Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics: Focal Area in Theoretical Physics

Honours degree

ID:

0172_101_N101

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics: Focal Area in Theoretical Physics is designed to deepen your advanced physics training. The programme includes structured honours-level modules and culminates in a substantial Physics Project.

Contact information

Ms Ursula Isaacs

Postgraduate Coordinator

[email protected]

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Visit programme website

Programme overview

Duration

One year

Campus

Stellenbosch

Type

Coursework

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

• A BSc degree with Physics as major with an average final mark of at least 60% in Physics 3.
• Applications which deviate from the abovementioned requirement, for example if a BSc degree was obtained elsewhere, will only be considered on recommendation of the Department and approval by the Faculty Committee.
• The Department may require supplementary work, depending on your background.

Programme structure

Focal area Theoretical Physics (128 credits)
Compulsory Modules (credits = 96)

Subject number | Module code | Credits | Module Name | Semester
10445 711 8 Electromagnetism 1
10590 712 8 Lagrange and Hamilton Mechanics 1
10752 713 8 Solid State Physics 1
10586 714 16 Quantum Mechanics B (Advanced Formalism and Applications) 1
13948 719 8 Relativistic Quantum Mechanics 1
10702 721 16 Statistical Physics B (Introduction to Interacting and Non-equilibrium Systems) 2
63274 741 32 Physics Project 2

Plus Elective Modules
(credits = 32)
Take note: The elective modules available in any particular year will vary depending on availability of lecturing staff or visiting lecturers. The programme offering for a given academic year will be finalised and approved by the departmental programme committee before the start of the year and communicated to potential students.

Choose modules from the following list to the value of 16 credits.
13985 757 8 Bayesian Physics 2
10424 758 8 Dynamic Systems and Complexity 1
10753 754 8 Many-body Theory 2
10674 755 16 Relativistic Quantum Field Theory 2
13942 756 8 Selected Topics in Theoretical Physics 2

Plus choose modules to the value of 16 credits from honours modules in Physics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics in consultation with the Department of Physics.

Last updated 01 April 2026

Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.