BSc

Mathematics / Physics

Mathematics / Physics Code FG31 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

FG31

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 112

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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The Mathematics and Physics degree, at Aberystwyth University, allows you to explore two closely-related disciplines in a coherent and structured format.

You will discover the core elements of each subject area and acquire a firm knowledge of the mathematical and numerical skills that will be important to your understanding of physical concepts and natural phenomena.

Graduates of Mathematics and Physics are in significant demand across many industries such as engineering, technology and finance. 

Course Overview

Why study Mathematics and Physics at Aberystwyth?

  • Mathematics and Physics have been taught at Aberystwyth University since 1872, making the university the first in Wales to teach these subjects. On this dually-accredited degree course you will divide your time equally between these two highly-complementary academic disciplines in departments which are making ground-breaking advances in research and innovation.
  • The Department of Mathematics maintained its position as one of the best departments in Wales in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014). All of our research and the impact it has outside universities, was judged to be of international standard.
  • The Departments of Mathematics and Physics are at the forefront of Welsh-medium provision in these subjects at higher education level in Wales. Check out the module tab for more information.
Our Staff

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Department of Physics Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level and have a track record of research in their fields of specialisation.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Dynamics, Waves and Heat * PH10020 20
Electricity, Magnetism and Matter * PH11120 20
Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physics (10 Credits) * PH15510 10
Modern Physics PH14310 10
Algebra * MA10510 10
Calculus * MP10610 10
Further Algebra and Calculus * MP11010 10
Mathematical Analysis * MA11110 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Coordinate and Vector Geometry * MA10110 10
Differential Equations * MA11210 10
Probability * MA10310 10
Statistics * MA11310 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Complex Analysis * MA21510 10
Linear Algebra * MA21410 10
Electricity and Magnetism * PH22510 10
Mathematical Physics * PM26020 20
Optics PH22010 10
Principles of Quantum Mechanics PH23010 10
Thermodynamics PH21510 10

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Dynamics MA25710 10
Applied Statistics MA26620 20
Distributions and Estimation MA26010 10
Hydrodynamics 1 MA25610 10
Introduction to Abstract Algebra MA20310 10
Introduction to Numerical Analysis and its applications * MA25220 20
Real Analysis * MA20110 10

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Concepts in Condensed Matter Physics PH32410 10
Particles, Quanta and Fields PH33020 20
Practical Research Skills (10 credits) * PH35110 10
Project (20 Credits) * PH35620 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Career Prospects

Graduates in Mathematics and Physics are highly valued by employers for their skills in numeracy and problem-solving.

Graduates of Mathematics and Physics could enter careers in fields such as:

  • engineering
  • scientific writing and publishing
  • risk analysis
  • operational Research
  • business consultancy
  • medical physics
  • meteorology
  • computing
  • accounting and finance 

Transferable Skills

Studying for a degree in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:

  • research and data analysis skills
  • enhanced mathematical and computational skills
  • effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
  • a thorough grounding in information technology skills
  • the ability to work independently
  • time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
  • the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
  • self-motivation and self-reliance
  • team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement

Work experience opportunities

As a student here, you will be able to take advantage of the various opportunities that exist such as AberWorks, AberForward, YES and Go Wales.

The department supports students seeking voluntary work, particularly in the teaching of mathematics in all sectors. Further information can be obtained from the department. 

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

  • This course will develop your understanding of a wide range of theoretical, experimental and computational techniques in Mathematics and Physics, and will teach you to apply the techniques you have learnt in order to solve problems.
  • The first two years of the course consist predominantly of modules covering a wide range of themes in algebra, calculus, differential equations, quantum mechanics, dynamics and thermal physics.
  • As well as your core third year modules, you will have a wide choice from both Mathematics and Physics, allowing you to tailor the course to suit your own interests. You will also undertake a project in which you will investigate a problem of an experimental, theoretical or computer modelling nature under the supervision of a member of the Physics staff.

How will I be taught?

  • You will be taught through a complementary set of teaching and learning methods and approaches, ranging from formal lectures, seminars and tutorials to workshops, practicals and individual and group-based project work.
  • You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, continuous assessment, presentations, lab reports, lab diaries, data interpretation and examinations.
  • You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.
  • You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

Student Testimonials

Maths is a great course with really friendly and approachable lecturers. The content is always really interesting, but challenging to the right extent. The whole department works effectively to offer all the facilities needed to gain a good degree. Jennifer O'Neil

Everyday Physics enhances your understanding of the universe and everything we experience. Passionate scientists inform you of their contributions to science at the forefront of physics. Your time is split between gaining hands-on laboratory experience using exciting equipment including lasers, oscilloscopes and spectrometers, and lectures that will inspire and interest you. Each module challenges your intelligence and allows you to gain knowledge that most people benefit from but do not know exists. Students achieve excellence, and stretch their minds. It requires time and effort, but the skills and understanding you gain are second to none. Sarah Chandler

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 - 112

A Levels BBB-BBC to include B in Mathematics and B in Physics component.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-DMM with B in A level Mathematics and B in Physics

International Baccalaureate:
30-26 with 5 points in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in Mathematics and Physics

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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