Program Overview

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MSci Mathematics and Physics (GFC3)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for both physics and mathematics research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem but also appreciate the applications of mathematics in areas of physics and want access to the exciting and specialised subjects offered by the School of Physics, then this four-year, joint-honours course can offer you both.

Your mathematics study will focus on the areas of applied mathematics that are most linked to physics, such as the mathematical modelling of physical problems through differential equations; quantum information theory; and random matrix theory. You will also cover a range of topics in physics, such as special relativity, electromagnetism and superconductors.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Mathematics and Physics MSci is accredited by IOP.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: AAA
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course.

Application method

• UCAS (Code: GFC3)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30,400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

In the first and second years of this course, the units are fixed to provide a balanced exploration of mathematics and physics and the connection between them.

In your third and fourth years, you will have the freedom to select from a wide variety of relevant units to focus your studies on what interests you most. The four-year degree allows you to access specialised units reflecting the exciting research base at Bristol.

In your fourth year, you will complete a project in one of our cutting-edge research areas.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA including A* in Maths and A in Physics OR AAA including AA (in any order) in Maths and Further Maths, and A in Physics

A-level contextual offer

• AAA including Maths and Physics OR AAB including A in any one of Maths and Further Maths, and A in Physics

BTEC

• DDD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 40 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics.

European Baccalaureate

• 90% overall, with 9.0 in Mathematics and 8.5 in Physics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), and at least 12 credits at Distinction in Physics plus either A in A-level Mathematics, or achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Mathematics and Physics can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.