Teaching & modules
Modules
Year 1
Required Modules
There are no required modules in Year 1 for the part-time MSc.
For the full-time MSc you are required to take:
- Theoretical Physics Project (60 credits)
Optional Modules
For the part-time MSc, across both years of study, you are normally required to take at least 6 modules from a list which may typically include the modules below.
For the full-time MSc, you are required to take at least 6 modules from a list which may typically include:
- Foundations of Mathematical Physics (15 credits)
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics (15 credits)
- Quantum Field Theory (15 credits)
- Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory (15 credits)
- Strings, Branes and Quantum Gravity (15 credits)
- Gauge Theory and Renormalisation (15 credits)
- AdS/CFT and Related Topics (15 credits)
- Modern Computational Techniques for Theoretical Physicists (15 credits)
- Space-Time Structure of Black Holes and the Universe (15 credits)
- Space-Time Geometry and General Relativity (15 credits)
Note that for the full-time MSc the two modules below cannot be taken together.
For the part-time students the below mentioned two modules cannot be taken together in the same year. Part-time students can take both if one is taken in each year of study.
- Space-Time Structure of Black Holes and the Universe (15 credits)
- Space-Time Geometry and General Relativity (15 credits)
In addition, you are required to take up to 2 more modules from the list above or from a range of optional modules, which may typically include those listed above and:
- Lie Groups & Lie Algebras (15 credits)
- Manifolds (15 credits)
- Standard Model Physics & Beyond (15 credits)
- Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)
- Cosmology (15 credits)
- Dark Matter & Dark Energy (15 credits)
- Gravitational Wave Physics (15 credits)
Other modules in relevant topics can be taken, with the possibility to take up to 30 credits at another London College subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
Typically, in year 1 a part-time student would take between 45-75 credits of optional modules.
Year 2 - for part-time MSc only
Required Modules
- Theoretical Physics Project (60 credits)
Note that you can choose to take the project on a part-time basis across years 1 and 2, or on a full-time basis in year 2.
Optional Modules
Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the course to 180 credits from the Optional module lists above.
Teaching methods - what to expect
We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at King’s College London Strand Campus, with occasional lectures and practical sessions taking place at the Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/practical examinations
- Class tests
- Online quizzes
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include unseen written exams, class tests, online quizzes and coursework submission. Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
ATAS clearance if you receive an offer: this programme requires all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (with some exceptions) to have an ATAS certificate before they can enrol at King’s – this clearance can take a number of months (minimum 30 working days) and expected to be longer particularly during April and September. We therefore advise applying as soon as possible and earlier than the below deadlines to avoid any delay in obtaining this certificate.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2026 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2026 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2026 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key Information
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
1 year full-time, September to September, 2 years part-time
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026