Mathematics and Physics BSc
London, Bloomsbury
This is the programme information for 2024 entry
If you require details of this year's programme, Mathematics and Physics BSc (2025), click here
Physics and mathematics are inextricably linked. It is not really possible to understand the basic concepts of physics such as elementary particle theory without a strong grounding in both pure and applied mathematics. This BSc combines the study of mathematics and physics on an equal basis, each reinforcing the other.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2024Application deadline
31 Jan 2024UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*A*A
- Subjects
- A*A*A with A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and A in Physics, or A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and A in Physics, any order, and a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in the Mathematics AEA.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- A*AA more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A*AA with A*A in any order from Mathematics and Further Mathematics and A in Physics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5.
- Points
- 40
- Subjects
- A total of 40 points overall with 20 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in higher level Mathematics and 6 in higher level Physics, or 39 overall with 19 in three higher level subjects including 7 in higher level Mathematics, 6 in higher level Physics plus a grade 2 in any STEP paper/distinction in Mathematics AEA. The programme will accept higher level 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' only.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 39 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics and at least 6 in Physics. The programme will accept higher level 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' only.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D2,D2,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, including D2 in Mathematics and D3 in Physics. Or D2,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject Certificates, including D2 in Mathematics and D3 in Physics and a 2 in any STEP paper
A1,A1,A at Advanced Highers including A1,A1 in Mathematics and either Mathematics of Mechanics or Statistics and A in Physics, or A1,A,A at Advanced Highers including A1,A in any order in Mathematics and either Mathematics of Mechanics or Statistics, and A in Physics, plus a 2 in any STEP paper
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Resits
This programme does not accept resits. A resit is a second or subsequent attempt to improve a qualification outcome, for which you already hold an award. For further information on what UCL considers a resit, please see UCAS explained.
Additional tests
Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP)
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
In the first and second years of the programme you will cover a balanced selection of modules in both UCL Mathematics and UCL Physics & Astronomy. Having laid the basic foundations there is a wide range of modules from both subjects in the third year of the degree. Most of the modules will be selected from those followed by single-subject students. Students taking this programme do not have to do any practical work, although this may be possible if so desired.
This programme is offered as a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci degree. The first two years of the programme are identical, and students are advised to apply for the MSci degree in the first instance, as it is possible to transfer to the BSc during the first three years.
What this course will give you
Gain transferable skills such as numeracy, problem-solving and logical thinking, which can lead to a large variety of interesting, diverse and well-paid careers.
Internationally renowned, UCL Mathematics is home to world-leading researchers in a wide range of fields, especially geometry, spectral theory, number theory, fluid dynamics and mathematical modelling.
Three of the six British winners of the Fields medal (the mathematician's equivalent of the Nobel Prize) have associations with the department.
UCL ranks 6th in the UK for Mathematics in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Physics.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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The first two years are almost all compulsory, studying the core ideas of modern mathematics and theoretical physics and also including an introduction to coding. The content is delivered through lectures supported by regular problem sheets, tutorials and computer labs. Additionally you will take part in a group project and presentation, researching a topic in mathematics related to the second year syllabus.
In the third year you continue to follow core topics in physics, and there is a wide range of advanced topics in mathematics available, the majority building on the knowledge mastered in earlier years. These include modules in areas such as geometry, analysis and its applications, combinatorics, fluid mechanics, financial mathematics and mathematical biology, mathematical education and history of mathematics. An option outside the departments of Mathematics and Physics is available, subject to suitability and availability.
Optional modules
Your learning
Teaching is mainly carried out through lectures and tutorials, allowing you to exercise the skills you have learned. In addition, an 'office hours' system for each module allows you to meet with tutors on a one-to-one basis to review parts of the degree you find interesting or that need clarifying. A Student Mentor scheme runs in the department offering support and advice to first-years.
Typical timetabled contact hours for Mathematics degree programmes are approximately 16 hours per week in year 1 reducing to 12 hours in year 3. In year 1 and the first half of year 2, these hours consist of lectures (typically 12 hours per week), and tutorials (4 hours a week). In year 3 they consist of 12 hours of lectures. In addition, students are expected to undertake approximately 15-20 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by written examinations in the third term, with a small element of coursework assessment.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
A mathematics degree is highly valued by employers due to the skills in logical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and, of course, numeracy, that it develops.
Graduates have gone forward to use their mathematical skills in careers in the City of London, such as forecasting, risk analysis and trading; in financial services, such as accountancy, banking and insurance; and in scientific research, information technology and industry.
Further study, such as a Master's degree or a PGCE qualification, is another popular option.
Employability
We aim to develop your skills in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and accurate mathematical manipulation. You will also learn to handle abstract concepts and to think critically, argue logically and express yourself clearly.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
Fee description | Full-time |
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Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
Tuition fees (2024/25) | £34,400 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
This programme does not have any additional costs outside of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We look for significant levels of enthusiasm for the challenges and rewards of studying mathematics together with its applications.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Please note that this programme does not consider applicants who are resitting qualifications. For further information on UCL’s selection process see: How we assess your application . The department is supportive of the Year in Industry scheme which involves deferring entry for a year to gain valuable work experience.
Got questions? Get in touch
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