Theoretical physics route (cambridge math3?)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the pathways to pursuing a PhD in theoretical physics, particularly focusing on Cambridge's Math Part III and Imperial's Quantum Field and Fundamental Force Master's program. The student, a second-year Math/Physics major, seeks advice on admission competitiveness and alternative routes, including US PhD programs and Oxford's DPhil. Key insights include the perception that Cambridge Math Part III has a manageable admission threshold for strong candidates, while also highlighting the importance of achieving high grades to remain competitive in theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cambridge Math Part III admission criteria
  • Familiarity with the GRE general and subject tests
  • Knowledge of UK and US PhD application processes
  • Awareness of theoretical physics program expectations and requirements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Cambridge Math Part III curriculum and admission statistics
  • Explore the specifics of Imperial's Quantum Field and Fundamental Force Master's program
  • Investigate the GRE preparation resources for international students
  • Look into alternative Master's and DPhil programs in the UK for theoretical physics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics and physics students, prospective PhD candidates in theoretical physics, and international students navigating graduate admissions in the UK and US.

perniciousnc
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dear all,

I'm a second yr Math/Physics student in an alright UK university. Not oxbridge though.
I am interested in pursuing theoretical physics (knowing it's competitive subject, and mathematically challenging)

I have got high first in the first yr (hopefully well among top 5% of class), n hopefully will do the same this year.

I have been looking for possible routes to a theoretical phd nx yr

1) Masters: Cambridge Math Part III, Imperial -Quantum Field and Fundamental Force
2) US Phd?
3) Oxford Dphil? seems to me impossible to get into without oxbridge first in uk


My questions:
1) I heard Cambridge Math 3 is not hard to get in, if you get decent grades?? I have confidence in my potential, but not really my knowledge given my university is not oxbridge, and I have not pushed myself the hardest to get good grades. and I have devoted some other of my time not in math/phys

I actually read from this forum, ppl saying tat if you don't ace it hard you don't get to do theoretical physics in there. IFF i got in and didn't ace it, how hard is it to still do theoretical physics in other Us? Since students probably would be applying to oxford dphil before the results come out (altho it might still require the distinction)? Thanks for telling

2) I am an international student. I don't think my english is gd enough to ace the GRE general test, especially after these yrs wen i barely write anything lol. But I think I can handle the subject test well. Could anyone tell me how hard it would be to get into major US universities phd?

3) What other routes / choices do i still have? in UK, other good masters and dphil routes?
How good is Imperial's quantum field master course?

Thanks a lot for answering my questions!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone has experience in cambridge math 3 tripo?? or imperial quantum field master??
it would help a lot if someone could give me some advice :0
 
Check out the Cambridge and Maths sub-forum of thestudentroom.co.uk - certain people on there have first hand experience with Part III.
 

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