Theoretical Physics MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Physics and Astronomy

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Physics and Astronomy

College

College of Science and Engineering

Programme website
Study location

King's Buildings campus

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

This MSc programme is designed to prepare you for a research career in academia or industry by introducing advanced ideas and techniques that are applicable in a wide range of research areas, while emphasising the underlying physics concepts.

The MSc programme is a core part of the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, which has been created to mark the start of a new era in theoretical physics research, following the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN. You will take part in the centre’s activities, including weekly seminars, colloquia and workshops involving physicists from around the world, and you will be involved in research-level projects as part of your dissertation.

The partnership between mathematics and physics is an essential one. In theoretical physics we attempt to build abstract constructs that rationalise, explain and predict physical phenomena. To do this we need mathematics: the language of physics. The underlying structure of the physical world can be understood in great detail using mathematics; this is a never-ending source of fascination to theoretical physicists.

Programme rankings

Ranked top 20 for Physics in the Guardian University Guide 2025 by subject

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

We are offering twelve scholarships to applicants who have applied to study full-time on any taught programme in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Value: £10,000
Eligibility: Applicants must have applied to study full-time on a taught Physics and Astronomy programme.
View details: Higgs scholarships

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

The theoretical physics MSc degree is a challenging degree for well-qualified, highly motivated and independent students. The minimum entrance requirement is normally a UK 1st class degree in physics or mathematics with significant theoretical physics content, or its international equivalent, although applications will be considered on an individual basis.
 
We are looking for significant knowledge of the following physics topics at advanced or intermediate undergraduate level:
  • Classical/Lagrangian Dynamics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Special Relativity
  • Statistical/Thermal physics
 
We are also looking for significant knowledge of the following topics in mathematics:
  • Vector calculus
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Tensors
  • Complex Analysis
 
We recognise that many students will not have covered all of these topics at this level.  We consider every application on an individual basis and may accept students who have studied a significant subset of these topics. 
 
These entrance and course requirements are intended as guide, but applications will be considered on an individual basis.
 
Degrees in engineering, chemistry, geosciences, etc, are unlikely to be suitable preparation for this programme.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

You will take two compulsory courses plus a selection of courses that will bring you to an advanced level in subjects such as general relativity, cosmology, statistical physics, condensed matter physics, quantum field theory and the standard model of particle physics. 

You may also take courses drawn from a wider pool including specialist courses in mathematics, computing and climate science.

Compulsory courses

During the MSc programme you will take three compulsory courses:

  • Problem Solving in Theoretical Physics
  • Research Skills for Theoretical Physics
  • Dissertation in Theoretical/Mathematical Physics

Option courses

You will select between 50 and 90 credits of Standard Courses. Courses will include, among others:

  • General Relativity
  • Advanced Cosmology
  • Radiation Processes in Astrophysics
  • Galaxy Evolution
  • Hamiltonian Dynamics
  • Classical Eletrodynamics
  • Quantum Theory
  • Symmetries of Particles and Fields
  • Quantum Field Theory
  • Gauge Theories in Particle Physics
  • Advanced Statistical Physics
  • Electronic Structure Theory
  • Geometry and Physics of Soft Condensed Matter

In addition, you will be able to select further courses from the School of Physics and Astronomy, School of Informatics and School of Mathematics. Courses might include, among others:

  • Astrophysics Galaxies and Cosmology
  • Symmetries of Quantum Mechanics
  • Methods of Mathematical Physics
  • Solid State Physics
  • Statistical Physics
  • Physics of Extreme Environments
  • Biological Physics
  • Particle Physics
  • Scientific Image Analysis
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Detectors in Particle and Nuclear Physics
  • Data Analysis & Machine Learning
  • Current topics in Particle Physics
  • Quantum Cyber Security
  • Introduction to Quantum Computing
  • Introduction to Quantum Programming and Semantics
  • Algebraic Geometry
  • Topics in Ring and Representation Theory
  • Functional Amalysis
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Linear Analysis
  • Classic field theory
  • Essentials in Analysis and Probability
  • Galois Theory

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

Dissertation

Following the taught component of the programme, you will undertake a three-month research project, which leads to a dissertation. 

You will work on your dissertation from early June to late August. 

There will be a list of project proposals for you to choose from. Projects are proposed by academics in the School of Physics and Astronomy, the School of Mathematics and the School of Geosciences. 

Previous dissertation topics have included the following areas:

  • particle physics theory, quantum field theory
  • gravity, black holes, gauge theory, conformal field theory
  • supersymmetry, supergravity, string theory, holography
  • cosmology, galaxy formation and structure, astrophysics, exoplanets, dark energy, dark matter
  • statistical physics: living/active matter, complex systems, non-equilibrium
  • fluid turbulence: magnetohydrodynamics, plasma physics and nuclear fusion
  • quantum computing (informatics), climate science (geosciences)
  • particle physics experiments
  • mathematical physics, pure and applied mathematics, quantum information, quantum error correction

Learning outcomes

By engaging with and completing the MSc in Theoretical Physics, graduates will acquire core knowledge of theoretical physics subjects and the research methodologies of modern theoretical and mathematical physics.

The programme aims to develop research skills and problem solving skills, especially in mathematics. It also aims to develop an attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking and the capacity to formulate ideas mathematically.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Dr Max Hansen is the Director of the MSc in Theoretical Physics.

Dr Hansen's profile

Where you will study

Study location

Teaching will take place on the King’s Buildings campus. Some courses might be taught at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

Physics and Astronomy MSc students will have access to a dedicated common room, which can be used to study or socialise.

Career opportunities

These degrees are designed to prepare you for a research career by introducing advanced ideas and techniques that are applicable to a wide range of research areas and sectors including academia, industry, education and finance.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 3 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, we encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit two references with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you need to apply for a student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

What our students say

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator, Lara Caddeo
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Edinburgh
James Clerk Maxwell Building, Peter Guthrie Tait Road
The King's Buildings Campus
Edinburgh
EH9 3FD

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5254

Academic contact

Maxwell Hansen

Programme Director

Contact details

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