Available in Clearing
Take your theoretical knowledge and mathematical skills to a higher level on this accredited BSc degree programme.
Gain a deep understanding of fundamental physics and maths concepts. And develop investigative skills to apply these concepts in new areas of science, technology and enterprise.
You’ll conduct research within areas like advanced materials, lasers and space – tackling as yet unanswered questions. Many of our graduates go on to careers in some of the best-known laboratories and research facilities, including Jodrell Bank and the National Nuclear Laboratory.
This course is accredited by
About this course
Theoretical Physics at Hull gives you the mathematical tools to gain a deep understanding of modern physics – from the sub-atomic level to a cosmological scale.
We’ll help you develop the transferable data science skills that employers value – including in Python, one of the fastest-growing programming languages. You'll pick up sought-after skills in everything from communication and team work to problem solving, alongside programming, maths and research experience.
Nurtured by world-leading academics, you’ll have weekly tutorials in your first two years. Plus one-to-one feedback sessions with your tutor throughout your degree.
We run a packed calendar of over 100 events every year, spanning widening participation, diversity and curriculum-enhancing activities. We’re part of a unique employability network, the White Rose Industrial Physics Alliance, which runs careers events featuring potential future employers.
Our physics programmes have some of the most diverse student populations in the country thanks to our award-winning Changing Face of Physics Campaign.
Explore our world and beyond in Hull
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
Filters
Discovery Skills
Learn the discovery skills to join the next generation of 21st Century physicists. Skills include experimental design, problem solving, data analysis, research skills, teamwork and professional conduct.
core
20 credits
Mathematics for Physicists
Develop your maths abilities to solve physics problems and formulate the outcome of your experiments in the lab.
core
20 credits
Classical and Quantum Physics
Explore Newton's Laws and extend them to simple fluid dynamics, then study the experimental and theoretical foundations of Quantum Mechanics.
compulsory
20 credits
Electromagnetism and Differential Equations
Discover electrostatics and magnetostatics and apply your knowledge of them to real-world scenarios. You'll further develop your maths skills, delving into the realm of differential equations and their applications, which extend well beyond physics.
compulsory
20 credits
Experimental and Computational Methods for Physics
Acquire a wide repertoire in advanced measurement techniques, strengthening your skills in fault finding, data analysis, and experiment design. You'll also learn the essentials of Python, which is one of the most popular programming languages. By the end of this module, you'll be able to plot the data from your experiments and then develop some simple data analysis algorithms that frame your data within a physics model or theory.
compulsory
20 credits
Astronomy and Optics
Undertake a journey to unveil some of the most fascinating wonders of the cosmos, from the physics that regulates the dance of planetary systems to the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies and the large-scale structure of the Universe. You'll explore the physics of the optical systems that enable astronomical observations.
compulsory
20 credits
Properties of Matter and Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
Apply the Schrödinger equation to a wide range of interactions and explore how the possible outcomes of a measurement are described in Quantum Mechanics. You'll then explore how the behaviour of atoms can explain the macroscopic properties of the matter around us in a statistical sense.
compulsory
20 credits
Waves and Vector Calculus
Study the essentials of wave phenomena, leading up to electromagnetic waves and Maxwell's equations. You'll also explore more advanced maths techniques to solve multi-dimensional physics problems.
compulsory
20 credits
Differential Equations
Explore solution-generating techniques including Wronskian procedures, Laplace transforms and the method of Frobenius, concluding with the more advanced application of Sturm-Liouville theory.
compulsory
20 credits
Our facilities
Our academics
Our research ranges from quantum theory to cosmology. It’s at the frontier of physics, helping make sense of the world around us.
You’ll study under world-leading academics who specialise in research areas including condensed matter theory, laser physics and astrophysics.
Dr Ali Adawi
Reader in Physics
Ali specialises in research focused on areas of organic and inorganic semiconductor nanostructures, nanophotonics and their technological applications. He has more than 60 research publications in these fields and a patent.
Dr Martin Buzza
Reader in Theoretical & Computational Physics
Martin's research interests are in colloid and interface science and soft condensed matter physics, focusing on modelling the self-assembly of colloids and polymers at fluid interfaces and in the bulk
Entry Requirements
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Future prospects
You could go on to employment within a diverse range of fields, such as research and development, telecommunications, IT and computing, education, data science, laser systems engineering, medical physics, nuclear engineering, scientific media, and finance.
Our graduates have secured roles at companies including Rolls-Royce, Thales, QinetiQ, NPL, Reckitt and Clyde Bergemann. Others have gone onto graduate training schemes with the National Grid and the NHS.
This degree meets the educational requirements towards a sought-after qualification as a Chartered Physicist, which opens even more doors to future employment and research opportunities – such as staying on an extra year to gain a Masters.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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Physics at Hull is ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction. Guardian University Rankings 2025
Physics is ranked 3rd out of 48 institutions for Student Satisfaction. Complete University Guide 2025
All modules on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.