Sciences, Theoretical Physics

During the programme, you will learn how to use mathematical and computer based models. Many of the questions addressed by theoretical physicists are essential for understanding the world — from how the Universe was created and has evolved to the search for the smallest building blocks of matter. The methods of theoretical physics can also be used to contribute to problem solving in medicine, biology, chemistry, and economics.

You will learn how to construct analogies and build models for a wide range of situations. This may, for instance, involve delving into the world of elementary particles and simulating the outcomes of particle collisions at the international research facility CERN. You can also learn how to explore the multifaceted properties of new materials or simulate nuclear reactions. Furthermore, you will obtain the knowledge of how to identify connections between phenomena that may initially seem unrelated.

As a student, you will learn how to plan, carry out, and analyse experiments, how to program, and to use numerical simulations to study theoretical concepts and make predictions.

The programme is given in English, and is open for application by Swedish as well as international students during the second admission round.

The programme consists of lectures, laboratory work, problem solving sessions, and project assignments. The amount of teacher led instruction is high. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain valuable experience of group collaboration. Teaching is conducted in English, but you will also have the opportunity to learn Swedish terminology for key concepts.

During the first two years, you build a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Courses are shared with the Physics Programme and provide a thorough grounding in classical mechanics with relativity, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics, along with their various applications.

In the third year, you specialise in theoretical physics through 37.5 credits of elective courses. No matter which track you choose, quantum mechanics plays a central role, and you will study different aspects of this fascinating theory.

You also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge by taking courses in other subjects or spending a semester abroad.

After completing the programme, most students continue on to a Master’s programme. A degree in theoretical physics prepares you well for doctoral studies in both physics and theoretical physics.

As a theoretical physicist, you can work in areas such as space technology, energy systems, computational modelling, new materials, simulations, electronics, or systems and software development. Possible roles include analyst, designer, process developer, or quality engineer. Typical workplaces include technology companies, research institutes, government agencies, and universities.

Prerequisites

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School courses Physics 2/Physics level 2, Chemistry 1/Chemistry level 1 and Mathematics 4 (or older course Mathematics D)/Mathematics further level 2

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 66 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %.The University board has decided that applicants with equal merits (in the GPA group) should be separated by the use of a valid result from the Swedish national university aptitude test.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 555,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.