Program Overview
Mathematical Physics (MMath)
Overview
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.
Entry Requirements
A-levels
- AAA or AABB including Mathematics and Physics (grade A)
- If a STEP paper is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (grade A) and Physics (grade A)
- We accept either of the two STEP papers
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)
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
Access to HE Diploma
- 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
Irish Leaving Certificate
- H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2
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
Cambridge Pre-U
- 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
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
T-Level
- There are no T levels accepted for this programme
Other Requirements
- UK students
- International students
- Other ways to qualify
GCSE Requirements
- Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
English Language Requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require
- Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements
- If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS),
you must get at least the following scores:
- overall score: 6.5
- reading: 6.0
- writing: 6.0
- speaking: 6.0
- listening: 6.0
Course Structure
This programme is made up of:
- core and compulsory mathematics and physics modules in the first and second years
- more flexibility to choose optional modules in specialist areas in the third and fourth years
Year 1
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Energy and Matter
- First Year Mathematics Workshop
- Linear Algebra I
- Linear Algebra II
- Motion and Relativity
- Physics Skills 1
- Physics Skills 2
- Waves, Light and Quanta
Year 2
- Analysis
- Classical Mechanics
- Partial Differential Equations
- Quantum Physics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variable
- Wave Physics
- Electromagnetism
- Fields and Fluids
Year 3
- Mathematics Project
- Advanced Fluid Dynamics
- Advanced Partial Differential Equations
- Atomic Physics
- Complex Analysis
- Crystalline Solids
- Integral Transform Methods
- Light and Matter
- Mathematical Biology
- Nuclei and Particles
- Numerical Methods
- Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology
- Stellar Evolution
- Theories of Matter, Space and Time
Year 4
- MMath Project
- Advanced General Relativity
- Advanced Partial Differential Equations
- Advanced Quantum Physics
- Computer Techniques in Physics
- Cosmology
- Differential Geometry and Lie Groups
- Gravitational Waves
- Homotopy and Homology
- Modelling with Differential Equations
- Particle Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Structure and Dynamics of Networks
Learning and Assessment
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Year 1
- 33% scheduled learning & teaching
- 67% independent learning
- Assessment:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
- 69% written exam
- 31% coursework
Year 2
- 33% scheduled learning & teaching
- 67% independent learning
- Assessment:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
- 80% written exam
- 20% coursework
Year 3
- 25% scheduled learning & teaching
- 75% independent learning
- Assessment:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
- 65% written exam
- 35% coursework
Year 4
- 16% scheduled learning & teaching
- 84% independent learning
- Assessment:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- written and practical exams
- 30% written exam
- 70% coursework
Careers and Employability
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Problem solving
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- Aerospace and defence
- Education
- Energy/Renewable energy
- Engineering
- Health and medicine
- Manufacturing
- Meteorology and climate change
- Nanotechnology
- Oil and gas
- Science and telecommunications
Careers directly related to this course:
- Academic researcher
- Acoustic consultant
- Astronomer
- Meteorologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Research scientist
- Secondary school teacher
- Sound engineer
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
Wider career opportunities:
- Actuary
- Actuarial analyst
- Applications developer
- Operational researcher
- Quantity surveyor
- Prosthetist
- Telecommunications researcher
- Nuclear engineer
- Financial manager
- Financial trader
Fees, Costs, and Funding
Tuition Fees
- Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535
- EU and international students pay £25,200
What Your Fees Pay For
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Bursaries, Scholarships, and Other Funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and Grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support During Your Course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and International Students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
