| UCAS code | FG31 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Mathematics |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAA-AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Overview
- Explore the interplay between mathematics and physics and choose from a wide range of optional modules across both subjects
- Specialise in areas such as the physics of living systems, observing the universe or geophysical fluid dynamics
- Learn from staff who are active and internationally recognised researchers across a wide range of applied, pure and theoretical topics
- Join close-knit and supportive subject societies with regular events throughout the year
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
16th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Explore the interplay between these two fascinating and complimentary subjects
Study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and China
Active and supportive subject societies with great social events throughout the year
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA-AAB | GCE AL grade A in Mathematics and B in Physics |
| IB | 36/666-34/665 | HL 6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL 5 and Physics |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve Grades A Mathematics and B in A Level Physics |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in Mathematics and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade in Physics subject areas. An additional Maths Test may be required. |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABB-ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International Foundation programmes
Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The concepts and phenomena you’ll meet in year one are many and varied. You’ll develop your understanding of physics while being introduced to core areas of university-level mathematics, consolidating and building on the material you’ll have learned at school or college.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1001 | Mathematical Structures | 30 |
| PHY1021 | Vector Mechanics | 15 |
| PHY1023 | Waves and Optics | 15 |
| PHY1024 | Properties of Matter | 15 |
| PHY1025 | Mathematics Skills | 15 |
| PHY1026 | Mathematics for Physicists | 15 |
| PHY1030 | Practical Physics and IT Skills | 15 |
| MTH1000 | Foundations | 0 |
Year 2 builds on the firm foundation in mathematics and physics gained in year one, and the principles that constitute the framework of the two subjects. You’ll take core physics modules in Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics while exploring the use of mathematics to give these principles a precise form. The core Algebra module will cover concepts and techniques that are widely used in many areas of mathematics. Optional modules give you the opportunity to learn about more specialised topics, and will inform your third year of study.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY2021 | Electromagnetism I | 15 |
| PHY2022 | Quantum Mechanics I | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 30 Credits | ||
| MTH2008 | Real Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2009 | Complex Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2010 | Groups, Rings and Fields | 15 |
| MTH2011 | Linear Algebra | 15 |
| Select 30 credits: You must select either MTH modules or both PHY modules. | ||
| MTH2003 | Differential Equations | 15 |
| MTH2004 | Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 |
| MTH2008 | Real Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2009 | Complex Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2010 | Groups, Rings and Fields | 15 |
| MTH2011 | Linear Algebra | 15 |
| PHY2025 | Mathematics with Physical Applications | 15 |
| PHY2026 | Practical Physics II | 15 |
| Select 15 credits: | ||
| PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | 15 |
| PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | 15 |
| Select 15 credits: If you select PHY2034 from the option group below you must select PHY2024 from the option group above | ||
| PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | 15 |
| PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | 15 |
| PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | 15 |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 |
| PHY2032 | Analytical and Chaotic Dynamics | 15 |
| PHY2034 | Lasers, Materials and Nanoscale Probes for Quantum Applications | 15 |
| PHY2222 | Physics of Climate Change | 15 |
In your final year you’ll to apply the core principles of maths and physics in a broad range of important areas. You will take a core module in Nuclear Physics and an advanced Electromagnetism course, as well as undertaking an extended project which may be theoretical or experimental. You’ll also you have the opportunity to choose from a very wide range of optional modules, ranging from Pure Maths (e.g. Combinatorics) to Applied Maths (e.g. Mathematics of Climate Change), and including topics such as Biophysics and Astrophysics.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHY3055 | Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics | 15 |
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Physics | 15 |
| PHY3147 | One-Semester Physics Project and Report | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select between 45 and 60 credits: | ||
| MTH3001 | Theory of Weather and Climate | 15 |
| MTH3006 | Mathematical Biology and Ecology | 15 |
| MTH3004 | Number Theory | 15 |
| MTH3007 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 |
| MTH3008 | Partial Differential Equations | 15 |
| MTH3011 | Nonlinear Systems and Control | 15 |
| MTH3013 | Applied Differential Geometry | 15 |
| MTH3019 | Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 |
| MTH3022 | Graphs, Networks and Algorithms | 15 |
| MTH3024 | Stochastic Processes | 15 |
| MTH3026 | Cryptography | 15 |
| MTH3030 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 |
| MTH3038 | Galois Theory | 15 |
| MTH3039 | Computational Nonlinear Dynamics | 15 |
| MTH3040 | Topology and Metric Spaces | 15 |
| MTH3042 | Integral Equations | 15 |
| MTH3050 | Functional Analysis | 15 |
| EMP3001 | Commercial and Industrial Experience | 15 |
| MTH3*** | Mathematics option at level 3 | 15 |
| Select between 15 to 30 credits: | ||
| PHY3062 | Methods of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3064 | Nanostructures and Graphene Science | 15 |
| PHY3066 | Galaxies and High Energy Astrophysics | 15 |
| PHY3068 | Principles of Theoretical Physics | 15 |
| PHY3070 | Stars from Birth to Death | 15 |
| PHY3220 | Fluid Dynamics in Physics and Astronomy | 15 |
| PHY3222 | Energy, Materials and Sustainability | 15 |
Accreditations
Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £27,000 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
In a typical week you will spend 15 hours in a formal teaching environment, and be expected to spend a further 20 hours in independent study. The contact time is comprised of lectures and seminars, with support from weekly problems classes in physics and small group tutorials. You’ll also have sessions in the physics teaching laboratory and the IT suite.
Virtual learning environment
We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching. Through our virtual learning environment you can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes, as well as sets of lecture slides/notes, example and problem-sheets, videos, and interact through activities such as the discussion forums. Video recordings of lectures are normally made available to aid your revision.
Experimental and Theoretical skills
Experimental skills are acquired in the Physics laboratories and astronomical observatory, and here you are introduced to a wide range of apparatus and techniques. Training in mathematical and theoretical techniques are provided by our methods and computational modules. By the time you reach the start of their extended project work, you will have received the necessary preparation to undertake it with confidence in either experimental or theoretical topics, and these projects are tackled with great enthusiasm and energy.
Student support
We will fully support you as a student in a friendly environment: you will receive individual attention and feedback throughout your programme. Further support is available at lunchtime mathematics surgeries run by postgraduate students. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics so coursework is set in each module.
Weekly tutorials and problems in classes complement lectures and form the core of our academic support in Physics. You’ll meet with your tutor (a professor or lecturer) and four or five other students for one hour during every teaching week of your programme. These sessions are your opportunity to discuss any element of your academic studies. Throughout your time in Exeter, your tutor will also be your first point of call for pastoral support and will advise about the availability of University services including wellbeing, disability and financial help.
Assessment
Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree. This is particularly important for both Physics and Mathematics, as the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses. Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year. Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.
Your future
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist mathematical fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the skills employers are looking for.
Industrial experience
As part of your degree, you can choose to take an optional Commercial and Industrial Experience module during the vacation before your third year. This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree programme. Professional experience not only develops your CV but helps you to determine your career aspirations.
Your curriculum has been developed with partners, including IBM, the Met Office, South West Water, Black Swan and Oxygen House. Throughout your studies you will conduct individual and group projects using real world data sets. Modules will use current industry methods, platforms, software and data, to ensure that they are fully reflective of workplace practice.
We’ve designed our degrees with employability firmly in mind. As well as hard skills such as programming and data analysis, you’ll develop important work place skills such as communication, presentation and teamwork.
There is an established strong market demand for suitably skilled data scientists and data science skills are increasingly being sought across many sectors, particularly by the finance and accounting industries, supermarkets, online retailers such as Amazon and the NHS.
You’ll be able to meet with local and national employers who regularly visit the university to engage with students, hosting mock interviews, CV workshops, drop-ins and lectures. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the day to day activities of their business and recruitment opportunities. Our Careers Service also host a wealth of employer activity, such as Careers Fairs, so you’ll never be short of chances to network with potential employers.
Career paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Mathematics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Analyst Programmer
- Business Analyst
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Data Science Developer
- Investment Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Tax Manager
