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I am a postgraduate in mathematics. I studied physics during my B.Sc.studies.I want to go for further studies in physics particularly in theoretical physics. I am in a job and cant afford regular classroom teaching. Could anyone tell me something about some distance education programs? or are there programs for mathematics graduates to work in theoretical physics areas like string theory?

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Are you looking for a degree, research, or just curious about physics? –  DJBunk Jun 14 '12 at 14:27
Depends how ambitious you are. If you want to be a competent physicist capable of publishing in top journals, then you need to devote yourself 100% for at least 3 years studying the core graduate level physics curriculum at a university where you can benefit from the intellectual atmosphere without distractions. If on the other hand you want to answer the odd question here pretty well, then your B.Sc should be enough. Unless the job is something like 4 hours a day stacking shelves, I think holding down a 9-5 job and hoping you won't be tired at the end of the day will be too difficult. –  Larry Harson Jun 14 '12 at 16:38
I have been going over some physics with another person in a similar situation. If you would like to study, and perhaps do some research, maybe you could drop me an email: I'm likebox at g-mail dot com. –  Ron Maimon Jun 15 '12 at 1:30
@Ron Maimon Thanx dear I will surely mail it to you. –  Kamran Jun 15 '12 at 9:56
I would disagree that you have to master that long-list of mathematical topics. I won't focus on to much building an arsenal of mathematical tools because this in itself is a goal with no end in sight. It sounds like you already have some background- if so, just start ready about things and find out what you are interested in and push in that direction. There are plenty of sources for what textbooks to use for what field at what level. Just pick up a text and see if it interests you. If its too hard drop down a notch. If you need the math background then go find a text on that. –  DJBunk Jun 15 '12 at 17:27
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There's a fantastic resource called by the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning. Check it out at http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/. They have a youtube channel as well http://www.youtube.com/nptelhrd where they post full courses online.

You will have to use these resources to study for the GATE and get into a good institute if you want to be paid for doing research. Considering you already have a BSc, I think you can do it if you devote your weekends to it. Leave a comment on this post if you need any more details.

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aren't there 'distance universtiy courses' in your country ??

since you are a mathematician you have the 'math stuff' perhaps you should begin with the list given by Gerard T'Hooft at http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html#bottom

there are good references of book and many of them can be 'downloaded' from the net :D

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A respectable online resource for learning physics outside the traditional classroom setting is Gerard 't Hooft's website "Theoretical Physics as a Challenge" (type into the search command "Gerard 't Hooft, Theoretical Physics as a Challenge").

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