Mathematical Physics (MMath) at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Mathematical Physics (MMath)

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

27Nov

University of Southampton - Open Day Event

Undergraduate

Course summary

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, exclusively for maths students

Use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'

The programme will take you to the frontier of knowledge in this exciting field, allowing you to study as an undergraduate, material that would normally be taught at MSc level. Southampton mathematics graduates are in great demand. Many employers look for graduates with strong problem-solving skills who can develop sound analytical arguments. Depending on your degree specialism, a wide range of career destinations are available including mathematician, statistician, actuary and financial analyst. Our graduates are employed by organisations including Deloitte, British Airways, IBM, Amazon UK and Formula 1 racing teams.

Modules

You will study a variety of topics that cover the fundamental aspects of Mathematical Physics. With the opportunity to take both physics and mathematics modules throughout your degree, students will emerge with a strong understanding of the forces of nature, quantum theory, and General Relativity. Some of the modules you may study include Quantum Physics; Cosmology; and Particle Physics. For further module information visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/mathematical-physics-degree-mmath#modules

Assessment method

You will be assessed in a variety of ways such as coursework, tests and exams, enabling you to demonstrate your strengths and show what you have learnt.

How to apply

29Jan

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

Course code:: FF34

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA

Typical offer: AAA or AABB including grade A in Mathematics and Physics 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 grade A in Mathematics and Physics plus grade A in the EPQ Offers typically exclude General Studies, Use of Mathematics and Critical Thinking. If STEP is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including grade A in Mathematics and Physics. For more details about STEP see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

Access to HE Diploma - D: 45 credits

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences Admissions Office at [email protected] for more information. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points

Typical offer: Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including grade 6 in ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ and grade 6 in Physics at Higher Level (However, ‘Analysis and Approaches’ is preferred) International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant. As A level Mathematics and Physics are required for this programme, all equivalent qualifications also need an equivalent of A level Mathematics and Physics, grade A. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications please contact the Admissions Team at [email protected]

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/mathematical-physics-degree-mmath

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

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Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£25200	Year 1
International	£25200	Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Social Sciences

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

View address on Google Maps

Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site - Highfield Campus	MMath (Hons) - Master of Mathematics	Full-time	4 years	22 September 2025	Available to Apply	Course option 481e8dda-377b-4239-b745-71529f6766f5