Modules

Year 1 Mathematics is the basis of theoretical physics, and physicists with a deep knowledge of mathematics are in high demand. In your first year, you’ll build a solid mathematical foundation that underpins theoretical physics and the rest of your degree, including the calculus, linear algebra and probability topics required to understand quantum mechanics. You’ll also meet group theory, which provides the mathematical techniques for understanding particle physics. You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll master Python programming to simulate physical systems, one of the most in-demand skills in industry today. Throughout the course, you will benefit from direct support from expert lecturers in small, friendly group sessions designed to give you a truly personalised experience. By the end of your first year, you’ll not only be primed for success on the course but you’ll have the freedom to tailor your journey, with the flexibility to switch to one of our other exciting specialist mathematics degrees if your interest change. Year 2 In Year 2, you’ll take both mathematical and theoretical physics learning to the next level; exploring mathematical models for scientific and natural processes, together with the geometry behind classical mechanics. We’ll introduce you to techniques for analysing data that come from experiments in physics and other sciences. You won’t just deepen your knowledge; you’ll sharpen your employability skills. In our case studies from industry module, you’ll apply mathematics to genuine business challenges, mastering operational research – the mathematics of decision making in business. You will be taught Monte Carlo methods, which are industry-standard techniques used to solve intricate logistical problems, the same tools used in finance, engineering, and supply chain optimisation around the world. These methods will be used to study the properties of physical systems. By the end of your second year, you won’t just have a deep understanding of key mathematical and theoretical physics concepts, you’ll have a cutting-edge toolkit of modern problem-solving skills that employers are searching for. Optional placement year Our placement year is your chance to step into the real world and make an immediate impact. You’ll apply your mathematical and statistical expertise within a professional context, from industry to research and government to healthcare, and beyond. Whether you’re optimising business strategies, driving innovation, or contributing to life-changing research, you’ll see first-hand how powerful and versatile your skills really are. Not only will you gain invaluable experience and confidence, but many of our placement students secure graduate roles as a direct result of their year in industry. In addition to the skills and experiences you will gain, placement salaries are typically around £20,000. When you return to Plymouth, you’ll come back energised and inspired, with a clear vision of how mathematics and theoretical physics shapes the world and a renewed drive to excel in your final year. Final year The 20th century saw the birth of exciting branches of physics. These include relativity – the need to understand extreme physical situations like black holes, and quantum mechanics, a theoretical description of the microscopic world. In your final year, you take a deep dive into specialised theoretical physics topics including relativity, cosmology and quantum computing. A standout feature of the final year is your project work – whether it’s a research-driven individual project under the guidance of a theoretical physics expert, a dynamic industry placement, a school-based experience, or a collaborative case study in a small team. By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have a portfolio of advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and real-world problem-solving skills that make you stand out. You will be exceptionally well placed for future success.

Assessment method

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Mathematics and its Applications, Institute of
• Physics, Institute of

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS