Royal Holloway, University of London
Mathematics and Physics Msci (Hons)
Royal Holloway, University of London

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Overall student satisfaction
79 /100
35 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Physics

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Physics at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25000 £29500 £32000
25-75 percentile range £22500 - £31000 £23000 - £35000 £23500 - £44500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £28407 £28185 £34541
25-75 percentile range £24644 - £33731 £22362 - £36305 £26092 - £46368

Course Description

This intensive four-year programme allows you to explore the logical interplay between mathematics and physics and split your time equally between the two. It is accredited by the Institute of Physics. Mathematics has gone hand-in-glove with physics since the time of Newton. Physics is widely conceived as the most fundamental of sciences in that all other branches can be said to derive from its theories and principles, but it couldn’t be studied without a strong working knowledge and appreciation of mathematics. As well as covering all the core theories and principles of physics, you will delve deep into the world of abstract mathematical ideas and explore their wide range of applications in the world around us.

You will be welcomed into a vibrant, friendly learning environment and guided by world-class researchers and teachers who offer generous office hours. While the joint degree is arguably more challenging than a single honours degree, it will equip you with an enviable set of skills to set you apart in the world of work. By combining physics and mathematics you will have the opportunity to approach mathematics from a more rigorous point of view, giving you a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of core physics topics such as quantum theory and general relativity. Because the first year of our BSc and MSci programmes is the same, you will have the option of transferring onto the second year of the three-year BSc programme if you prefer.

Our MSci course covers all of the core topics of a physics degree, although some of the laboratory components from the physics degree will be reduced to make way for the mathematics teaching. In years 3 and 4, you will have the flexibility to specialise more in physics or mathematics based study and research, according to your own interests. In your final year you will also have the opportunity to take your chosen area to a higher level through a major project and research review.

Our Department of Mathematics is internationally renowned for its work in pure mathematics, information security, statistics and theoretical physics, while our Department of Physics is one of the most respected centres for physics teaching and research in the UK, boasting cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities and dedicated technical support. There is an astronomical dome on the roof of the department and thanks to our parkland location, away from the big city, our telescopes enjoy the best observational capacities of the University of London campuses.

Take your mathematics and physics to the highest levels and undertake a major project and research review.

Learn from inspirational mathematicians

Our physics research is expanding in new and exciting directions, including strategic partnerships with CERN, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), SNOLAB and industry at large.

Both departments put a real emphasis on small group teaching. You will be studying in a close-knit, friendly and supportive environment with a high staff to student ratio.

Our Department of Physics has been awarded IOP Juno Champion and Athena SWAN silver awards for best practice in promoting women in science and welcoming large cohorts of female students.

Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Mathematics and Physics Msci (Hons) at Royal Holloway, University of London

20% Other Educational Professionals
15% Information Technology Professionals
10% Finance Professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Quality and Regulatory Professionals
10% Welfare and housing associate professionals
10% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
5% Caring personal services

Grading & Study Time

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Physics

Qualification requirements

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

D*D in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics. or DD in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level maths. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

Access to HE Diploma

Including one in a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A Level English at grade B. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Including one in a relevant subject/science (90 UCAS tariff points)

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus AB in two A Levels to include English. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on [email protected] to discuss your situation

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • (minimum 7.0 in Writing)
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Mathematics and Physics, Msci (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Mathematics and Physics Msci (Hons)

EU £23800 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
International £23800 year 1

Additional fee information

The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. For students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25, the fee is £9,250 for that year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such annual rise has not yet been set for courses starting in 2024 but will advertised here once confirmed.  For further information see fees and funding and our terms and conditions.

These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)
  • year 2

University Rankings

Positions of Royal Holloway, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London in related subject specific rankings.

Mathematics

    • #21 
    • #28 
    Mathematics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #43 
    • #55 
    Mathematics
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

See all 27 university rankings of Royal Holloway, University of London

About Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London, was founded in 1886, and is located in the suburban setting of Egham, South East England. The campus is home to an impressive Victorian era Picture Gallery, which serves as a museum for a collection of highly-valued art. The Royal Holloway Founder’s Building, the main feature of the campus, is where students will find their on-site accommodation, as well as the old style but extensively equipped library.

List of 336 Bachelor and Master Courses from Royal Holloway, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Royal Holloway, University of London

undergraduates:
9410
postgraduates:
2340
Total:
11750
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Where is this programme taught

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