The question I guess is pretty clear. I am a physics undergrad wishing to pursue research in quantum gravity(string theory?). What are the subjects I should learn other than the usual compulsory undergrad courses such as quantum mechanics, and GR, etc? Things that come to my mind are QFT, lie algebras, differential geometry, algebraic geometry etc? Other than this, could you suggest any topic that are not entirely essential but interesting in mathematical physics, gauge theory etc (e.g. solitons, monopoles etc). Actually I am looking for a mini project of sorts which would give me an idea of what these fields really are. I have done some lie algebras, classical field theory and am currently studying QM.