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Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons)

3 years, starting in September 2025

This course is closed to applications from Home students for September 2025 entry. We are still accepting applications from Overseas students.

Master the logic, rigour and proof of mathematics alongside the universal principles of physics to prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Mathematics and physics are disciplines with a natural affinity. Physics cannot be studied seriously without mathematics, and applied mathematics has its roots in the analysis of fundamental equations of physics.

This course is for you if you enjoy and excel at mathematics and want to combine that knowledge with insights into the physical world. You’ll learn about the rigour and generality of mathematics and its role in formalising empirical physical laws. You'll also develop your experimental and computational expertise and strengthen your problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.

Flexibility

This course gives you the benefit of studying in two departments, deepening your knowledge and understanding of both subjects. In the first two years, you'll study core topics in mathematics and physics. In the final year, you'll carry out a substantial research project choosing from a wide range of different topics and types of project. Our wide range of final year physics and mathematics options also enable you to tailor the balance between the two subjects to meet your individual interests and preferences.

Get involved with our research

Our courses reflect the wide range of research activities in the Department. You’ll learn about nano-engines and organic electronics, investigate quantum optics, study the properties of graphene and the importance of symmetry in theoretical physics, and explore the structure and evolution of the Universe. We bring the latest developments in physics into our teaching, and you can get involved by working with us on your own research project.

Develop your professional skills

All our courses give you experience of a range of professional skills to add to your CV, including problem-solving, communications, teamwork and research. We also have staff dedicated to supporting you in your search for a placement or a graduate job, including offering CV workshops and practice interviews.

Use specialist facilities

You’ll learn experimental and computing skills in our well-equipped teaching labs. You can carry out projects with research equipment and high-performance computers in our specialist research labs. We also have strong links to research facilities and observatories in the UK and around the world.

Get ready for your future career

With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. You'll be able to work in a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as:

  • R&D
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • IT
  • Telecommunications
  • Renewable energies

Many of our graduates also go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

Learn more on our Physics Virtual Experience page

You can find out more about studying a physics degree at Bath by visiting our Physics Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.

2025/2026 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2028. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.

Year 1

Compulsory units

  • Core pure and applied mathematics A

    15 credits

  • Core pure and applied mathematics B

    15 credits

  • Foundations of physics 1

    20 credits

  • Mathematics and physics skills 1

    10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory units

  • Advanced Linear Algebra

    5 credits

  • Differential equations and vector calculus

    10 credits

  • Foundations of physics 2

    20 credits

  • Partial differential equations

    5 credits

  • Physics skills 2

    5 credits

Options

  • Year 2 options

    15 credits

Year 3

Compulsory units

  • Self-directed learning

    5 credits

Options

  • Final year project and options

    55 credits

Placement


We also offer this course with a professional placement or study abroad. You can take advantage of our links with industry and research institutions in the UK and abroad to boost your experience, gain new contacts, or try out a career option.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Laboratory sessions
  • Lectures
  • Practical sessions
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Closed book written examination
  • Open book written examination
  • Practical
  • Report
  • Set exercises
  • Visual or recorded presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Contact hours

Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 18 and 22 hours a week in your first year.

Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.

The number of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.

Independent learning

In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 13 – 22 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.

Assessment breakdown

You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These include closed and open-book examinations, problem-solving assignments, laboratory and computing assessments, project reports and presentations.

70 to 80% of your course will be assessed through examinations. 20 to 30% will be assessed through coursework, including practical work. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.

In your final year, you will carry out a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.


Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

Jasmine smiling to camera on campus
‘My advice to future students is to keep an open mind. My career goals have changed hugely since starting, and now I am applying to jobs I never knew existed.’
Jasmine Presho BSc Physics with Astrophysics with professional placement (Graduating year, 2024)

Entry requirements


Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying mathematics and physics. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

You will need a strong performance in both Mathematics and Physics as part of your entry qualifications.

You do not need to study Further Mathematics to be considered for this course.

We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

A*AA

A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Mathematics or Physics (or Further Mathematics if applicable).

Further Mathematics is not required for this course. If you do study Further Mathematics, you must still achieve A in both Maths and Physics.

Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Contextual offer

AAB

AAB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics.

Further Mathematics is not required for this course.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.

A level Alternative offer

AAA or A*AB

We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics plus one of:

  • grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
  • grade A in AS level Further Mathematics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
  • grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics
  • an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:

AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in Mathematics and A in Physics and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.

Read more about how our alternative offers work.

International Baccalaureate Typical offer

7, 6, 6 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches and Physics.

Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.

Standard Level in essential subjects.

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches is required at Higher Level.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Physics. Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 7, 6, 5 or 6, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches plus 7 in Standard Level Physics.

We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.

For this course, you will need to study Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches at Higher Level.

Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.

International Baccalaureate Certificates

If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.

If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.

For this course, you will need to study Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches at Higher Level. Your remaining qualifications must include sufficient Physical Science content.

International Baccalaureate Contextual offer

6, 6, 5 at HL

International Baccalaureate Diploma

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches and 6 in Physics.

Our contextual offers were updated in October 2024 for September 2025 entry.

We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.

Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.

Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.

Standard Level in essential subjects.

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches is required at Higher Level.

In exceptional circumstances we may be able to consider you if you are studying Standard Level Physics. Our contextual offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches plus 7 in Standard Level Physics.

Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer

D*DD plus A at A level

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.

We are able to consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science and you need to have studied as many units in Physical Science as possible. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.

Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.

BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates

We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.

You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification. Your remaining qualifications will need to include sufficient Physics or Physical Science units. If you are not studying A level Physics, please contact us to discuss the suitability of your units before making an application.

T level Typical offer

T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AA in Advanced Highers

AA in two Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics.

We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved AAAAA in their Highers.

Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

Unfortunately, the Access to HE Diploma is not a suitable route for this course. You may wish to consider our BSc Physics or Physics with Astrophysics degrees.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.

Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.

To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Mathematics (or equivalent) and either A level Physics (or equivalent) or sufficient Physical Science content.

You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.

GCSE requirements

  • GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)

Read more about how we consider GCSEs.

English language requirements

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
  • TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
  • Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
  • LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons)


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

If you choose to take 'Science Education in Practice' as an optional unit, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local secondary schools. The DBS check is payable before the start of your final year at an approximate cost of £55.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.

Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.

Application information


  • Course title
    Mathematics and Physics
  • Final award
    BSc (Hons)
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    N140
  • Institution code
    B16
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Overseas application deadline
    30 June 2025
  • Application eligibility
    Only Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries


Learn more about studying at Bath

Visit our undergraduate virtual experience page