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Mathematical Physics

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Ever since Newton’s theories of motion and gravity, the fields of physics and mathematics have been interlinked. This accredited course is taught by the Schools of Mathematical Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy. It uses advanced mathematics to further your understanding of how our universe works.

It offers a solid foundation in theoretical physics and associated mathematical topics. Optional modules such as Relativity, Differential Geometry, and Black Holes give you the opportunity to specialise in the areas that interest you the most.

We have a proud history of learning and innovation. Research undertaken within the School of Physics and Astronomy, by Professor Sir Peter Mansfield, was recognised with a 2003 Nobel Prize for the invention of Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. This technology has already helped more than half a billion people worldwide. More recently, our use of quantum technologies to understand how the brain works is changing the way that neurological conditions are detected and treated.

Our research activities cover cutting-edge topics ranging from probing quantum mechanics at ultralow temperatures to understanding the largest structures in the Universe.

Our courses offer a wide range of optional modules, so you can explore new areas of physics and specialise in the ones that interest you the most. You can study topics as diverse as cosmology, quantum physics, and medical imaging and learn from experts in those fields. What’s more, there is flexibility to transfer between most physics courses after the first year.

Some of our teaching staff share their love of physics with budding scientists worldwide through the popular Sixty Symbols YouTube channel. Our unique, student centred MSci course offers innovative teaching methods, with few to no exams in the final year.

We encourage students to share their fascination with physics with the wider community through our outreach programme. This programme can help you further develop skills such as organisation, communication and team working. We also have an active student society, PhysSoc, which organises social events throughout the year. Our mentoring scheme gives new starters the opportunity to connect with more experienced physics students, helping you settle into university life.

Why choose this course?
Course highlights

  • Study specialist modules in mathematical physics and work closely with our expert staff on research projects.

  • Get hands-on experience with the opportunity of a paid research internship in the summer.

  • Combine advanced mathematics taught by the School of Mathematical Sciences and theoretical physics led by the School of Physics and Astronomy.


    Proven results

  • We’re ranked top 20 for physics and astronomy in the Complete University Guide and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.

  • 90.6% of physics and astronomy graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both three years after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

Modules

Course Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Mathematical-Physics-BSc-Hons.html

Assessment method

For detailed information about the course assessment methods please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Mathematical-Physics-BSc-Hons.html

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Physics, Institute of

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
F326
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham 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
13 January 2027

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:
F326
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

Including Mathematics and Physics, plus one other academic subject at A level, or equivalent, excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAABB

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA including Maths and Physics.

Access to HE Diploma

Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis, when combined with A Level Mathematics

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

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 34

including Higher Level 6 in Physics and Higher Level 6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.

Alternatively, 6,6,6 from 3 Higher Level certificates including Higher Level Physics and Mathematics Analysis and Approaches.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Contact the school directly – considered on an individual basis.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA in Maths and Physics in any order. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
A

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A level grades AA including Maths and Physics. A pass in the practical element is required for this qualification if assessed separately.

GCSE requirements - English grade C (numeric grade 4).

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

  • Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/applying/entry-requirements.html

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) English language requirements As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language.aspx For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/presessional/index.aspx If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

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.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

International entry requirements

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Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/index.aspx

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