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, exclusively for maths students - Use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R' The programme will take you to the frontier of knowledge in this exciting field, allowing you to study as an undergraduate, material that would normally be taught at MSc level. Southampton mathematics graduates are in great demand. Many employers look for graduates with strong problem-solving skills who can develop sound analytical arguments. Depending on your degree specialism, a wide range of career destinations are available including mathematician, statistician, actuary and financial analyst. Our graduates are employed by organisations including Deloitte, British Airways, IBM, Amazon UK and Formula 1 racing teams and earn on average £36,700 with over **97% in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating** (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23, published 2025).
A Level: AAA | Typical offer: AAA or AABB including grade A in Mathematics and Physics 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 grade A in Mathematics and Physics plus grade A in the EPQ Offers typically exclude General Studies, Use of Mathematics and Critical Thinking. If STEP is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including grade A in Mathematics and Physics and grade 2 in STEP. | Scottish Higher | We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" | Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF): DD | DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) | Access to HE Diploma: 45 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | Access to HE Diploma | Typical offer: 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 | GCSE/National 4/National 5 Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) | Scottish Advanced Higher | 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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Social, Human and Mathematical Sciences Admissions Office at ugapply.fshms@southampton.ac.uk for more information. Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 | Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD | DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A-level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) | Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF): D | D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Mathematics and Physics (grade A) | Extended Project: A | The University of Southampton values the Extended Project Qualification. Applicants taking the EPQ in addition to three A Levels may also be made an alternative offer one grade below the standard offer, conditional on an A grade in the EPQ. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 36 UCAS points | Typical offer: Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including grade 6 in ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ and grade 6 in Physics at Higher Level (However, ‘Analysis and Approaches’ is preferred) International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): 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. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: A | AAA from three A levels including Mathematics and Physics or AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDD | DDD in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus grade A in A-level Mathematics and Physics | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H1H1H2H2H2H2 | H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2 | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3D3D3 | Typical offer: 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
with no component below 6.0
You will study a variety of topics that cover the fundamental aspects of Mathematical Physics. With the opportunity to take both physics and mathematics modules throughout your degree, students will emerge with a strong understanding of the forces of nature, quantum theory, and General Relativity. Some of the modules you may study include Quantum Physics; Cosmology; and Particle Physics. For further module information visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/mathematical-physics-degree-mmath#modules
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
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