- UCAS course code
- FG3C
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MMath/Phys
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
A*A*A (to include A* in Physics and Mathematics). We would normally require a pass in the Practical Assessment in science A-Levels.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
A*AA (to include Physics and Maths with A*A in any order). We would normally require a pass in the Practical Assessment in Science A Levels.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in Physics and Mathematics.
- Number of places/applicants
- For entry in September 2020 there were 330 places/1800 applicants.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- FG3C
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Study both mathematics and physics in depth, covering a broad range of topics across each discipline.
- Gain a master's qualification that stretches across two key subjects.
- Make the most of our expertise in both subjects - we're ranked 1st in England for physics and astronomy (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019), and have more than 1,000 mathematics undergraduates.
- Learn in our £43 million Alan Turing Building, which has been purpose-built for mathematics study.
Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £27,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4021
- ug.physics@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.physics.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Contextual offer
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate
European Baccalaureate
AQA Baccalaureate
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in are required to achieve A*A*A with grade A* in Physics and Mathematics and an EAP score of Grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve A*A*A with grade A* in Physics and Mathematics and an EAP score of Grade C.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We require DDD plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We require DD plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We require DD plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We require D plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We require DDD plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Cambridge Technical Diploma
We require DD plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We require D plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We require D plus grades A*A* in A-Level Physics and Mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma
Given that it is not possible to meet our published offer conditions within an Access course, we would not recommend an Access course as the best way of preparing for our courses. However, we would look very carefully at any applications from exceptional Access students who were on track to gain the AAA equivalent (45 credits at level 3 awarded at distinction). We would treat any such exceptional students on a case-by-case basis, looking very carefully at past academic history and the academic reference; promising candidates would be invited to interview to add supplementary information. A decision would be made about entry holistically on the basis of all information (including details of the course undertaken) and would usually be conditional on the above standard.
Cambridge Pre-U
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy .
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester. The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Further information for mature students can be found here .
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
- IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each subtest)
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the the department of Physics and Astronomy for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
Promising applicants based in the UK and the EU will be invited to attend one of our UCAS visit days, to meet staff and current students, take part in an academic interview and find out what it's like to be a student here.
Due to the current situation, interviews will take place online.
Returning to education
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
Re-applications
Transfers
Course details
Course description
Our MMath&Phys Mathematics and Physics degree provides an opportunity to study two key subjects in depth - at a university with a fantastic reputation for both - leading to master's level qualification.
You will study a broad range of topics across both disciplines. In applied mathematics, for example, you can cover hydrodynamics, waves, elasticity and modelling of industrial processes. For theoretical physics you can study, among others, high energy particle physics, nuclear physics and quark matter, and field theory in curved space-time.
Our physics department is recognised as one of the very best in the UK, and we have one of the largest mathematics departments in the country - so you can explore a huge range of areas.
You will have access to an incredible array of facilities - including our £43 million built-for-purpose Alan Turing Building, designed with input from mathematics staff and students alike - and will be taught by teachers with a wide variety of research interests. Our strong links with industry include an annual maths-specific careers fair and an employer interview programme.
Aims
- You will study two key disciplines, mathematics and physics, in depth and to master's level - covering a broad range of topics in both.
- We will provide access to a fantastic array of facilities, and you will work with leading academics in both mathematics and physics.
- You will draw on the combined expertise of three centres of University excellence.
Special features
The University holds undergraduate open days regularly, giving you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer, and our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is all about. Find out about our upcoming open days .
View the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree programme here
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Foundations of Pure Mathematics B | MATH10111 | 15 | Mandatory |
Calculus and Vectors A | MATH10121 | 20 | Mandatory |
Linear Algebra B | MATH10212 | 15 | Mandatory |
Calculus and Applications A (Physics) | MATH11222 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dynamics | PHYS10101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Physics and Relativity | PHYS10121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 1 Lab Work (One Semester) | PHYS10280 | 10 | Mandatory |
Vibrations & Waves | PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electricity & Magnetism | PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory |
Properties of Matter | PHYS10352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Real Analysis B | MATH20111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Partial Differential Equations and Vector Calculus A | MATH20401 | 20 | Mandatory |
2P2: Complex Analysis | MATH29142 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | PHYS20101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Solid State Physics | PHYS20252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Year 2 Lab Work (One Semester) | PHYS20280 | 10 | Mandatory |
Wave Optics | PHYS20312 | 10 | Mandatory |
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory |
Metric Spaces | MATH20122 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Programming for Physicists | PHYS20161 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Geometry | MATH20222 | 10 | Optional |
Fractal Geometry | MATH31042 | 10 | Optional |
Topology | MATH31051 | 10 | Optional |
Group Theory | MATH32001 | 10 | Optional |
Commutative Algebra | MATH32012 | 10 | Optional |
Coding Theory | MATH32031 | 10 | Optional |
Hyperbolic Geometry | MATH32052 | 10 | Optional |
Algebraic Geometry | MATH32062 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics | EART39102 | 10 | Optional |
Fractal Geometry | MATH31042 | 10 | Optional |
Topology | MATH31051 | 10 | Optional |
Commutative Algebra | MATH32012 | 10 | Optional |
Coding Theory | MATH32031 | 10 | Optional |
Hyperbolic Geometry | MATH32052 | 10 | Optional |
Algebraic Geometry | MATH32062 | 10 | Optional |
Number Theory | MATH32072 | 10 | Optional |
Combinatorics and Graph Theory | MATH32091 | 10 | Optional |
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What our students say
Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Physics and Astronomy blog .
Facilities
A range of study options
It is possible to transfer to the three-year BSc Mathematics and Physics course at the beginning of your third year, if you so wish.
Excellent facilities
Learn in the fantastic Alan Turing Building - a modern, £43 million building designed to provide an ideal learning space for mathematics students.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

The careers team were amazing in helping with interview preparation,
allowing me to practice interview technique and gain confidence for my applications.
Hannah Levell / Trainee Accountant at PwC

The support network, careers events, and extracurricular activities provided by the university all helped me significantly.
Without them I would have found obtaining a job post university much more difficult.
Nicolas Brusby / Rolls Royce
By studying a Mathematics degree with The University of Manchester, you will develop skills and knowledge that are of huge value in a wide variety of professions.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the country by employers*. 80% of graduates of this course are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating**. You can read some of our graduates' stories on the Department of Mathematics blog.
Your studies will be fantastic preparation for any area of employment requiring clear and logical thinking. Plus, our award-winning careers services will support you on your journey to finding the right career path for you.
The main areas of employment that graduates enter are:
- Finance
- Industry
- Computing (including operational research)
- Management
- Administration
- Statistics
- Teaching (schools and colleges)
- Postgraduate study
Many of our graduates have pursued careers in finance in firms such as:
- KPMG
- Goldman Sachs
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Deloitte
- Barclays
- Deutsche Bank
A substantial number of previous graduates have undertaken further programmes of study such as MSc in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Finance, Business, Management and Computer Science. Some have also gone on to train as teachers.
Calculating Careers
The Department of Mathematics puts significant emphasis on careers and holds a number of events throughout the year. These include talks, workshops and networking sessions.
We also host the annual Calculating Careers Fair. This takes place in early October each year and is attended by a large number of international graduate recruiters. Some of the previous attendees to this event include:
- Amazon
- Amec
- Barclays
- BP
- BT
- Credit Suisse
- GCHQ
- IBM
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- RBS
- Teach First
- Deloitte
This fair is a great opportunity for students to network with a number of graduate employers early in their academic careers.