Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons), MPhys or MMath – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
| Award | UCAS code | Course duration |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: GF1H | 3 years View KIS data set |
| MPhys | UCAS: GF1I | 4 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: GFH1 | 4 years with professional training View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: GF2H | 4 years with foundation year View KIS data set |
| MMath | UCAS: GF13 | 4 years View KIS data set |
| BSc (Hons) | UCAS: GFH2 | 5 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set |
| MMath | UCAS: GF14 | 5 years with professional training View KIS data set |
| MPhys | UCAS: GFI1 | 5 years with professional training View KIS data set |
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
| Course | UCAS code | Institution code |
|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) with professional training | GFH1 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) | GF1H | S85 |
| MPhys | GF1I | S85 |
| MPhys with professional training | GFI1 | S85 |
| MMath | GF13 | S85 |
| MMath with professional training | GF14 | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year | GF2H | S85 |
| BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional training | GFH2 | S85 |
Why choose this course
If you have a passion for understanding the universe and a love of mathematics, our mathematics and physics courses could be perfect for you.
Taught jointly by the two departments, our BSc, MMath and MPhys give you a deeper understanding of mathematics and explore how it’s applied to solve physics problems. Whether you think of it as applied mathematics or theoretical physics, this joint programme gives you the best of both worlds.
Two unique aspects of these courses are:
- Our award-winning Professional Training placements:
- As part of our BSc, you can take a paid placement in a research laboratory or company, gaining valuable industry-relevant experience. On our MPhys or MMath, you can take a research placement in Year 4 in one of our world-leading research groups.
- Our focus on undergraduate research and innovation:
- You can apply for paid summer research placements with our research groups and those of our South East Physics Network partners. We offer in-house grants that students can apply for to fund a research placement, attend a conference, or develop a new business idea.
What you will study
These courses explore core topics across both subjects, including linear algebra, quantum physics, differential equations and particle physics.
You’ll also get to choose from a range of fascinating optional modules – such as fluid dynamics, nuclear astrophysics, Galois theory and general relativity – and take an extended project, enabling you to tailor the course to suit your own interests.
Your final research project will be carried out under the supervision of an academic who’s a leading researcher in the field. The outcomes of the project could even lead to a publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Formal lectures are complemented with work in our specialist radiation laboratories. These are being refurbished and enlarged at a cost of a £2.7m, ready to be used from autumn 2022. As an undergraduate student you’ll use these labs to undertake experiments related to the Nuclear and Particle Physics module.
You can apply to study for either a BSc or an MMath or MPhys. The latter two are direct routes to a masters qualification. If you study toward one of the integrated masters, you’ll spend part of your last year doing a research project in either physics or mathematics.
Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.
Facilities
We have state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment to enhance student learning opportunities and research. These include:
- Characterisation laboratories
- Detector preparation laboratories
- Ellipsometry equipment
- High-performance computing clusters
- Magnetic resonance imaging facilities
- Microscopes and spectrometers
- Nuclear magnetic resonance facilities
- Photonics and quantum science facilities
- Radiation and medical physics facilities
- Soft matter laboratories.
We also share facilities with Surrey’s acclaimed Advanced Technology Institute, which conducts world-leading research in energy generation and storage, nanotechnology, healthcare, information and sustainable technology.
Our Experimental Nuclear Physics Group has access to facilities at prestigious institutions around the globe. These include:
- CERN/ISOLDE (Geneva)
- GSI/FAIR (Germany)
- RIKEN (Japan)
- TRIUMF (Canada).
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Institute of Physics (IOP)
Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
MPhys - Institute of Physics (IOP)
Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
MMath - Institute of Physics (IOP)
Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Over the last decade, our employment figures have been among the best in the UK. In the Graduate Outcomes survey 2022 results show 98 per cent of undergraduate physics students go on to employment or further study.
Our physicists and mathematicians are highly sought after in industry, research, education, management, medicine, law and business because of their wide-ranging skills, their knowledge of fundamental theory and their ability to solve complex problems.
Our courses provide you with the analytical, experimental and computational skills valued in a wide range of careers. You’ll also learn a range of skills during your studies that will help with your employability, including interview techniques, CV preparation and job applications. If you opt to take a Professional Training placement, you’ll gain invaluable employment experience.
Recent graduates are now employed in a range of organisations, including:
- 3M
- BBC
- BT
- Defence Research Agency
- GEC Marconi Research
- National Physical Laboratory
- NHS
- Nokia
- Shell International Petroleum
- Surrey Medical Imaging Systems.
Many graduates take masters courses in a range of subjects, such as geophysics, nanotechnology, meteorology, quantum field theory, education management and science communication. Others, particularly those with an MMath or MPhys, choose to pursue PhDs in nonlinear dynamics, fluids, data science, theoretical physics, nuclear science, astrophysics, semiconductors or photonics.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics.
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Semester 2: choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose either MAT3019 or PHY3002.
Semester 1: choose 3 options if MAT3019 selected, otherwise choose 4 options.
Semester 2: choose 3 options if MAT3019 selected, otherwise choose 2 options.
MAT3036 cannot be chosen if MAT3019 taken.
At least one MAT3xxx and one PHY3xxx module must be taken each semester; some combinations may not be possible due to timetabling constraints.
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester ONE' and Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester TWO
Optional modules for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Students on the MMath pathway must take the MATM050 MMath Project. Choose 6 options overall, to maintain a 60:60 credit balance between Semesters 1 and 2
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
NA
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester ONE' and Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester TWO
Optional modules for Year 4 - FHEQ Level 7
Students on the MPhys pathway must take the PHYM060 MPhys MaP Project module.
Choose 5 options overall, to maintain a 60:60 credit balance between Semesters 1 and 2.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Semester 2: choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose either MAT3019 or PHY3002.
Semester 1: choose 3 options if MAT3019 selected, otherwise choose 4 options.
Semester 2: choose 3 options if MAT3019 selected, otherwise choose 2 options.
MAT3036 cannot be chosen if MAT3019 taken.
At least one MAT3xxx and one PHY3xxx module must be taken each semester; some combinations may not be possible due to timetabling constraints.
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
NA
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester ONE' and Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester TWO
Optional modules for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Students on the MMath pathway must take the MATM050 MMath Project. Choose 6 options overall, to maintain a 60:60 credit balance between Semesters 1 and 2
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
NA
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Choose 1 optional module
Optional modules for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
NA
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester ONE' and Choose FOUR optional modules from Semester TWO
Optional modules for Year 4 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 7
Students on the MPhys pathway must take the PHYM060 MPhys MaP Project module.
Choose 5 options overall, to maintain a 60:60 credit balance between Semesters 1 and 2.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).
Teaching
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, online sessions, practical exercises and computational classes, and carry out assigned coursework, problem-solving and projects. Computers are used as teaching aids in the laboratory for experimental control and data analysis, in modelling of physical problems, and for effective communication.
You’ll be taught by research-led academics who specialise in both theoretical and mathematical physics. They lead research in many areas, including our understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex systems – from atomic nuclei, to galaxies and super-massive black holes. Research in mathematical physics includes ergodic theory, quantum field theory, general relativity, fluid dynamics and mathematical biology.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:
- Coursework
- Essays
- Examinations
- Practical sessions
- Presentations
- Reports.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
International entry requirements by country
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Foundation
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. A course with a foundation year includes an extra year of study to prepare you for a full degree course. Find out more about our degrees with foundation year.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2023
BSc (Hons)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
MPhys
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
- Professional training
- £1,850
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
- UK
- £9,250
MMath
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Professional training
- £1,850
MMath (with professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
- Professional training
- £1,850
MPhys (with professional training year)
- UK
- £9,250
- Overseas
- £19,900
- Professional training
- £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this BSc (Hons) course:
- Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount –some travel costs for commuting schools as part of the STEM Education and Public Engagement module.
There are associated costs with this MMath course:
- Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount – some travel costs for commuting schools as part of the STEM Education and Public Engagement module.
There are associated costs with this MPhys course:
- Commuting (local travel expenses): Unable to specify amount – some travel costs for commuting schools as part of the STEM Education and Public Engagement module.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Placements
Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement.
Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Mathematics and physics placements
Our award-winning Professional Training placements take place between Years 2 and 3.
Physicists and mathematicians are in demand in many areas of business and industry, and the work students carry out on placement reflects this breadth. This varies from operational research or 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.
Over the past few years, we’ve placed students with many big-name companies and organisations. These include:
- AXA Actuarial
- Culham Science Centre for Nuclear Fusion
- Deloitte and Touche
- Department of Transport
- GlaxoSmithKline
- HM Customs and Excise
- Intel
- Lloyds
- NHS
- Royal Sun Alliance.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Mathematics student Rory discusses his placement at IBM and Wimbledon.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surry opens up a world of opportunity. We want you to take advantage of our international partnerships, explore the world and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
View our study and work abroad information to find out more and see where you can go.
Partner institutions
In your second year, you can spend time abroad at one of our partner universities. Students have studied in:
- America
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea.
Find out more about our international partner institutions.
You can also choose to spend your Professional Training placement working in another country.
Students share their experiences of going on an international exchange to Hong Kong.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH