A four-year professionally accredited MSci, F390
Imperial describes an integrated Master's that develops an appreciation of theoretical physics, with a final-year project on a theoretical physics topic in depth.
Undergraduate · Imperial Theoretical Physics
Imperial Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci: more mathematics, deeper theory
Imperial's Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci is a four-year, professionally accredited integrated Master's for students with a specific interest in mathematics and its application in physics. Its entry rules match the general Physics course, with A*A*A or 40 IB points and the ESAT, but the three ESAT modules add a second Mathematics paper, and the optional modules lean towards group theory, general relativity and quantum field theory. The decision is whether that mathematical emphasis is what you want rather than the broader general Physics curriculum.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Physics with Theoretical Physics
Taken from Imperial's Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A*A*A, or 40 IB points, with Mathematics and Physics
The minimum A-level standard is A*A*A including A* in Mathematics and A* in Physics. The IB standard is 40 points with 7 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level and 6 in a third subject.
ESAT: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics
You must sit the ESAT in three modules: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, each of 27 multiple-choice questions.
Suited to a mathematical interest
Imperial says the course is particularly suited to those with a specific interest in mathematics and its application in physics.
No standard interview
Imperial says the department generally does not hold interviews.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's Physics with Theoretical Physics MSci course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's other Physics pages, the ESAT test pages, fees, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The course
Core physics for three years, with theoretical options and an MSci year
Imperial says students develop their understanding of physics, mathematics, computational and experimental methods over the first three years and then complete a Master's year. The first year covers practical physics, vector fields, electricity and magnetism, mechanics and relativity, and oscillations and waves, with optional mathematical analysis. The second year adds thermal physics and the structure of matter, differential equations and electromagnetism, quantum physics and mathematical methods. Theoretical optional modules include statistical mechanics, foundations of quantum mechanics, group theory and general relativity, and in the fourth year quantum field theory, the Standard Model and quantum theory of matter. The MSci project explores a theoretical topic in depth.
Theoretical or general Physics
How this differs from Imperial Physics
Avandy's Imperial Physics guide covers the general course. Entry grades are the same here; the difference is in the ESAT modules and the curriculum.
Choose Theoretical Physics if
you enjoy mathematics for its own sake as well as for physics, and want options such as group theory, general relativity and quantum field theory. The ESAT includes a second Mathematics module.
Choose general Physics if
you want the broader range of experimental and applied options. Avandy's Imperial Physics guide records its modules and routes.
Consider Mathematics if
proof and pure mathematics are the centre of your interest. Avandy has an Imperial Mathematics guide with different entry rules.
Entry rules
Mathematics and Physics at the top grades, and a three-module ESAT
The A-level standard is A*A*A with an A* in Mathematics, an A* in Physics and an A in another subject; Further Mathematics is recommended but not essential. The IB standard is 40 points with 7 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level and 6 in a third subject, and the typical IB offer is 42 points. You must sit the ESAT in Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. Imperial says the department generally does not hold interviews. The page shows 7 applications for every place for 2025; that is a historical ratio, not a requirement or a prediction.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Do you like mathematical structure in physics?
The theoretical options use group theory, general relativity and quantum field theory.
Are you ready for two ESAT Mathematics modules?
The test includes Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2 beside Physics.
Is Further Mathematics in your plan?
Imperial recommends it but says it is not essential.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, the Mathematics and Physics requirement, the ESAT modules and the no-interview policy: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
ESAT dates, booking windows and the UCAS deadline: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm Mathematics, Physics and ideally Further Mathematics, and read the ESAT specification for the two Mathematics modules.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, mathematics and physics mentoring and ESAT preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply test questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What are the Imperial Theoretical Physics entry requirements?
A*A*A at A level including A* in Mathematics and Physics, or 40 IB points with 7 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level. This is Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Which ESAT modules do I take?
Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics.
Is there an interview?
Imperial says the department generally does not hold interviews.
Is Further Mathematics required?
No. Imperial recommends it but says it is not essential.
How is it different from Imperial Physics?
The entry grades are the same, the ESAT includes two Mathematics modules and the optional modules include more theoretical topics.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Physics with Theoretical Physics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics, how they approach proof and calculation and their ESAT preparation, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.