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Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc

Start date
September
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
FG31
Course Type
Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025/26 are as follows:
£9,535 (UK)
£28,130 (International)
Further fee information

If you are equally drawn to studying for a degree in maths and a degree in physics, then this Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc programme is for you. The course is a joint honours degree between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics.

 Our Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc degree course draws on the expertise of Birmingham physicists and mathematicians engaged in cutting-edge research.

Initially your time is split evenly between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics, in later years you can choose to focus on one or keep options from both. As the two Schools are physically located next door to one another and the subjects themselves are close neighbours too, this joint honours course is unique in providing you a cohesive programme of study with plenty of choice.

Modern applied mathematics has provided many concepts that have revolutionised physical thought in unexpected directions. What can you bring?

Why study Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc at Birmingham?

  • Very broad range of leading research leading to a wide range of optional modules and projects
  • High employability rate, including a high percentage who go on to do PhDs. Employability is embedded through the course
  • Friendly and supportive environment. Year 1 and year 2 have weekly tutorials with one academic member of staff and no more than 4 students. Lecturers have open door policy. Elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to resolve any issues quickly
  • Flexibility between our range of specialised courses

  • BSc and MSci identical for first two years so don’t need to make final decision between the two until end of second year.

Accredited degree

Institute of Physics logoThis course is accredited by the Institute of Physics. The summary reads:
'This is a major and important physics department residing in one of the UK's premier universities. It is highly organised, well-run and benefits from a dedicated set of academic staff. Physics is presented through well-planned degree programmes, supported by a range of excellent facilities'.

Meet LinusLinus in a building atrium

Linus is a 3rd year Theoretical Physics student at Birmingham and will be regularly blogging about his experiences at Birmingham. In his spare time, he enjoys going out and exploring Birmingham, reading, playing the clarinet, and listening to music. Linus also enjoys playing handball.

Read Linus's blogs >> 

The MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics course is an amazing opportunity for students who want to study topics in both physics and maths from lecturers who are genuinely passionate about their research. Whilst the course has been academically challenging, I found that the members of staff were always happy to help with any questions I had. Additionally, weekly tutorials in the first two years of the programme allowed me to work through any problems I had with my tutor. As the cohort for the course was small, I found it easy to build friendships with other students. This was helpful as it meant that there was an environment where everyone could approach and help each other out.

Sandeep Shirgill, MSci Theoretical and Mathematical Physics

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Core modules

You must EITHER take Research Skills in Mathematics (20 credits) OR Current Topics in Theoretical Physics (10 credits) AND Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 (10 credits)

You must also choose one of the following modules:

Optional modules

Choose 50-60 credits (depending on core choices above). Minimum of 20 Physics and 20 Mathematics modules must be taken. Example modules listed below:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2025. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Annual tuition fees 2025/26

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

  • £9,535
  • £28,130 - International

Visit our tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

  

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code FG31.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View advice on how to apply for undergraduate courses.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
A*AA
Required subjects and grades:
A level Mathematics A*, A level Physics A
General Studies:
Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma

7,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics 7 and Physics 6, with a minimum of 32 points overall.

BTEC 

Only considered when combined with other Mathematics and Physics qualifications.

Other qualifications are considered, please contact the admissions tutor for more information, or learn more about entry requirements.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications, please contact the admissions tutor for more information.

 

Standard English language requirements apply, learn more about international entry requirements.

At Birmingham, you will you benefit from our national and internationally leading expertise in a broad range of physics and mathematics areas. Our researchers will teach your lectures, lead your labs, act as your personal tutors and supervise your projects. That means you’ll be working alongside renowned academics that are pushing the frontiers of scientific knowledge.

How you will learn

Most modules are delivered in the form of traditional lectures given by active physics or mathematics researchers. You will also learn through tutorials, examples classes and guided study. Computing and transferrable skills are also interwoven into your studies.

How you will be assessed

Modules are assessed in a variety of ways: exams, class tests, problem sheets and project reports. There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of your degree course.

Your personal tutor

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor for each of the first two years. You’ll meet them once a week, in a group of no more than four students. These tutorials give you the chance to chat through any areas of confusion from the previous week's studies and an opportunity to review feedback on marked assessed work. They are also an opportunity to chat about any areas of Physics that interest you.

Personal tutors are also your first point of call for pastoral support, although we also have a wellbeing officer if you want to chat to someone else about issues that are troubling you. Weekly tutorials are not held in the third year due to the increasing specialism of your work, so you will talk to specific lecturers about your modules, as necessary.

Lecturers and world-leading researchers

You will be taught by lecturers and researchers that are world leaders in their fields; several of our Physicists have been part of some of the most celebrated scientific discoveries in recent years – the direct detection of gravitational waves and the discovery of the Higgs boson – and many more are at the forefront of research into cold atoms, molecular physics, metamaterials, nanophysics and nuclear physics. Our Mathematicians are experts in areas such as Mathematical Biology, Nonlinear Systems, Geometry and Topology, to name a few. As well as being world-renowned for their research, our academics are passionate about passing on their knowledge and expertise.

Contact Hours

Throughout our Physics programmes you can expect an average of about 20 hours of contact time per week comprising of lectures, example classes and tutorials. These figures may vary due to module choice and progression.

As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology. 

Physicists are problem solvers at heart, and throughout your degree you’ll learn how to tackle a variety of problems so you can apply your breadth of understanding to many different areas.

Over 40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD, a route open to you directly after completing an MSci degree. As well as being the main route into academic research, a PhD also opens the door to many careers that need specific advanced scientific knowledge. The most compelling reason to do a PhD is love of the subject, and the high number of our graduates choosing this route illustrates the satisfaction of students who study with us. The remaining third of students who carry on to further study either take a specialised postgraduate masters in subjects such as a very specific branch of physics, or engineering or computing, or they are pursuing a postgraduate teaching qualification such as a PGCE or PGdipEd.

Graduates who have studied our courses:

Example employers

  • NASA
  • NHS - Medical Physics
  • Rolls-Royce
  • EDF Energy
  • BAE Systems
  • Barclays Capital
  • PriceWaterhouse Coopers
  • Accenture - Technology Services

Example careers

  • Scientific researcher
  • Medical physicist
  • Energy consultant
  • Defence analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Statistician
  • Financial services analyst
  • Business consultant

I am now a Management Consultant, focusing specifically on Operational Excellence within the private sector. This means that I am part of a team that helps firms to make their processes more efficient, optimise their workforce and organisational structure, and reduce cost.

Although I don’t use my physics knowledge directly, the skills that I developed make me stand out. Problem-solving skills are highly valued, along with being able to draw insights from data analysis – “what is this really telling us?” as opposed to just presenting the numbers. Working as a consultant means that I get to experience lots of different industries.

Phoebe Cunnane, alumna, MSci Physics.

Careers Network

We provide a wealth of opportunities to develop your career. From your first day at Birmingham to after you graduate, the Careers Network  is here to help you identify and achieve your individual career aspirations through its wide range of services.

Our dedicated careers team brings you information, advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Careers advisers offer one-to-one advice appointments where you can discuss your career plans and explore your options. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

Professional Accreditation

Accredited degree

Institute of Physics logoThis course is accredited by the Institute of Physics. The summary reads:
'This is a major and important physics department residing in one of the UK's premier universities. It is highly organised, well-run and benefits from a dedicated set of academic staff. Physics is presented through well-planned degree programmes, supported by a range of excellent facilities'.