University of Southampton
Mathematical Physics MMath (Hons)
University of Southampton

Key Course Facts

Course Description

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. Southampton is ranked 11th in the UK for Mathematics (Guardian University Guide 2021).

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 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.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 85 graduates of Mathematical Physics MMath (Hons) and other courses in at University of Southampton for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in .

Overall student satisfaction
77 /100
85 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 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 £25500 £29500 £33000
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £31000 £25000 - £34000 £27000 - £44000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Physics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27308 £28185 £34541
25-75 percentile range £23316 - £31999 £22362 - £36305 £26092 - £46368

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 Mathematical Physics MMath (Hons) at University of Southampton

20% Engineering professionals
15% Information Technology Professionals
15% Teaching Professionals
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Sales occupations
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Web and Multimedia Design Professionals

Grading & Study Time

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.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Typical offer: AAA or AABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and Physics (minimum grade A) 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 to include grade A in the EPQ, and including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and Physics (minimum grade A) Contextual offer: AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and Physics (minimum grade A) 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. Offers typically exclude General Studies, Use of Mathematics and Critical Thinking. If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and French (minimum grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

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" 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.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A-level Mathematics and Physics (minimum grade A) 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.

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 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.

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 [email protected] 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 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.

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

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics (minimum grade A) 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.

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

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.

Typical offer: Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points at Higher Level, including ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’, grade 6 at Higher Level (However, ‘Analysis and Approaches’ is preferred) and Physics grade 6 at Higher Level 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. 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.

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

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

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics and Physics (minimum grade A) 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.

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 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.

Typical offer: D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics at D3 Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer 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.

English Language proficiency for international students: 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. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage at http://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page. AQA Tech Levels: The University accepts the new AQA Tech Level qualification, which must be offered in combination with at least one A Level. For degrees in Engineering, Computing and related subjects, the A Level must be in Mathematics and the units M1 and M2 must be taken. We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate, Foundation Programmes. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to the A level applicant. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Admissions Team at [email protected]

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Mathematical Physics, MMath (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees Mathematical Physics MMath (Hons)

Ireland £9250 year 1
International £19300 year 1
EU £19300 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

Additional fee information

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

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, 2024

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)

University Rankings

Positions of University of Southampton in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Southampton in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #8 
    • #18 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #17 
    • #27 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #20 
    • #32 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #36 
    • #62 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #40 
    • #70 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #6 
    • #87 
    Physical Sciences
    Nature Index - Top Academic Institutions by Subject
    [Published 16 June, 2022]
    • #8 
    • #89 
    Physical Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #65 
    • #175 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #73 
    • #224 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #20 
    • #26 
    Physics
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 24 September, 2022]
    • #8 
    • #76 
    Physics
    ARWU by subject - Academic Ranking of World Universities - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 26 May, 2021]
    • #7 
    • #83 
    Physics
    NTU by Subject
    [Published 20 October, 2021]
    • #17 
    • #22 
    Physics & Astronomy
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]
    • #6 
    • #55 
    Physics & Astronomy
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 20 April, 2022]

See all 34 university rankings of University of Southampton

About University of Southampton

The University of Southampton, often abbreviated to Soton, is a research university located in Southampton, England. Although the university was founded in 1862, it has only enjoyed full university status from 1952 onwards. The university has five campuses in total, with the main one based in the Highfield area of Southampton.

Student composition of University of Southampton

Students by level of study Academic year 2020/21 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on 10 February 2022
undergraduates:
14055
postgraduates:
6000
Total:
20055
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Where is this programme taught

Southampton
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Main Site - Highfield Campus
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