Courses MMath vs. MPhys Theoretical Physcs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a decision between two academic offers: Mathematical and Theoretical Physics leading to an MMath, and straight Physics leading to an MPhys. The individual expresses a strong interest in theoretical physics and seeks guidance on which option would be more beneficial for a future career in that field. Suggestions include making a list of pros and cons for each program, considering the academic and career options each path provides, and recognizing a preference against lab work. The conversation also highlights the importance of combining physics, mathematics, and computer experience for broader career opportunities. Overall, the emphasis is on making an informed decision based on personal interests and future aspirations in theoretical physics.
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At this point I have no idea how to look at this situation, so I'm really hoping I can get a little help here.

I have an offer for Mathematical and Theoretical Physics which leads to an MMath, and eliminates all lab. I also have an offer for straight Physics, leading to MPhys with no extra theoretical approaches. These are the two choices I have to decide between for my insurance choice, and I am finding this quite difficult.

I am mostly interested in theory and I hope to go into theoretical physics as a career, and I wonder which of these two options would be most beneficial?

Any advice from experience would be highly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!
 
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I think only you can decide this. Perhaps you can make a list of pros and cons and then rank them by importance.

Of course the other approach is to use darts on a target best of three. If what comes up isn't what you want then try again with best of 5 or 7 or 9... :-) in other words the random choice may help you decide.'

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/core-poems/detail/44272
The Road not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
 
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jedishrfu said:
I think only you can decide this. Perhaps you can make a list of pros and cons and then rank them by importance.

That's just it though. I don't know what the pros and cons of each are! I have no clue where to find them either...
 
Ok, how about looking at which one gives you more options academically and/or career wise.

As an example, pure math vs applied math then applied gives you more career options since few companies are interested in pure math applications.

If you really hate lab work then experimental physics is not for you.

It seems a mix of physics, math and computer experience would be the best bet career wise.
 
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...

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