The Maths lecturers are really helpful and willing to spend extra time to explain any difficult areas. There’s a fantastic community here. It’s not just a place to study for your degree, it’s a place where you develop as a person.
Our joint programmes in Mathematics and Physics will appeal to students who wish to continue studying both subjects to degree level by combining the rigour of formal mathematics with its application to a wide range of situations in physics. These programmes will educate you to sufficient breadth and depth to enable you to continue on to PhD study in theoretical physics or applied mathematics, or to gain employment in a numerate or technical field – the same opportunities as would be available to you had you taken a straight physics or mathematics degree.
These programmes contain a selection of core material across both mathematics and physics, including calculus, quantum physics, linear algebra and particle physics, along with a wide-ranging choice of optional modules across both disciplines. Options include areas such as fluid dynamics, space science, Galois theory and general relativity. All of these degrees involve extended projects, which can be taken with a more mathematical or physical bias, according to your interests.
Mathematics is a highly regarded discipline that both underpins contemporary life and is a fascinating subject in its own right. Skills learned through the study and application of mathematics often prove invaluable in solving the complex problems arising in today’s workplace, and it is no coincidence that Surrey Mathematics graduates are in great demand.
Our degrees provide you with an overview of the key theories and techniques that underlie modern pure and applied mathematics, as well as offering ample opportunities for in-depth study of specialised topics depending on your interests.
Our programmes produce graduates who are highly numerate and computer-fluent. Through their studies with us, students develop well-honed analytical and other transferable skills to equip them for a variety of interesting and rewarding careers. In addition to specific technical skills, students gain a broad knowledge base and develop important general skills, such as thinking independently, communicating effectively, meeting deadlines and engaging productively in teamwork.
Year 1 gives you the core physics and mathematics you need. You will get to grips with the fundamental principles of physics and be introduced to modern physics, from quantum mechanics to relativity. Building on these principles, you will explore the breadth of the world of physics, looking at atoms, star formation, cosmology, the Schrödinger equation, and even measure the speed of light. You will also be introduced to the theories developed to deal with physical processes beyond the normal speeds and sizes of everyday life. See our world through Schrödinger’s eyes.Modules include:
In Year 2, you will continue to expand your understanding of and experience with both classical and modern physical theories and concepts. In addition, you will be able to choose the areas that you want to specialise in and tailor your degree pathway to suit your interests by selecting from a choice of optional modules. Modules include:
Specialist and optional modules include:
Taking a Professional Training year can add real value to your experience and will allow you to make your theoretical understanding come alive in the world outside university. This experience will not only be important when you graduate, but will also help you get the most from the final year of your undergraduate degree. If you decide not to do the Professional Training year, you proceed directly to Year 3 to complete your taught modules and graduate in your third year.
Year 3 will see you specialise in your chosen field and deliver your final-year project. Through your work on this final-year project, you will develop your scientific writing skills, as well as your communication and presentation style. BSc students undertake an extended research project in their final semester and can currently choose up to six optional modules. Modules include:
Our MPhys programmes are four-year programmes with an integrated research year that is unique in the UK. MPhys students undertake a problem-solving module and choose up to five optional modules. The range of modules available may vary from year to year, but your freedom to choose which options to study remains our priority. The unique research year begins after you have completed half of your Year 3 taught modules, at the end of the Autumn semester.Modules include:
All our degree programmes are recognised by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. Satisfactory performance in certain modules of the Financial Mathematics programme may lead to exemption from some of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries’ professional examinations.
Professional Training placements are an option for you, whichever programme you choose to take. Sandwiched between Years 2 and 3 (except in programme G100, where the professional placement is fully integrated in Year 3), it provides an opportunity for you to enhance your academic studies, with practical experience augmenting your knowledge and skills.
Mathematicians are in demand in many areas of business and industry. The work which students are able to do on placement reflects this breadth, and may vary from operational research and computer programming in insurance or banking to analysing clinical trials or solving heat transfer and aerodynamic problems encountered in the atomic energy and aerospace fields.
We have excellent links with an extensive portfolio of companies and organisations. Recent employers include Deloitte & Touche, Intel, AXA Actuarial, Royal Sun Alliance, Lloyds TSB, GlaxoSmithKline, the NHS, the Department of Transport and HM Customs and Excise.
While on placement, you will be a paid employee of the training company. You will, however, also continue to be a member of the University and will be visited periodically by academic staff to track your progress and help ensure that you have a successful experience.
Transfer between programmes which do or do not include a professional placement is possible during the first year, so a decision made when you apply can be changed later.
You will have a stimulating mixture of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, practical exercises and computational classes. There will be assigned coursework, problem solving and projects. Computers are used extensively, as teaching aids via self-learning packages, in the laboratory for experimental control and data analysis, in modelling of physical problems and for effective communication.
Eight practical laboratory half-modules are designed to introduce particular elements of physics, experimental design, data analysis, background research and technical writing. A ninth module introduces computational modelling, the topic of which can be based upon your personal interests.
All modules are assessed by written examination, coursework or, most commonly, a combination of the two.
For the MPhys degrees, 30 per cent of the degree is awarded for the Year 2 modules, 30 per cent for the research year and associated dissertation, and 40 per cent for the Year 3 modules.
For the BSc degrees, 35 per cent of the degree mark is awarded for the Year 2 modules with 65 per cent awarded in Year 3. If, however, students choose the four-year BSc, including a Professional Training year, then the marks are distributed as follows: 25 per cent for Year 2, 10 per cent for the Professional Training year and 65 per cent for Year 3.
Coursework accounts for about 30 per cent of the overall degree mark.
We can boast extensive facilities within the Department of Physics. The undergraduate teaching laboratories were recently extensively refurbished.
The Department has also benefited from a £3.5 million refurbishment of its research laboratories. Each year, these labs host our undergraduate students as they carry out their final-year research projects. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, more than half of the Department’s research was rated internationally excellent or world leading.
Physicists are highly sought after in industry, research, education, management, medicine, law and business, because of their broad practical skills and knowledge of fundamental theory. Our degrees will provide you with the analytical, experimental and computational skills valued in a wide range of career opportunities.
All Surrey Physics students learn a range of employability skills during their studies. These include a dedicated Year 1 module, Scientific Investigation Skills, which covers key communication skills, group work and presentations, problem solving in the laboratory environment, plus sessions on interview techniques, CV preparation and job applications. Students who take either the Professional Training or research year placements also get invaluable employment experience at their host institution.
Many of our graduates, particularly those with an MPhys degree, go on to postgraduate degrees in order to become researchers. Other graduates have launched careers with multinational companies (such as Shell International Petroleum, 3M, GEC Marconi Research, Nokia and BT), with public bodies (such as the National Physical Laboratory, the BBC, the NHS and the Defence Research Agency), and with small enterprises (such as Surrey Medical Imaging Systems and private consultancies). Starting salaries are in the region of £20,000 per annum.
Graduates over the last few years entered employment in roles such as:
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent). For all programmes: Mathematics and Physics required to A-level (or equivalent).
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | GF1H | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | GF1H | View KIS data set | |
| MMath (Hons) | 4 years | GF13 | View KIS data set | |
| MPhys (Hons) | 4 years | GF1I | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Maths student Holly Wade and Electronic Engineering student Linda Igboanugo talk about their Professional Training Placement work on London 2012
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
