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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Applied Mathematics | Mathematics | Numerical Analysis
Area of study
Mathematics and Statistics
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


This Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics MSci program equips students with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, preparing them for careers in research, industry, or academia. It emphasizes project work, practical skills development, and offers a flexible structure with a wide range of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

This Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics MSci program is designed for students who are equally interested in both mathematics and physics. It is a joint honors degree offered by the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics at the University of Birmingham. The program aims to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation in both disciplines, equipping them with the skills necessary for a wide range of careers in research, industry, and academia. The program draws on the expertise of Birmingham's physicists and mathematicians engaged in cutting-edge research. Students will gain theoretical skills from experts in the field through modules and a final-year project. They will become members of a research group and tackle a real open-ended research problem for their project.


Outline:

The program is a four-year Masters of Science (MSci) degree, with a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) version also available. The first two years of the BSc and MSci programs are identical, allowing students to make a final decision between the two at the end of the second year.


Year 1:

  • Chaos and Non-linear Systems B: 10 credits
  • Communication Skills and Data Analysis: 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter: 20 credits
  • Mechanics: 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves: 10 credits
  • Real Analysis: 20 credits
  • Sequences and Series: 10 credits
  • Special Relativity and Probability and Random Processes: 10 credits
  • Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra: 20 credits

Year 2:

  • Differential Equations: 20 credits
  • Eigenphysics: 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism 2: 10 credits
  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics: 10 credits
  • Linear Algebra: 10 credits
  • Multivariable & Vector Analysis: 20 credits
  • Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids: 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 2: 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 2: 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics and Entropy: 10 credits

Year 3:

  • Core Modules:
  • Complex Variable Theory:
  • 10 credits
  • Continuum Mechanics:
  • 20 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 3:
  • 10 credits
  • Radiation and Relativity:
  • 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Optional Modules: Choose 60 credits from a wide range of options, including:
  • Advanced Mathematical Modelling:
  • 20 credits
  • Applied Mathematical Analysis:
  • 20 credits
  • Atomic Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Biophysics:
  • 10 credits
  • Chaos and Dynamical Systems:
  • 10 credits
  • Condensed Matter Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Current Topics in Theoretical Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Evolution of Cosmic Structure:
  • 10 credits
  • Exoplanets:
  • 10 credits
  • Fission and Fusion:
  • 10 credits
  • Images and Communications:
  • 10 credits
  • Functional and Fourier Analysis:
  • 20 credits
  • Group Studies:
  • 20 credits
  • General Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Medical Imaging:
  • 10 credits
  • Methods in Partial Differential Equations:
  • 20 credits
  • Metric Spaces and Topology:
  • 20 credits
  • Nuclear Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Numerical Methods and Numerical Linear Algebra:
  • 20 credits
  • Observational Cosmology:
  • 10 credits
  • Partial Differential Equations:
  • 10 credits
  • Particle Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Physical Principles of Radar:
  • 10 credits
  • Physics Teaching in Schools:
  • 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 1:
  • 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 2:
  • 10 credits
  • The Life and Death of Stars:
  • 10 credits

Year 4:

  • Core Modules:
  • EITHER Project in Applied Mathematics (40 credits) OR Project Proposal and Dissertation (Theoretical Physics) (20 credits) AND Project Seminar and Viva (Theoretical Physics) (20 credits)
  • Optional Modules: Choose 80 credits from a wide range of options, including:
  • Advanced Condensed Matter Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Advanced Mathematical Biology:
  • 10 credits
  • Advanced Mathematical Finance:
  • 20 credits
  • Advanced Mathemat Modelling:
  • 20 credits
  • Algebraic and Differential Topology:
  • 20 credits
  • Applied Mathematical Analysis:
  • 20 credits
  • Condensed Matter Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Current Topics in Particle Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Evolution of Cosmic Structure:
  • 10 credits
  • Exoplanets:
  • 10 credits
  • Fission and Fusion:
  • 10 credits
  • Graph Theory:
  • 20 credits
  • Images and Communications:
  • 10 credits
  • Many Particle and Quantum Field Theory:
  • 10 credits
  • Mathematical Finance:
  • 20 credits
  • Nanophotonics:
  • 10 credits
  • Nonlinear Waves:
  • 20 credits
  • Nuclear Physics:
  • 10 credits
  • Observational Cosmology:
  • 10 credits
  • Phase Transitions:
  • 10 credits
  • Physics of Renewable Energy:
  • 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 4:
  • 10 credits
  • Quantum Optics:
  • 10 credits
  • Relativistic Astrophysics:
  • 10 credits
  • Superconductivity:
  • 10 credits
  • The General Theory of Relativity:
  • 10 credits
  • Topics in Applied Mathematics:
  • 20 credits
  • Ultracold Atoms and Quantum Gases:
  • 10 credits

Assessment:

Modules are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

  • Exams
  • Class tests
  • Problem sheets
  • Project reports
  • There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of the degree course.

Teaching:

  • Most modules are delivered through traditional lectures given by active physics or mathematics researchers.
  • Students also learn through tutorials, examples classes, and guided study.
  • Computing and transferable skills are interwoven into the curriculum.
  • Students are assigned a personal tutor for each of the first two years, meeting weekly in groups of no more than four students.
  • Personal tutors also offer pastoral support.
  • Weekly tutorials are not held in the third year due to the increasing specialization of the work.

Careers:

Graduates of this program have a wide range of career options, including:

  • Scientific researcher
  • Medical physicist
  • Energy consultant
  • Defence analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Statistician
  • Financial services analyst
  • Business consultant
  • Over 40% of students go on to further study after graduating, with around two-thirds pursuing research leading to a PhD. A PhD opens doors to many careers requiring advanced scientific knowledge.

Other:

  • The program is accredited by the Institute of Physics.
  • The University of Birmingham offers a range of scholarships and awards for Physics and Astronomy students.
  • The University also offers additional financial support for students in the form of bursaries, grants, and scholarships.
  • The University provides a Careers Network to help students identify and achieve their career aspirations.
  • The Careers Network offers one-to-one advice appointments, an employer-endorsed Personal Skills Award, and internship opportunities.
  • The program has a strong emphasis on practical skills development, with computing and transferable skills integrated into the curriculum.
  • The program is taught by world-leading researchers who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.
  • The program offers a flexible structure, allowing students to choose from a wide range of optional modules and projects.
  • The program provides a supportive and friendly environment, with weekly tutorials and an open-door policy for lecturers.

Annual tuition fees 2024/25 Fees UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £27,180 per year EU students EU students living in the UK ordinarily and permanently will be charged the national fees. Those not ordinarily resident in the UK ordinarily and permanently will be charged the international fees. Payment We offer a number of payment options, including monthly instalments and payment via a loan or scholarship.

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