About this course
Mathematics is the fundamental language of physics. Physics uses maths to make predictions, and many mathematical areas have been developed to solve physical problems. This degree explores mathematical topics and how they appear throughout theoretical physics. You'll study particle physics, astrophysics and quantum field theory. You’ll graduate with technical skills sought by employers across science, industry and research.
This course is run by the School of Mathematical Sciences. It's taught jointly by Mathematical Sciences and Physics and Astronomy, through the STAG (Southampton, Theory, Astronomy and Gravitation) research centre. STAG is a leader in the latest research in theoretical particle physics, astronomy, general relativity and string theory.
The mathematical part of this course begins with the fundamental areas of calculus, linear algebra, vector calculus and partial differential equations.
The physics part includes the key ideas of relativity, cosmology and astrophysics, applications of laser technology, atomic and particle physics, and optoelectronics.
As part of this course you’ll:
- identify the key areas of physics theory relevant to a given problem
- construct mathematical models for physical situations
- choose to specialise in areas such as particle physics, astrophysics or condensed matter
- use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
- use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Learn more about these subject areas
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
AAA or AABB including Mathematics and Physics (grade A)
A-levels additional information
If a STEP paper is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (grade A) and Physics (grade A). We accept either of the two STEP papers. For more details about STEP see the Admissions Testing Service Website.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including A in Mathematics and Physics and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Physics and Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation is also considered)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics
We do not accept BTEC National Diploma or BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from A levels Mathematics and Physics
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma or the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
Mathematics and Physics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1 including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics and Physics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202425
A-levels
AAA or AABB including Mathematics and Physics (grade A)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics and Physics (grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including A in Mathematics and Physics and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. The contextual offer for this programme is AAB including A in Maths and Physics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Physics and Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation is also considered)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics
We do not accept BTEC National Diploma or BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from A levels Mathematics and Physics
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma or the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
Mathematics and Physics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1 including Mathematics and Physics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics and Physics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
There are no T levels accepted for this programme.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This programme is made up of:
- core and compulsory mathematics and physics modules in the first and second years
- more flexibility to choose optional modules in specialist areas in the third and fourth years
You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
In your first year, you'll cover the fundamentals of maths such as linear algebra. You'll discover linear maps on vector spaces, which are the foundation for a large area of mathematics and form the basic language of the physical sciences. You'll also study calculus, which will provide a bridge between A level mathematics and university mathematics.
Your core physical modules look at key topics such as motion and relativity or electricity and magnetism. Along with other foundational knowledge, you'll learn about optics, which will form a base for further study of optics, wave physics and quantum physics.
Year 2 overview
Core modules continue to build your foundational knowledge. For example, you'll study:
- analysis
- partial differential equations
- wave and quantum physics
- classical and statistical mechanics
Year 3 overview
In your third year, you’ll select from a wide range of options across both mathematics and physics. This gives you the freedom to either specialise in a field or broaden your studies. You could bring together topics such as the dynamics of galaxies and the mathematics of black holes. You could also choose to combine a study of particle physics with the mathematics of Schrodinger’s equation.
There are also options to write a dissertation, which your supervisor will support through weekly meetings, or study diverse topics like atomic physics, group theory and mathematical biology.
Year 4 overview
In the fourth year, your studies will give you an appreciation of modern research topics in mathematical physics. You’ll build a level of knowledge and specialism that will prepare you for a career in mathematics or physics.
You’ll also undertake an individually supervised year-long dissertation, on a topic of your choice, from mathematics or theoretical physics.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Calculus
This module provides a bridge between A-level mathematics and university mathematics. Some of the material will be similar to that in A-level Maths and Further Maths but will be treated in more depth, and some of the material will be new. Topics of study ...
Electricity and Magnetism
The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...
Energy and Matter
This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.
First Year Mathematics Workshop
Linear Algebra I
Linear maps on vector spaces are the basis for a large area of mathematics, in particular linear equations and linear differential equations, which form the basic language of the physical sciences. This module restricts itself to the vector space R^n to ...
Linear Algebra II
Building on the intuitive understanding and calculation techniques from Linear Algebra I, this module introduces the concepts of vector spaces and linear maps in an abstract, axiomatic way. In particular, matrices are revisited as the representation of a ...
Motion and Relativity
The first part of the module focuses on Newton’s laws of motion, potentials, conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum, projectiles, circular motion, gravity and simple harmonic motion including damping. The second part of the module is an ...
Multivariable Calculus
This module introduces the main ideas and techniques of differential and integral calculus of functions of two or more variables. One of the pre-requisites for MATH2003, MATH2011, MATH2014, MATH3033, MATH2038, MATH2039, MATH2045 and MATH2040
Physics Skills 1
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
Physics Skills 2
The Physics Skills units develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (P...
Waves, Light and Quanta
It will arm students with a basic knowledge of optics, including ray propagation, polarization and diffraction, and introduce the dual wave and particle characteristics of light and matter. It provides a base for further study of optics, wave physics and ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Analysis
The notion of limit and convergence are two key ideas on which rest most of modern Analysis. This module aims to present these notions building on the experience gained by students in first year Calculus module. The context of our study is: limits and co...
Classical Mechanics
Beginning with a review of Newton's Laws applied to systems of particles, the course moves on to rotational motion, dynamical gravity (Kepler's Laws) and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Systems of coupled oscillators are studied.
Partial Differential Equations
Differential equations occupy a central role in mathematics because they allow us to describe a wide variety of real-world systems. The module will aim to stress the importance of both theory and applications of differential equations. The module begin...
Quantum Physics
After studying this course students should be able to explain the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, the Schrödinger equation, the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, and describe the ...
Statistical Mechanics
Statistical mechanics links the microscopic properties of physical systems to their macroscopic properties. Thermodynamics, which describes macroscopic properties, can then be derived from statistical mechanics with a few well motivated postulates. It lea...
Vector Calculus and Complex Variable
In the first part of this module we build on multivariate calculus studied in the first year and extend it to the calculus of scalar and vector functions of several variables. Line, surface and volume integrals are considered and a number of theorems inv...
Wave Physics
This course introduces the properties and mechanics of waves, from the derivation and solution of wave equations, through the origins of the classical processes of refraction, dispersion and interference, to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of the uncert...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is one of the brilliant successes of nineteenth century physics and the equations formulated by Maxwell are believed to account exactly for all classical electromagnetic phenomena. The aim of this course is to present the laws of elect...
Fields and Fluids
Over the last four hundred years progress in understanding the physical world (theoretical physics) has gone hand in hand with progress in the mathematical sciences, so much so that the terms applied mathematics and theoretical physics have come to be alm...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Fluid Dynamics
Modelling fluid flow requires us first to extend vector calculus to include volumes that change with time. This will allow us to rephrase Newton’s second law of motion, that the force is equal to the time derivative of the linear momentum, in a way that ...
Advanced Partial Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
Atomic Physics
The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.
Complex Analysis
Complex Analysis is the theory of functions in a complex variable. While the initial theory is very similar to Analysis (i.e, the theory of functions in one real variable as seen in the second year), the main theorems provide a surprisingly elegant, found...
Crystalline Solids
This course builds upon the Statistical Mechanics Course (PHYS2024) to form a complete basic course on the fundamentals of the physics of solids. After the course the student should have developed the necessary theoretical knowledge to enable them to unde...
Integral Transform Methods
Many classes of problems are difficult to solve in their original domain. An integral transform maps the problem from its original domain into a new domain in which solution is easier. The solution is then mapped back to the original domain with the inver...
Light and Matter
The course provides an introduction to modern optical physics to arm students with a basic knowledge of light-matter interactions, electro-optics and nonlinear optics. It aims to provide a fundamental base for understanding the techniques and technologies...
Mathematical Biology
Biology is undergoing a quantitative revolution, generating vast quantities of data that are analysed using bioinformatics techniques and modelled using mathematics to give insight into the underlying biological processes. This module aims to give a flavo...
Nuclei and Particles
Students will learn about Nuclear Scattering, various properties of Nuclei, the Liquid Drop Model and the Shell Model, radioactive decay, fission and fusion. By the end of the course, the students should be able to classify elementary particles into hadro...
Numerical Methods
Introduce the students to the practical application of a relatively wide spectrum of numerical techniques and familiarise the students with numerical coding. Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, ...
Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
This is a module principally on Einstein's general theory of relativity, a relativistic theory of gravitation which explains gravitational effects as coming from the curvature of space-time. It provides a comprehensive introduction to material which is cu...
Stellar Evolution
This course is a showcase for how the various branches of physics come together to give rise to real life phenomena. Using the example of stars, we will revisit a wide range of different physics and see how the various ingredients interact and thus how al...
Theories of Matter, Space and Time
Variational methods in classical physics will be reviewed and the extension of these ideas in quantum mechanics will be introduced.
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Advanced General Relativity
General relativity is the theory of spacetime and gravity developed by Einstein. This module aims to develop a geometric understanding of general relativity and explore advanced applications of GR. In particular, we will study the physics of black holes (...
Advanced Partial Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
Advanced Quantum Physics
This course will cover advanced topics of quantum mechanics including postulates of quantum mechanics, tools of quantum mechanics, Dirac notation, Simple Harmonic oscillator (studied using raising and lowering operators), orbital and spin angular momentum...
Computer Techniques in Physics
This Computational Physics course is designed for students with definite interest in tackling physics problems that are only tractable through the use of computers. It covers all types of application of computers by physicists, except the control of equip...
Cosmology
Modern cosmology is a fascinating and fast-developing field, with intense research activity fuelled by major discoveries made in the last decade. These have overturned our understanding of the Universe’s properties and established a new standard cosmologi...
Differential Geometry and Lie Groups
The module will begin by looking at differential manifolds and the differential calculus of maps between manifolds. Manifolds are an abstraction of the idea of a smooth surface in Euclidean space. The module will then look at calculus on manifolds includ...
Gravitational Waves
This module is designed for MMath and MPhys students in their fourth year, and builds directly upon MATH3006 Relativity, Blackholes and Cosmology. Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space-time, first predicted by Einstein himself in 1916. These ...
Homotopy and Homology
Homotopy theory is the study of continuous deformations. A geometric object may be continuously deformed by pulling, stretching, pressing or compressing, but not by tearing or puncturing (which are discontinuous). Two objects can then be regarded as equiv...
Modelling with Differential Equations
The emphasis of this module is on the methods required to develop mathematical models using differential equations to understand physical problems. The module involves both conventional lectures as well as discussion lectures. The discussion lectures comp...
Particle Physics
Relativistic wave equations with their predictions of anti-particles and fermion spin will be explored. The fundamental role of gauge symmetries in current theories of force will lead to the study of the standard model of particle physics, including the s...
Physics of the Early Universe
Since the end of the 1990s, cosmology has experienced one of the most impressive advances among all scientific disciplines. This happened mainly because of astonishing progress in the precision and accuracy of astronomical and cosmological observations ...
Quantum Optics
While coherence phenomena have long been familiar in the context of light waves, their manifestation in the context of matter waves is an exciting development of modern quantum science. This course aims to introduce the basic concepts needed to understand...
Structure and Dynamics of Networks
Networks are ubiquitous in the modern world: from the biological networks that regulate cell behaviour, to technological networks such as the Internet and social networks such as Facebook. Typically real-world networks are large, complex, and exhibit both...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Nils Andersson is the course leader.
Careers
Maths and physics both place an emphasis on problem-solving, analytical argument and other transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of industries.
Employability is an essential part of our maths courses, ensuring you are equipped for a successful postgraduate career or further study.
Our mathematical physics degree graduates have gone on to work as:
- actuaries
- economists
- statisticians
- programmers
- software developers
- accountants
- business analysts
- financial analysts
- financial managers
The University’s UoS Internships Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,200.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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