Course summary
Mathematics underpins all models of nature and the fundamental theories which describe our universe from microscopic to macroscopic scales. Whether you are fascinated by the wonder of quantum mechanics, the beauty of fluid dynamics or the elegance of relativity, our Mathematics with Theoretical Physics degree will provide you with powerful mathematical techniques to understand modern physics and give you first hand experience of current research. You will gain creative problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers, allowing you to shape your future career in industry or progress to postgraduate studies. You will be taught by world renowned researchers with expertise in particle physics, the theory of quantum fields and numerical simulations, who work with CERN and the UK’s Central Laser Facility. A particular strength of this degree is the final-year project which involves you in cutting edge research in high performance computing, the next generation of intense laser facilities, the structure of our universe or emerging quantum technologies. · Obtain a deep understanding of the core mathematics needed in modern theoretical physics during your first and second year. · Choose a variety of research inspired modules, such as relativity and cosmology, quantum computing or fluid dynamics. Learn key modelling skills to describe complex physical phenomena or environmental systems in our Mathematics of Planet Earth module. · Carry out an in-depth final year project in theoretical physics on topics including black holes, quantum cryptography, chaotic dynamical systems or quarks and gluons, supervised by a world leading expert, or solve a problem set by our industrial partners. · Acquire the advanced programming skills that modern science relies on, mastering numerical modelling using Python, R and parallel programming on our high performance cluster. · Enhance your graduate career opportunities with an optional, paid, industry placement between the second and final years. Plymouth graduates have progressed to rewarding careers working at GCHQ, in finance, at the Met Office and in environmental sciences, and have excelled in postgraduate research. · Benefit from being part of the close-knit, collaborative and supportive family that is Mathematical Sciences at Plymouth. This includes small group tutorials, study space next to staff offices, our lecturers’ open-door policy, student-led learning sessions and the Maths Society. · Enjoy new facilities – state of the art lecture theatres, computer laboratories, study and social spaces – in our £50 million teaching and research building opening in 2023. · Core modules are shared with BSc Mathematics allowing the flexibility of easy transfer to our other mathematics degrees.
Modules
In year one, build strong mathematical foundations to support future investigations in theoretical physics. Topics include probability and randomness, which are key ideas in quantum theories, and tools such as group theory, which are used to describe fundamental symmetries in nature. Calculus and analysis plus linear algebra, essential for studying higher dimensional theories are also introduced along with an introduction to programming. In second year you will review the evidence for the existence of dark matter and describe Newtonian cosmology using vector calculus. Acquire the mathematical language of quantum mechanics by learning about real and complex analysis. A case studies module introduces the powerful Monte Carlo technique which lies at the heart of statistical mechanics and is used to extract precision results from the Standard Model of particle physics. In your final year the focus is on modern physics and you have a choice of modules. Topics include classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and special relativity. The mathematical language of the core partial differential equations module is essential. You can conduct a final year theoretical physics project with a supervisor from our theoretical physics research group. Projects have included general relativity and black holes, the gravitational super highway, quantum algorithms, quantum field theory and the quark model. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.
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
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 128 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
T Level - Not accepted
Must have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/ 4 or above.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA