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).

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.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

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.

or

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.

or

BTEC

RQF 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.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

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.

or

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.

or

BTEC

RQF 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.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
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

You must study the following modules in year 1:

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 ...

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 ...

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
essays
individual and group projects
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

69%

Written exam

31%

Coursework

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 and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Aerospace and defence,

Education,

Energy/Renewable energy,

Engineering,

Health and medicine,

Manufacturing,

Meteorology and climate change,

Nanotechnology,

Oil and gas,

Science and telecommunications.

Careers directly related to this course:

Academic researcher
Acoustic consultant
Astronomer
Meteorologist
Nanotechnologist
Research scientist
Secondary school teacher
Sound engineer
Data scientist
Software engineer

Wider career opportunities:

Actuary
Actuarial analyst
Applications developer
Operational researcher
Quantity surveyor
Prosthetist
Telecommunications researcher
Nuclear engineer
Financial manager
Financial trader

Example job titles of Southampton MMath Mathematical Physics graduates*:

Clinical scientist
Data engineer
Software developer
Management consultant
Electronic engineer
Secondary school teacher

Job prospects for MMath Mathematical Physics graduates

£30k

Average professional salary

86%

In a skilled profession or further study

100%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £25,200.

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 £36,200 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

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: FF34
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Mathematical Physics (MMath) is a course in the Mathematical sciences and Physics and astronomy subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

BSc

Maths with Data Science

m

BSc

Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics

p

MPhys

Mathematical Physics (MMath)

About this course

Learn more about these subject areas

Mathematical sciences

Physics and astronomy

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicants

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Electricity and Magnetism

Energy and Matter

First Year Mathematics Workshop

Linear Algebra I