Course summary
Overview: The programme draws on the presence of the largest mathematical physics group in Scotland to deliver a programme that combines the core material of an excellent mathematics degree together with the precise mathematical language of 21st century mathematical physics. The skills acquired will be of great use to those wishing to carry on with postgraduate study in mathematical physics/pure mathematics/applied mathematics and will also be highly valued by employers interested in mathematicians with the ability to describe and solve real-world problems. Year 1: The core mathematics material includes algebra, calculus, statistics and problem solving skills. The physics content includes mechanics, fields and forces, and waves and matter. Level 1 has been carefully designed to ease the transition from school to university. Year 2: Level 2 consolidates and extends the material of level 1 in both pure and applied mathematics/mechanics and introduces the multivariable calculus and vector analysis that will form the mathematical language of the later mathematical physics content. Level 2 also introduces the key concepts of abstraction and formal proof. Year 3: The core level 3 courses develop mathematical skills and knowledge and introduce the ideas used at the forefront of modern mathematics. Subjects include complex analysis, abstract algebra, applied mathematics, and ordinary differential equations. Electromagnetism is studied along with two mathematical physics options chosen from thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum theory and solitons, Lie groups and Lie algebras, and fluid mechanics. These are courses that develop and use the tools of mathematical physics. Year 4: Level 4 continues to build the solid mathematical background essential in modern mathematical physics, with courses in geometry, functional analysis, pure mathematics, and partial differential equations. The remaining two courses from the mathematical physics options thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum theory and solitons, Lie groups and Lie algebras and fluid mechanics are followed, along with a course on special relativity that uses the set of mathematical tools developed in the rest of the programme. A mathematical physics project is carried out under the supervision of a member of our internationally-leading mathematical physics research group.
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:
- G1PH
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Scottish Higher - ABBBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Admissions Officer for the programme for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Scottish Higher - BBBC
As part of the Fair Access Process, the minimum entry requirements enable students who are within one or more of the categories below to be guaranteed an offer: Living in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) Care Experienced, as identified on the UCAS Application form by ticking the relevant box.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
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
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £18704 | Year 1 |
| International | £18704 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS