Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

Expand your understanding of general relativity and quantum mechanics to tackle some of the biggest ideas in science. You can work with researchers on topics that range from dark matter to quantum computing.

Course description

This course has been created to equip graduates with advanced mathematical tools that can be applied in major areas of scientific intrigue, from black holes and dark matter to quantum computing.

There is a wide range of optional modules for you to choose from, so you can focus on the topics that interest you most: general relativity, field theory, quantum mechanics, geometry, electrodynamics, solar physics, particle physics and more.

You’ll spend around one-third of your time working on your own research project, under the supervision of an expert from our School of Mathematics and Statistics or Department of Physics and Astronomy. This in-depth research experience is great preparation for a PhD. Possible topics include:

• Cosmology, dark matter and dark energy
• Quantum information processing and communication
• Magnetohydrodynamics in the stellar atmosphere
• Gravitational wave astronomy, black holes and neutron stars
• Fluid mechanics and the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence
• Chaos and fractal boundaries in dynamical systems
• The search for dark matter at underground laboratories

There are also modules on machine learning, finance and statistics, so you can develop skills to help you stand out in job markets where maths and physics graduates thrive, such as data science and banking.