Physics with theoretical physics degree in the heart of London. Offers students a broad knowledge of physics and astrophysics fundamentals including relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.
KEY BENEFITS
- Award winning – four members of staff in the department have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
- Internationally-renowned academic staff in the fields of cosmology, nanotechnology, and the interface between physics and biology.
- Friendly and supportive learning environment.
- Central location gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics.
UCAS code
F302
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Four years
Location
Strand
Accreditation
Institute of Physics
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Department of Physics
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
Department of Physics
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2271
Fax
020 7848 7200
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
This programme is designed to offer students a broad knowledge of all of the fundamental elements of physics and astrophysics. Physics topics include relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.
The Astrophysics modules give the opportunity to study (for example) astronomical concepts and their evolution, cosmology, stellar evolution, galaxies and the solar system.
A unique feature of the MSci is that final-year students may take courses from a consortium of University of London colleges. All third-year and final-year MSci students do supervised projects, which allow them to experience some of the excitement of research. The Colleges exchange programmes with the University of California and the University of Illinois are open to Physics students in the third year of the MSci.
ABOUT THE Department of Physics
CAREERS
Physics students are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. Physicists are trained to be good problem solvers and to think logically and apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. It is not surprising that our graduates are found in many areas of employment, where they can exploit their skills.
Recent graduates have found employment as…
• Actuarial Analyst, Willis
• Physics Tutor, Tutoring Agency
• Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd
• Publishing Editor, Royal Society of Chemistry
• Researcher, Cornell University
• Risk Analyst, City Index
• Performance Manager, Bradford Commerce
TEACHING STYLE
The majority of teaching is performed by lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and through project work. All academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching programme. Each student has a personal tutor and the department encourages an open atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. The Student-Staff Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society: the departments social and lecture society.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
The programmes have a common core of physics modules, with some optional modules each year for single honours students. We place great emphasis on problem solving and project work, which teaches team-work, group organisation, and the skills of oral and poster presentations. We also allow advanced students to work with a school, to experience teaching and develop the skill of presenting information at an understandable level. Students registered for the MSci degree take almost exactly the same modules in the first three years as those taking the BSc degree in Physics. The fourth year provides a wide range of specialised physics options through an intercollegiate London programme, while the MSci project work is a genuine research project.
LOCATION
The department is located in newly refurbished dedicated office space, with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics.
Currently, students study the following modules shown below. King's reviews its modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/department for further advice. Students take courses worth 120 credits in each of the three years.
YEAR 1
Students will study five core modules in their first year.
YEAR 1 CORE
Laboratory Physics (15 credits)
Fields, Waves & Matter (30 credits)
Thermal Physics (15 credits)
Maths & Mechanics (30 credits)
Physics Skills & Culture (15 credits)
YEAR 2
Students spend their second year studying four core modules plus two options.
YEAR 2 CORE
Modern Physics (30 credits)
Electromagnetism (15 credits)
Mathematics (30 credits)
Symmetry in Physics (15 credits)
YEAR 2 OPTIONS
Laboratory Physics II (15 credits)
Astrophysics (15 credits)
Computational Lab (15 credits)
YEAR 3
Students will study six core modules and two optional modules in their third year.
YEAR 3 CORE
Projects (15 credits)
Spectroscopy & Quantum Physics (15 credits)
Statistical Mechanics (15 credits)
Optics (15 credits)
Solid State Physics (15 credits)
Mathematics III (15 credits)
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Particle Physics (15 credits)
General Relativity & Cosmology (15 credits)
Physics of Life at a Small Scale (15 credits)
YEAR 4
One core module plus six optional modules from a wide selection including modules from other University of London Colleges.
YEAR 4 CORE
Major project (30 credits)
YEAR 4 OPTIONS
Statistical Mechanics
Advanced Quantum Theory
Relativistic Waves & Quantum Fields
Electromagnetic Theory
Galaxy & Cluster Dynamics
Atom & Photon Physics
Quantum Computation & Communication
Molecular Physics
Particle Physics
Order & Excitations in Condensed Matter
Theoretical Treatments on Nano-systems
Physics at the Nanoscale
Superfluids, Condensates & Superconductors
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Computing & Statistical Data Analysis
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Advanced Cosmology
Relativity & Gravitation
Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
Planetary Atmospheres
Solar Physics
Solar System
The Galaxy
Astrophysical Plasmas
Space Plasma & Magnetospheric
Image Capture & Sensor Technology
Bio- and Nanomaterials in the Virtual
Experimental Techniques in Condensed Matter Physics
Standard Model Physics and Beyond
Lie Groups & Lie Algebras
Supersymmetry & Guage Theory
String Theory & Branes
Mathematical Methods for Theoretical Physicists
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
96+ ATAR, or an OP of band 3 for Queensland with high marks in Maths and Physics
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1 including 1 in Maths and Physics
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 17/20 including 8 or 17 in Maths and Physics
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAB. Including high marks Maths and Physics
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5 including 5.5 in Maths and Physics
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 85% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 31. Including high marks in Maths and Physics.
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAB. Including high marks Maths and Physics
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80%. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18 plus at least an additional foundation/Access year. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1 including 1 in Maths and Physics
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 10 including 10 in Maths and Physics
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5, (including grade 5 in Maths and Physics) and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6 including 6 in Maths and Physics
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The scientifique stream Baccalaureat with 13/20 overall and 13 in Physics and Maths
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.5 overall including 13 in Maths and Physics
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at AAB, including high marks Maths and Physics
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolytirion with 18 including 18 in Maths and Physics
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Typical offers of Levels 5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects including Physics. Applicants must also have minimum either Level 5 in Compulsory Mathematics and Level 5* in Extended mathematics, or Level 5* in Extended mathematics and Level 5 in compulsory Mathematics. All other core subjects including English language must be at Level 4.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5 including 5 in Maths and Physics
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university. (All require high marks in Maths and Physics)
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB (All require high marks in Maths and Physics)
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1 at Higher Level with grade A in Maths and Physics
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90 with 90 in Maths and Physics
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at AAB OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8 with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres Bien including Tres Bien in Maths and Physics
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAB including Maths and Physics
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of AAB. Including high marks Maths and Physics
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 including 9 in Maths and Physics
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7.5 including 7.5 in Maths and Physics
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects, including Excellent in Maths and Physics
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB, including high marks Maths and Physics
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5 including 5 in Maths and Physics
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
Poland
Matura
Matura with 80% in extended level subjects including high marks in Maths and Physics
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18 inclduing 18 in Maths and Physics
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8 including 8 in Maths and Physics
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attestat o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 including 5 in Maths and Physics with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university.
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB (All including high marks in Maths and Physics)
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects (including Grade A in both Mathematics and Physics). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2 including 2 in Maths and Physics
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5 including 5 in Maths and Physics
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAAAB including high marks in Maths and Physics
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 8 overall including 8 in Maths and Physics
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG including MVG in Maths and Physics
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5 including 5 in Maths and Physics
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university. Including high marks in Maths and Physics
United Kingdom
A levels
AAA/A*AB
Compulsory subjects
Either AAA (including Mathematics and Physics) or A*AB (with the A* and A in Mathematics and Physics or vice versa).
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science (or similar) Diploma including study of Maths and Physics at Level 3 with 36 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content.
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 M2 including D3 in Maths and Physics
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAAAA, and AA at Advanced Highers, with grade A in Maths and Physics
International Baccalaureate
35 points and either 666 HL (including both Mathematics and Physics 6 HL) or 765 HL (with the 7 and 6 in Mathematics and Physics or vice versa)
European Baccalaureate
85% overall with 8 to 8.5. in Mathematics and Physics.
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 554 including Physics and Calculus
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
We are looking for motivated students with competence in mathematics and physics. Successful applicants in England and Wales are invited to open days (usually January to April). You will tour the department and laboratories, and meet staff and students. Those from further afield are made offers on the basis of their UCAS form, but are encouraged to visit.