Mathematics and Physics BSc
Physics and mathematics are inextricably linked. A strong grounding in both pure and applied mathematics is essential for understanding fundamental concepts in physics, from classical mechanics to elementary particle theory. This three-year Mathematics and Physics BSc combines the study of mathematics and physics on an equal basis, allowing each to reinforce and deepen understanding of the other.
Key information
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, in any order, and A in Physics, together with a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in the Mathematics AEA.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
Contextual offer
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, in any order, and A in Physics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- 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 and 6 in higher level Physics together with a grade 2 in any STEP paper or a distinction in Mathematics AEA. The course will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics and 6 in Physics, with no higher level score below 5. The course will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only.
Resits
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
Maths and physics go hand in hand – and studying the basic concepts of physics, such as elementary particle theory, becomes a lot easier with a strong understanding of both pure and applied mathematics. This course combines the study of maths and physics equally, with each subject reinforcing the other.
In the first and second years of the course, you will take a balanced selection of modules from both UCL Mathematics and UCL Physics and Astronomy. Having established the core foundations, you will be able to choose from a wide range of options in both subjects in the third year of the degree. Most modules are shared with single-subject degree courses, ensuring academic depth and breadth. While the course does not require practical laboratory work, opportunities to undertake practical work may be available if desired.
This course is offered as either a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci degree. The first two years of both courses are identical, and students are advised to apply initially for the MSci degree, as it is possible to transfer to the BSc during the first three years.
We are looking for intellectually curious students who enjoy tackling challenging problems and thinking creatively about mathematics. We value applicants who show initiative beyond the school curriculum, who are motivated to explore new ideas in depth and who pursue academic excellence. There is no single profile of a mathematician: we welcome applications from students of all backgrounds, and we are seeking to build a diverse and inclusive mathematical community.
Course structure
The first two years’ modules are all predominantly 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 be offered the opportunity to participate in a group project in the summer, researching a topic in mathematics related to the degree 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 mathematical modelling, financial mathematics, mathematical biology, geometry, analysis and its applications, algebra and number theory, combinatorics, mathematical education, and history of mathematics. An elective module outside both the departments of Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy is available, subject to suitability and availability.
Modules
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).
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.
Compulsory modules
- Algebra for Joint Honours Students (MATH0007)
- Analysis for Joint Honours Students (MATH0110)
- Advanced Calculus (MATH0125)
- Programming and Vector Calculus (MATH0126)
- Atoms, Stars and the Universe (PHAS0004)
- Waves, Optics and Acoustics (PHAS0005)
- Thermal Physics and the Properties of Matter (PHAS0006)
- Classical Mechanics (PHAS0010)
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Mathematical Education for Physical and Mathematical Sciences (CPAS0012)
- Curves and Surfaces (MATH0020)
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (MATH0024)
- Mathematics For General Relativity (MATH0025)
- Biomathematics (MATH0026)
- Mathematical Methods 5 (MATH0027)
- Combinatorial Optimisation (MATH0028)
- Graph Theory and Combinatorics (MATH0029)
- Mathematical Ecology (MATH0030)
- Financial Mathematics (MATH0031)
Teaching is mainly carried out through lectures and tutorials. In lectures, you will focus on learning important theory and techniques for your course, which will be reinforced by expert-led tutorials where we will expound upon these ideas with exercises designed to encourage thought and discussion amongst your peers. 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.
UCL runs a Student Mentor scheme offering support and advice to first-year students.
Most modules are assessed by written examinations in the third term, with a small element of coursework assessment.
Typical timetabled contact hours for degree courses in the Department of Mathematics are approximately 16–20 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 typically consist of lectures 12–16 hours per week, and tutorials 4 hours a week. In year 3 they typically consist of 12 hours of lectures. In addition, students are expected to undertake approximately 15–20 hours of independent study per week.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
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
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
You will gain transferable skills such as quantitative literacy, problem-solving and logical thinking, which can lead to a wide variety of interesting, diverse and well-paid careers.
Internationally renowned and 6th in the UK, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Mathematics) UCL Mathematics is home to world-leading researchers in a wide range of fields, especially mathematical physics, mathematical modelling, mathematical biology, financial mathematics, fluid dynamics, analysis and its applications, number theory, geometry and topology, and combinatorics.
Three of the six British winners of the Fields medal, the mathematician’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, have associations with the department.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
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.
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. The knowledge and skills gained on the course can also be used in fields including forecasting, risk analysis and trading; financial services, such as accountancy, banking and insurance; and scientific research, information technology and industry.
Recent graduates have found employment around the world with companies such as Deloitte LLP, Goldman Sachs Group, JP Morgan, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, the HMRC.
Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts.
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Register nowHow 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.
Please note that this course does not consider applicants who are resitting qualifications. The department is supportive of the Year in Industry scheme which involves deferring entry for a year to gain valuable work experience.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Mathematics and Physics BSc course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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Mathematics
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