Learn about the deep connections between mathematics and theoretical physics and develop your scientific computing and theoretical modelling skills to understand and solve complex physical problems.
This course is for you if you want to study a broad physics degree with less emphasis on experimental laboratories and a stronger focus on theoretical, mathematical and computational aspects of physics.
You'll study the cornerstones of theoretical physics while developing your understanding of their mathematical foundations. Our courses reflect our theoretical research expertise in condensed matter, photonics and astrophysics. The computational physics and programming aspects also reflect the more applied nature of our theoretical research.
The combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of physics and mathematics is highly sought-after by employers and also gives an excellent grounding for postgraduate or industrial research.
Flexibility
You'll study the same units as for our Physics and Physics with Astrophysics courses in year one. In later years, core material expands to include more computational physics, further mathematics and foundational theoretical physics. This gives you the greatest flexibility and makes it possible to change between courses if your interests change once you're at Bath. It also allows you to modify your placement or study year abroad options, or even whether you are on a batchelor’s or master’s programme after you've started.
Master of Physics (MPhys)
The master's degree gives you the opportunity to enhance and deepen your knowledge compared to BSc courses, particularly in topics at the forefront of research. You’ll study master's level units and carry out a master's level theoretical/computational research project, giving you ideal preparation for postgraduate study or a career in research.
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.
Read research news and reports from our students.
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.
Take a look at our undergraduate teaching lab.
Watch a 360 tour of the physics department with two of our student ambassadors.
Careers
With the combination of an analytical approach and practical problem-solving skills, physics graduates are in strong demand by employers. A physics degree will enable you to work within a wide range of careers in physics and beyond, such as scientific research and development, engineering, finance, IT, telecommunications or renewable energies. Many 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.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
F344
Institution code:
B16
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Typical offer: A*AA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics with A* in Maths or Physics.
Alternative offer:
AAA in three A levels including Mathematics and Physics plus one of:
grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives,
grade A in an EPQ,
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate,
grade A in AS level Further Mathematics,
grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Further Mathematics.
If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma in Science or Science and Engineering, with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction. This must include 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Mathematics units and 12 credits achieved at Distinction from Physics units.
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.
D*D*D* in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
Due to the mathematical content of the course, you will need 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.
36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including Physics and either HL Mathematics.
We have a strong preference for applicants who offer Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level. We may be able to consider you if you are studying Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches at Standard Level (but not both). Our typical offer in this instance would be 36 points overall with 6, 6, 6 or 7, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Physics or either HL Mathematics plus 7 in Standard Level Physics or Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
Due to the mathematical content of the course, you will need 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.
Typical offer: D2, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics with D2 in Mathematics or Physics.
Alternative offer:
D3, D3, D3 in three principal subjects including Mathematics and Physics plus one of:
grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives,
grade A in an EPQ,
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate,
grade M1 in a fourth principal subject, where your four principal subjects include Further Mathematics.
If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.
GSCE requirements:
GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C).
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
GCSE requirements
GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
English language requirements
Category C
You will normally need one of the following:
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
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 176 with no less than 169 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
Duolingo: 110 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100.
LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass
We also have our own online English language test on Password. Please register for updates on our Password test.
See the full list of accepted English qualifications.
