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.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

8May

University of Southampton - First Look (Virtual Event)

Undergraduate

15May

University of Southampton - First Look (Virtual Event)

Undergraduate

15Jun

Winchester School of Art - Open Day 15 June 2024

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. Southampton is ranked Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023). 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

31Jan

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 an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including grade A in Mathematics and Physics. We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

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

DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus grade A in A-level Mathematics and Physics 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 - D: 45 credits

Typical offer: 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction Mathematics and Physics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered 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.

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" 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.

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

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) 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.

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

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics 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.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A-level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) 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.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) 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.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics 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.

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 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 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. 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - A

Typical offer: AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics and Physics or Alternative offer: AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate 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.

Extended Project - A

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

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2 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.

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

Typical offer: D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical 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.

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

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

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

Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
International	£22300	Year 1
EU	£22300	Year 1
England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1

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 1730

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Degree level: Undergraduate

Mathematical Physics (MMath)

Course options

Open days

Course summary

Modules

Assessment method

How to apply

Application codes

Points of entry

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA

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

Access to HE Diploma - D: 45 credits

Scottish Higher

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - 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

English language requirements

Student Outcomes

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional fee information

Provider information

Course contact details

Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Social Sciences