MSc Theoretical Physics
Why choose Herts?
- Employability: learn crucial analytical and problem-solving skills to equip you for your career in research or industry
- Cutting-edge research: be at the frontier of research in the field through a specialist lecture series with guest lectures
- Active research culture: participate in an active research community alongside internationally recognised experts
Funding available*
About the course
Theoretical physics addresses foundational questions: What is our universe made of? And how does it work? Throughout this course, you’ll be exposed to the elegant and unifying mathematical ideas that underpin humanity’s best answers to these questions to date.
You’ll explore the fundamental physical theories which govern the behaviour of space, time and matter. From the quantum field theories that allow us to compute amplitudes in high-energy particle scattering experiments, to the geometry of black holes and other curved spacetimes, you’ll gain exposure to the key concepts of the field.
This is just the start of your journey. Through project work and research seminars, you will explore the latest research and undertake your own scientific exploration.
This course is also available in a two-year 240 credit (equivalent to 120ECTS credit) pathway, the MSc Theoretical Physics with Advanced Research.
Find out more about the MSc Theoretical Physics with Advanced Research.
Why choose this course?
Research-informed teaching and scientific exploration is the core focus of the course. Bringing you to the forefront of research in the field, this course will ensure you are fully prepared to pursue a career in research academia, or in industry applying your skills and knowledge to solve a range of business needs.
You’ll benefit from being taught by experts within the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics. Our researchers are internationally recognised for their expertise in areas of theoretical physics, including:
- Quantum field theory, gauge theory and classical/quantum gravity
- Supergravity, string/M-theory and generalized geometry
- Scattering amplitudes in gauge theory
- Integrability in quantum field theory
- Quantum groups and integrable systems
- Generalised symmetries and higher gauge theory
- Applied category theory
- Quantum information theory
- Machine learning in fundamental physics
You will work side-by-side with our academics, contributing to seminars and participating in an active research culture.
Find out more about the Mathematics and Mathematical Physics research group.
Unique to this course, you’ll also attend a lecture series on Recent Advances designed to expose you to the latest cutting-edge research and the material which is underpinning modern developments in the field.
The Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics is also a member of the South East Physics NETwork (SEPNET). You’ll have access to a rich collection of resources, including:
- networking opportunities
- lectures and events
- access to research
- opportunities for placements and careers.
Find out more about the South East Physics NETwork (SEPNET).
The University of Hertfordshire was ranked 2nd in the East of England (after Cambridge) for Physics and Astronomy (2023 Complete University Guide).
Where will I study?
Learn in our new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones.
You will benefit from two new dedicated physics teaching labs. The new building will also be home to the Centre for Climate Change Research and the Wolfson Centre for Biodetection and Instrumentation Research, which have both been created in response to the most pressing global challenges.
You will also benefit from our Academic Support Hub, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.
The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.
What will I study?
The course aims to develop hard skills in conceptualisation and critical thinking, mathematical and scientific writing, and also soft skills – in communication, teamwork and presentation– which are highly transferable as well as being vital in academic research.
Your core modules will each be taught across two hours of lectures and one hour of classroom tutorials per week. Assessment will be a mix of exams and course work assignments. Core topics include:
- Quantum Field Theory
- Relativity and Field Theory
- General Relativity
- Groups and Representations
Optional modules provide you with the opportunity to customise your degree. These include:
- Lagrangian Dynamics
- Statistics and Analysis
- High Energy Astrophysics
- Physics of Elementary Particles
- Computational Physics
In addition to these, you’ll benefit from a series of Recent Advances lectures designed specifically to explore active topics in the field and bring you closer to the research frontier. This module will bridge the gap between traditional teaching, and the more collaborative and open-ended style of working with real-life research. Teaching is in the form of two to three lectures a week delivered by staff and visiting academics. Assessment takes the form of a series of written essays.
The course requires a substantial commitment of individual study time, especially in the core Research Project module. This project allows you to develop your research skills with the support of a staff member. However, you’re expected to be able to work with a substantial degree of independence.
Throughout your studies, you’ll be allocated a personal tutor who will be the first port of call for all academic issues and is available for 1:1 drop-in sessions.
Where will I study?
Learn in our brand-new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, opening in 2024, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones.
You will benefit from two new dedicated physics teaching labs. The new building will also be home to the Centre for Climate Change Research and the Wolfson Centre for Biodetection and Instrumentation Research, which have both been created in response to the most pressing global challenges.
You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.
The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.
Key staff
Charles Strickland-Constable
Find out more about Charles Strickland-Constable
Charles Young
Head of Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Research Group
Find out more about Charles Young
Emanuel Malek
Leron Borsten
Programme Leader
Find out more about Leron Borsten
Livia Ferro
Find out more about Livia Ferro
Luigi Alfonsi
Find out more about Luigi Alfonsi
Severin Bunk
Find out more about Severin Bunk
Tomasz Lukowski
Find out more about Tomasz Lukowski
Vidas Regelskis
Find out more about Vidas Regelskis
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| MSc Theoretical Physics | Download |
| MSc Theoretical Physics | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSc Theoretical Physics | Download |
| MSc Theoretical Physics | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |