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Mathematics and Physics

Course details
  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Durham City

Course summary

Course details
The MSci Mathematics and Physics degree focuses on mathematical rigour and theoretical aspects of physics taught by discipline experts. Mathematics and Physics are closely interlinked subjects, with each providing many fascinating insights into the other. The course provides a parallel track of theoretical physics taught by the Physics Department and mathematical physics and applied mathematics options taught by the Mathematics Department.

Why Durham University?
Real-world challenges often require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Natural Sciences degrees allow students to combine either traditional Joint-Honours degrees or transcend traditional subject boundaries, bringing together a range of ideas and disciplinary perspectives.
Focus on two subjects from the outset, or choose a broader range of modules across three or four subjects. These highly flexible courses include the opportunity to undertake a year abroad or a placement year, to develop additional skills and enjoy new experiences.
Facilities will depend on the subject specialism but include laboratories, libraries, project spaces, lecture theatres, study and networking spaces as well as shared social spaces.
You will also benefit from excellent IT facilities including Learn Ultra, Durham’s virtual learning environment. You will have access to up to 1.6 million printed books, 25,000 eJournals and over 850,000 eBooks in the main library.

Rankings
90% of courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024
50th in the World for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2024
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2024
2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 for Natural Sciences

Career Opportunities
Graduates acquire a valuable range of subject-specific skills across disciplines with the capacity to make creative connections. They are highly employable in a diverse range of careers and sectors.
Natural Sciences graduates have the academic knowledge, flexibility and technical skills to take on roles including consulting, accounting, banking and investment, research, software engineer, data scientist, international development, and government.

Subject options

This course offers the following subject options:

  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment method

The majority of modules are assessed entirely through examination with others including online tests or an element of coursework (which may involve problem solving exercises, written reports, practical work and assignments).

The final-year advanced Project is an opportunity to bring your prior learning to a project of your choice. The Project, which is assessed through a combination of oral and written presentation, is a significant piece of independent research completed under the supervision of an academic from your chosen specialism.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G430
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus Code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - A*AA

Either A* in Maths and AA in Physics and Further Maths, or A* in Further Maths and AA in Maths and Physics, or A* in Maths and A in Physics and another A Level and A in AS Further Maths.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD

Also required- A* in Maths and AA in Physics and Further Maths, or A* in Further Maths and AA in Maths and Physics, or A* in Maths and A in Physics and another A Level and A in AS Further Maths.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits

Also required- A* in Maths and AA in Physics and Further Maths, or A* in Further Maths and AA in Maths and Physics, or A* in Maths and A in Physics and another A Level and A in AS Further Maths.

Scottish Higher - AAAAA

We normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If you’ve not been able to take three Advanced Highers, then we’ll consider a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or just Highers (if your school doesn’t offer Advanced Highers at all). Advanced Highers in Maths and Physics are required.

Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA

Advanced Highers in Maths and Physics are required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points

Including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and Higher Level Physics and 66 in two other Higher Level subjects.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted

Extended Project - Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H2, H2, H2

Including H1 in Maths and H2 in Physics.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - Not accepted

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD

Also required- A* in Maths and AA in Physics and Further Maths, or A* in Further Maths and AA in Maths and Physics, or A* in Maths and A in Physics and another A Level and A in AS Further Maths. Other level 3 Cambridge Technical qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our Cambridge technical qualification equivalencies.

T Level

T levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the subject area aligns with the course applied to. Please note that additional A levels or equivalent may be required to study certain courses. If you’re interested in applying, then please Ask Us and we’ll see if we’re able to consider this for you: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

If you’re taking other qualifications not listed above, please check our qualification pages to see if we accept these: www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/

If you have a non-standard academic profile, then ask us about it here:

www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Deferred entry is considered on a case-by-case basis where applicants have exceptional circumstances. If you’d like to apply for deferred entry, please ask us about it before applying: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component under 6.0
TOEFL (iBT)92with no component under 23
Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/

English Language requirements https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

AAB including either AA in Maths and Further Maths at A level and B in Physics, or AAB with AA in Maths and Physics, and A in AS Further Maths.

Learn more on the Durham University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2026/27 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed on the www.durham.ac.uk/study website once approved.

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Durham University will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, Durham University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals, subject to an inflationary cap, but at no time more than 10-15% of your total tuition fees.

There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.

Sponsorship information

Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

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