Why is this course for me?
At UCD, Theoretical Physics puts emphasis on the mathematical description of physical phenomena, providing a unified picture of the fundamental laws of nature. It鈥檚 ideally suited to students who enjoy studying Mathematics and Physics in secondary school. Insights from Theoretical Physics are driving our understanding of nature at all scales, from the origin of large-scale structures in the universe to the Planck scale, where our current understanding of space and time breaks down. The degree subject comprehensively covers Theoretical Physics, while developing your knowledge and expertise in problem solving, using analytical and computational techniques, which have wide application in, for example, biophysics, social physics, quantum physics, relativity and nanoscience.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Theoretical Physics graduates can choose to develop careers in:
Academic and government research institutions
Energy technologies
Information and communication technology
Advanced materials [e.g. semiconductor industry]
Management consulting, stock market and financial risk analysis
Climate change and environmental impact analysis
Second and third-level education
Our Theoretical Physics graduates are well prepared for further research and have successfully completed PhDs in MIT, Caltech, Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge, as well as in UCD.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
UCD College of Science
Room E1.09/E2.09,
UCD O'Brien Centre for Science - East,
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
Students must have completed their secondary level/high school studies or have never studied at university before are eligible to apply bachelor鈥檚 degree at UCD. Requirements vary from country to country.
There are minimum entry requirements that all applicants, applying based on school leaving results, must meet.
IELTS - An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section;
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English), Acceptable Examinations:
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Duolingo English Test (DET) - The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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