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Mathematical Physics (MMath)

  • MMath (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

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.

Modules

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

Assessment method

You will be assessed in a variety of ways such as coursework, tests and exams, enabling you to demonstrate your strengths and show what you have learnt.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • MMath (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
FF34
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
29 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:
FF34
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

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.

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

Access to HE Diploma - D: 45 credits

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

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 Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A level Mathematics and Physics (grade A)

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

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A-level Mathematics and Physics (grade A)

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

DD in the BTEC 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

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A

Typical offer: AAA from 3 A levels including Mathematics and Physics or Alternative offer: AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

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.

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

H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics at H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3

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

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant. As A level Mathematics and Physics are required for this programme, all equivalent qualifications also need an equivalent of A level Mathematics and Physics, grade A.

For more details on the suitability of your qualifications please contact the Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.SS@soton.ac.uk

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton 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

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£25200Year 1
International£25200Year 1

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

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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