Mathematical Physics (MMath) at University of Southampton

About

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 for maths students
use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

AAA or AABB including Mathematics and Physics (grade A)

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies 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 Mathematics and Physics (grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

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 A in Mathematics and Physics and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Physics and Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation is also considered)

International Baccalaureate contextual 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.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

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.

or

BTEC

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

We do not accept BTEC National Diploma or BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

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

We do not accept the BTEC Diploma or the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A levels Mathematics and Physics have been taken alongside the BTEC qualification.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Show more entry requirements

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Scottish Qualification offers

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

T Level

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, all of which must be at Distinction

Access to HE additional information

Mathematics and Physics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard to be considered

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

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

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A1 including Mathematics and Physics

Scottish Qualification

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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics and Physics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual 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.

T-Level

There are no T levels accepted for this programme.

English Program Requirements

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Career

Careers

Maths and physics both place an emphasis on problem-solving, analytical argument and other transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of industries.

Employability is an essential part of our maths courses, ensuring you are equipped for a successful postgraduate career or further study.

Our mathematical physics degree graduates have gone on to work as:

actuaries
economists
statisticians
programmers
software developers
accountants
business analysts
financial analysts
financial managers

The University’s UoS Internships Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Work in industry

You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,500

Application Fee

GBP

Mathematical Physics (MMath)

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines