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Explore the mathematics of the natural world with MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics. Blend your interest in maths and physics on our joint honours integrated Masters level programme and open up a range of career opportunities.
Learn how to use mathematical techniques and analysis to advance our understanding of the universe. Join us and investigate complex theoretical concepts as you build your problem-solving, programming, teamwork and experimental skills.
This 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'.
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.
Join our four year full time MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics comprising of taught and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in a number of ways, including exams, class tests, problem sheets, lab assignments and project reports.
You will get an overview of core physics and maths principles, going over both content you'll have encountered before at school and content you've never seen before, covering quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, linear algebra, and chaos.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
in the UK for Physics & Astronomy
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
in the UK for Physics & Astronomy
Complete University Guide 2025.
in the UK for Physics & Astronomy
The Guardian University Guide 2025.
Develop your core knowledge of modern physics and maths with studies in quantum mechanics and mathematical applications. You'll learn from experts in the Schools of Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy.
Choose whether you want to include experimental lab work and you’ll have options for specialist topics such as nuclear physics, exoplanets and applied mathematical analysis.
During your final year you’ll apply your knowledge to an individual project, developing high-level research skills and deepen your understanding with advanced modules.
Our research spaces include our own particle accelerator, our MC40 cyclotron and labs used for the construction of the detectors and electronics in experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN.
As a Birmingham Physics graduate, you'll have a broad range of options for the future either working directly in a scientific environment or using transferable skills in different roles.
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Our teaching at Birmingham is research-led, meaning the content is written and performed by experts in their respective fields, so a contemporary view of physics today is taught. With many optional modules available, you can tailor their degree and learning experience to match your interests.
You can benefit from our incredible facilities, including state-of-the-art study spaces, computing suites and laboratories. Our research spaces includes our own particle accelerator, our MC40 cyclotron, and labs used for the construction of the detectors and electronics used in the experiments at the Large Hadron Collider, CERN.
Work alongside renowned academics who are pushing the frontiers of scientific knowledge. Our researchers will teach your lectures, lead your labs, act as your personal tutors and supervise your projects.
Modules are assessed in a variety of ways: exams, class tests, problem sheets, lab assignments and project reports.
There is a strong emphasis on project work in the final year of your degree course. Lab work is assessed continuously throughout the term.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each year contains 120 credits of taught material and laboratory studies, delivered in modules that are typically worth 10 or 20 credits.
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Mechanics | 10 | Semester 2 |
Chaos and Non-linear Systems B | 10 | Semester 2 |
Communication Skills and Data Analysis | 10 | Semester 1 |
Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter | 20 | Semester 2 |
Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves | 10 | Semester 1 |
Real Analysis | 20 | Full Term |
Sequences and Series | 10 | Semester 1 |
Special Relativity and Probability and Random Processes | 10 | Semester 1 |
Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra | 20 | Full Term |
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
A*A*A to include A level Mathematics A*, A level Physics A* and A in one further subject, see below for details.
7,7,6 at HL, to include Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics and Physics.
options considered when combined with other Maths and Physics qualifications.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics A*, A-level Physics A* and A in one further subject (which can include Further Mathematics) OR A-level Mathematics A*, Further Mathematics A*, Physics A.
General Studies not accepted.
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
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. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
A*A*C to include A*A* in Maths and Physics OR A*A*C including A* in Maths and A*C in Physics & Further Maths
A*A*B to include A*A* in Maths and Physics OR A*A*B including A* in Maths and A*B in Physics & Further Maths
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
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 for UK students. 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.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
The UCAS code for this course is F3DG.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
As a graduate in Physics, your 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.
40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD.
Prepare for diverse careers, including Scientific Researcher, Medical Physicist, Energy Consultant, Meteorologist, Statistician and Business consultant, Software Developer, Financial Modeller.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.