Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions
Email:ugadmissions@southampton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Physics with Mathematics
- Master of Physics
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 20 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
Summary
Mathematics is the language of physics. It is how we describe the laws of the universe and test the limits of what we know.
On this MPhys Physics with Mathematics degree, you will bring theory and application together, combining experimental and theoretical physics with advanced mathematical study. You will explore the principles that underpin modern physics, while developing the mathematical tools needed to understand them in depth.
From quantum physics and relativity to linear algebra and vector calculus, you will build a powerful framework for solving complex problems across science and beyond.
Key features of the course
Combine physics and mathematics to develop a deeper understanding of both, from fundamental theory to real-world application.
Study core topics including quantum physics, electromagnetism, special and general relativity, alongside linear algebra and vector calculus.
Develop advanced analytical, modelling and computing skills that are highly valued across a wide range of industries.
Extend your learning through an integrated master’s, gaining the depth and experience needed for research or specialist roles.
Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will guide you throughout your time at Southampton, offering support with your studies, career planning and access to wider services if needed.
You will be part of a collaborative learning environment, working with students and academics across both physics and mathematics.
Further information
This degree opens up a broad range of career paths. Graduates go on to roles in research, engineering, data science, finance and technology.
It also provides a strong foundation for further study, including PhD-level research in physics, mathematics and related disciplines.
Modules
Course Modules
Typical modules include:
Year one: Electricity and Magnetism; Energy and Matter; Linear Algebra for Physics; Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists; Motion and Relativity; Physics Skills; Waves, Light and Quanta.
Year two: Classical Mechanics; Electromagnetism; Partial Differential Equations; Physics from Evidence I; Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics; Vector Calculus and Complex Variable; Wave Physics.
Year three: Atomic Physics; Computer Techniques in Physics; Crystalline Solids; Dissertation; Nuclei and Particles; Numerical Methods; Physics from Evidence II; Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology; Theories of Matter, Space and Time.
Year four: Advanced General Relativity; MPhys Final Year Synoptic Examination; MPhys Project; Modelling with Differential Equations; plus additional module options.
Throughout your degree, you’ll also develop key transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis and computing, which are sought after by a range employers. During year two, you’ll also have access to a programme of physics-focused career sessions, timetabled to fit in with your studies, which include application and interview workshops as well as talks from visiting professionals.
Assessment method
For MPhys programmes, assessment in the first and second year is a mixture of unseen written examinations, marked problem-based coursework and laboratory work. In the third year assessment is mainly by examination, although laboratory-based, computer-based and dissertation modules will use different assessment methods, as appropriate. In the fourth year of the MPhys programmes, laboratory work is replaced by a project of which involves continuous assessment, written reports and an oral examination.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- Master of Physics • Full-Time • 4 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:
- F3GC
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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
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:
- F3GC
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelA*AA-AAA
A*AA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A).
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ.
We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
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"
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.
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)D
D*-D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit the Foundation Year page 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.
Extended ProjectA
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme36-38
Pass, with 38-36 points overall, with 19-18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and 6 at Higher Level in physics
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics and/or physics at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
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.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
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.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate WalesA-B
AAA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A).
or
AA-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A).
or
AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1H1H2H2H2H2-H1H2H2H2H2H2
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2,H2- H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and physics.
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D*-D
D*-D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA-A*A in A-level physics and A-level mathematics or further mathematics.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year. Please visit the Foundation Year page 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.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)A-B
AAA-AAA including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA-AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
or
AAAB-AABB including physics (minimum grade A) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
AA from two A-levels including physics and either mathematics or further mathematics, plus grades AB-BB from a third A-level and the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead the lower offer. Applicants who have not studied mathematics/further mathematics and/or physics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD2D3D3-D3D3D3
D2 D3 D3 - D3 D3 D3 in three Principal subjects including physics (minimum grade D3) and either mathematics or further mathematics (minimum grade D3).
Successful applicants will be invited to visit the department and attend an optional interview. The optional interview may lead to the lower 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.
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A, grade M2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade B or M3 can be used in lieu of A level grade C.
If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/subjects/physics-astronomy
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with 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.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.
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £10050 | |
| EU & International | TBC |
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 regarding tuition fees.
We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.
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