Course options

2 options available

  • Qualification

    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

  • Location

    University of Sheffield Main Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    28-SEP-26

  • Duration

    3 Years

Course summary

Examine the fundamental mathematics that has brought physicists ever closer to a ‘theory of everything’. You’ll explore the classical physics principles that defined scientific thinking up to the 20th century, and look in depth at topics like relativity and quantum mechanics.


Explore the principles that defined scientific thinking up to the 20th century, then dive into areas like relativity and quantum mechanics that have led to countless discoveries.

Taught across two departments, the Theoretical Physics BSc from Sheffield puts an emphasis on the fundamental mathematics that has brought physicists ever closer to a ‘theory of everything’.As well as the foundation of essential physics given to all physics students, you’ll build a much more detailed understanding of mathematical concepts thanks to lectures delivered by our colleagues in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. They’ll introduce you to calculus, geometry, differential equations, linear algebra, and mechanics and fluids, too.In practical classes in your first year, you’ll run experiments using the equipment in our modern laboratories to help you understand how important theories apply to the real world. In programming classes you can learn skills that are key to many graduate careers, from data science to computer game design.And because curiosity is what powers discovery, we’ll encourage you to dive into optional modules during your third year – exploring topics like dark matter and mathematical biology, alongside core modules in quantum mechanics and statistical physics.Finally, you’ll have the option to gain hands-on research experience investigating a real-world physics problem, undertake an industrial group project, or take an education and outreach project intended for those considering a career in teaching.


Why study this course?

-


No. 1 physics department in the UK

- 100% of our research and impact was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.-


More astro content than most degrees

- you can study 50% astrophysics content throughout your degree, more than most universities offer.-


Student life

- because you’ll be taught across two departments, you’ll have double the social life. In maths you’ll be able to join pizza socials, the SUMS society ball or football club, or attend film screenings. In physics you might choose to join the Sheffield Space Initiative, and design a Mars rover or launch a rocket.-


Incredible research opportunities

- you can access incredible research opportunities, including a summer research placement, work placements and field trips, thanks to our links with organisations like CERN and the observatories on La Palma in the Canary Islands.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 29,110per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield

  • University League Table

    13th

  • Campus address

    The University of Sheffield - Main Site, Western Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, United Kingdom

VIEW PROFILE
With 28,000 students from over 150 countries, Sheffield is a diverse, welcoming city that's celebrated for its safety, strong sense of community, and culture.
The university offers a range of scholarships for international students.
Ranked in the UK top 20 (Complete University Guide 2025), Sheffield is a leading university for research and teaching.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Physics & Astronomy

    18th out of 46 2

  • Entry standards

    / Max 229
    161 71%

    19th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    71.0 71%

    44th

    2

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.23 81%

    21st

    3

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Sorry about that...

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?

SUBMIT

Thanks for your feedback!