
- UCAS course code
- FG31
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course description
Our BSc Mathematics and Physics degree provides an opportunity to study two key subjects in depth - at a university with a fantastic reputation for both.
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 - 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
A range of study options
You can extend your degree by a year to undertake an integrated master's: at the beginning of your third year there is the possibility of transferring to the four-year MMath/Phys (Mathematics and Physics) course.
Excellent facilities
Learn in the fantastic Alan Turing Building - a modern, £43 million building designed to provide an ideal learning space for mathematics students.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
You can find out more information about the course units included in your chosen degree course below.
Note that not every combination of option choices may be possible due to timetable clashes.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Linear Algebra | MATH11022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Mathematical Foundation & Analysis | MATH11121 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Vector Calculus | MATH11411 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | MATH11412 | 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 |
Introduction to Programming | PHYS10362 | 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 |
---|---|---|---|
2P1: Complex Analysis | MATH29141 | 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 |
Programming with Python | MATH20621 | 10 | Optional |
Metric Spaces | MATH21111 | 10 | Optional |
Rings & Fields | MATH21112 | 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 |
General Physics Skills | PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory |
Quantum Computing | COMP39112 | 10 | Optional |
Planetary Evolution | EART35202 | 10 | Optional |
Climate and Energy: Past, Present and Future | EART36002 | 10 | Optional |
Information visions: past, present and future | HSTM20282 | 10 | Optional |
The Nuclear Age: Global Nuclear Threats from Hiroshima to Today | HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Financial Mathematics | MATH20912 | 10 | Optional |
Metric Spaces | MATH21111 | 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

You will benefit from an excellent range of facilities available across both physics and mathematics - including the £43 million Alan Turing Building, which has been purpose-built with input from mathematics staff and students to provide an optimal learning environment.
The University of Manchester also offers extensive library and online services , helping you get the most out of your studies.