Teaching & modules
Modules
Full-time MSc
To finish the Theoretical Physics MSc, you normally need 180 credits.
Required Modules
- Theoretical Physics Project (60 credits)
In addition, you need to select 120 credits of taught modules as part of the MSc degree. Since all the modules regularly available are 15 credits each, this means you need to select 8 taught modules.
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)
- Modern Computational Techniques for Theoretical Physicists (15 credits)
- Strings, Branes and Quantum Gravity (15 credits)
- AdS/CFT and Related Topics (15 credits)
- Space-Time Structure of Black Holes and the Universe (15 credits)
- Supersymmetry and Conformal Field Theory (15 credits)
- Gauge Theory and Renormalisation (15 credits)
In addition, you are required to take up to 2 more modules either from the list above or from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Optional Modules
- Manifolds (15 credits)
- Lie Groups & Lie Algebras (15 credits)
- Standard Model Physics & Beyond (15 credits)
- Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)
- Dark Matter & Dark Energy (15 credits)
- Gravitational Wave Physics (15 credits)
- Cosmology (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.
Part-time MSc
The Theoretical Physics MSc can be taken as a part-time option. This course involves the same credits as for the full-time option, but spread over two years. Typically, in year 1 a part-time student would take between 45-75 credits of optional modules.
Part-time students 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.
The part-time option may be attractive to applicants with additional commitments.
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 we would expect 18% of your time to be spent in lectures and tutorials, seminars and project supervision meetings. The remaining 82% will be self-guided study including work on your 60 credit dissertation.
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.
This course may require you to hold ATAS clearance if you receive an offer: this course 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 final deadlines to avoid any delay in obtaining this certificate.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2027 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this course are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2027 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2027 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the course 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 course becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the course 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.