Mathematical and Theoretical Physics,BSc

Why study Mathematics and Physics at Aberystwyth?

• Mathematics and Physics have been taught at Aberystwyth since the foundation of the university in 1872, making the university the first in Wales to teach these subjects. We continue to innovate and provide a stimulating learning environment for a growing body of mathematics and physics students from all over the world
• In studying this degree programme in Mathematics and Physics you will divide your time equally between these two highly complementary academic disciplines in two departments which are making ground-breaking advances in research and innovation
• The Department of Mathematics maintained its position as one of the best departments in Wales in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF, 2014). All of our research and the impact it has outside universities was judged to be of international standard
• Our Physics lecturers are also researchers working at the cutting edge of their respective fields, so you can be confident that your learning experience will be informed by the latest specialist knowledge along with advanced instrumentation, modelling and techniques
• Researchers from the Department of Physics are involved in the current European Space Agency ExoMars 2020 project, and they are engineering low dimensional materials, namely graphene
• The Departments of Mathematics and Physics are at the forefront of Welsh-medium provision in these subjects at higher education level in Wales. Check out the module tab for more information

Our Staff

Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

UCAS Tariff 120 - 112

A Levels BBB-BBC to include B in Mathematics and B in Physics

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with B in A level Mathematics and B in Physics

International Baccalaureate:
30-26 with 5 points in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Mathematics and Physics

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Mathematics and Physics are highly valued by employers for their skills in numeracy and problem-solving.

Graduates of Mathematics and Physics could enter careers such as:

• Engineering
• Scientific writing and publishing
• Risk analysis
• Operational Research
• Business consultancy
• Medical physics
• Meteorology
• Computing
• Accounting and Finance

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

• research and data analysis skills
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• a thorough grounding in information technology skills
• the ability to work independently
• time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
• the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
• self-motivation and self-reliance
• team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement

Work experience opportunities

As a student here, you will be able to take advantage of the various opportunities that exist such as AberWorks, AberForward, YES and Go Wales.

The department supports students seeking voluntary work, particularly in the teaching of mathematics in all sectors. Further information can be obtained from the department.