Strand Campus
Strand Campus sits along the Thames at London's cultural heart. Alongside world-class teaching spaces, students enjoy access to the pedestrianised Strand Quad, with Somerset House and iconic landmarks just steps away.
Overview
Deepen your understanding of the theories that underpin the universe!
In our intensive, research-led Theoretical Physics Msc programme, you will explore the foundations of theoretical and mathematical physics, such as general relativity and quantum field theory. And you will dive into advanced topics such as string theory, supersymmetry, and AdS/CFT.
As part of a dynamic research community across the departments of Mathematics and Physics, you will gain hands-on experience of modern research methods and complete a substantial independent project. The quantitative and analytical skills you develop will provide an ideal springboard for PhD study or a career in areas like data science, software engineering, finance, and other innovation-driven sectors.
Key benefits
- 8th in the UK for Mathematics (QS World Rankings by subject 2026).
- Located in the heart of London, giving unparalleled access to research facilities.
- You will be studying innovative modules covering modern theories of physics.
- Research-led course taught by staff who are recognised leaders in their field.
- Opportunity to study theoretical and mathematical physics such as general relativity and quantum field theory, and advanced topics such as string theory and supersymmetry.
- Central location gives you easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society and the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences, with whom we collaborate on a seminar series.
- Excellent tutorial support, extensive course-specific interactive teaching and regular classroom discussions.
Course essentials
Our Theoretical Physics MSc is a demanding, research-informed course that gives you a coherent, comprehensive introduction to the building blocks of modern theoretical physics and the opportunity to explore more advanced topics.
The course offers you the choice to study either full or part-time. It also gives you a wide choice of optional modules enabling you to shape your degree. The modules give a rigorous training in advanced quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, general relativity, and mathematical and computational techniques for theoretical physicists. They also provide insight into emerging research in modern theoretical physics, including gauge theory, string theory, black holes, cosmology, dark matter, and gravitational wave physics.
Towards the end of your degree, you’ll get to explore a research area of your choice through an in-depth project looking at cutting edge fields in theoretical physics. You will receive close supervision from an expert academic, including regular one-to-one meetings. The project involves conducting a literature review and substantial analysis — which may include computational techniques — culminating in writing a thesis on your findings. Projects could include the extended spacetime of M-Theory, Machine Learning in theoretical physics, black hole evaporation, singularities in semiclassical cosmology, amongst other topics.
Throughout the project you will develop skills in planning, critical thinking and dissemination, and build your independence and resilience — excellent preparation for a PhD or a wide range of demanding careers.
Administrative bodies
Regulating body
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.
Base campus