- UCAS course code
- FG31
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Mathematics and Physics
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Overview
Course overview
- Explore both mathematics and physics in depth, covering a wide range of topics across each discipline, allowing you to discover and pursue your passions.
- In physics, we're ranked joint 1st in the UK for research by REF (2021) and ARWU (2024) named us 2nd in the UK and Top 10 globally. In maths, we are Top 10 in the UK (QS Rankings 2023).
- Study at a university with outstanding facilities, including: the Alan Turing Building, which has been purpose-built for mathematics study; the Schuster Building, the home of physics at Manchester; the world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory; and much more.
- Benefit from our excellent links with employers, including an annual maths-specific careers fair and an employer interview programme.
- Follow in the footsteps of world-changing mathematicians such as Alan Turing, and study in a Physics Department associated with no fewer than 13 Nobel Prize winners.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 13: Climate action
Open days
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 .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Contact name
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0888
- 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.
Entry requirements
A-level
A*A*A, including A* in Physics and A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early;
or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.
If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
A-level contextual offer
A*AA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics. The A* must be in Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Find out more about contextual admissions .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
AAA, including Physics and Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
38 points overall with 7,7,6 at Higher Level, including 7 in both Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCE Mathematics.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries.
Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the Department of Physics and Astronomy website .
For general entry requirements for countries not listed above, see accepted entry qualifications from your country . Please note that these general requirements may differ from the Department's requirements.
English language requirements
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 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5,
- TOEFL iBT 80 overall with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other sub-scores. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification .
Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) 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 state above.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (Common European Framework) (CEFR) B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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 on our website .
English language test validity
Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
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 .
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
You should not usually apply for more than one first year Physics-based undergraduate course offered by The University of Manchester. Applicants to this course can change to any one of the courses offered within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at any time before the start of the academic year.
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
- past academic performance;
- predicted academic performance;
- enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
- evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .
Where you have mitigating circumstances, these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the two years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than two years should contact the Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.
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. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines.
If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Admissions Team for the academic department for your chosen course.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Physics and Astronomy directly.
How your application is considered
All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal applications through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person or required to take an academic skills diagnostic.
All applicants should be aware that, if they are interviewed, information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion in an interview with an academic member of staff.
Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Interview requirements
Eligible UK-based applicants were required to attend an in-person interview as part of the selection process for 2025 entry. We are currently reviewing our interview requirements for 2026 entry. All updates will be posted here.
Returning to education
Aptitude test requirement
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.
Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.
We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through UCAS Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing, places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
Transfers to the first year of this course from those on another course within the University, or from other institutions, are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Transfers into the second year are not normally considered.
If you wish to enquire about whether you would be eligible to apply for entry onto the first or second year, please contact the Admissions Team with full details of your qualifications and copies of your transcripts to date.
Course details
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MATH11022 | 20 | Mandatory | |
MATH11121 | 20 | Mandatory | |
MATH11411 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATH11412 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS10101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS10121 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS10280 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS10302 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS10342 | 10 | Mandatory | |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
PHYS20101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20141 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20151 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20280 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20302 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20342 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS20352 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATH21111 | 10 | Optional | |
MATH21112 | 10 | Optional | |
MATH21120 | 20 | 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 |
---|---|---|---|
PHYS30121 | 10 | Mandatory | |
PHYS30302 | 10 | Mandatory | |
COMP39112 | 10 | Optional | |
EART31201 | 10 | Optional | |
EART35202 | 10 | Optional | |
EART36002 | 10 | Optional | |
HSTM31212 | 10 | Optional | |
MATH20912 | 10 | Optional | |
MATH21111 | 10 | Optional | |
MATH24411 | 10 | Optional | |
Displaying 10 of 56 course units for year 3 | |||
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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.
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
Your degree from Manchester will open up a whole world of opportunity.
In learning how to be a physicist you are a taught a set of highly valued skills:
- Rigorous and robust evidence-based reasoning
- How to analyse and assess data, and drawing meaning from it
- High degree of numeracy and mathematical ability
- Communication and team-working skills
This will prepare you for a broad range of careers, not just in physics but in other areas that need the in-demand skills you will learn.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted university in the country by employers*. 90% of graduates from the Department of Physics and Astronomy are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating with a median salary of £31,000**.
Plus, our award-winning careers services will support you on your journey to finding the right career path for you.
Our graduates often go on to do research in astrophysics or other branches of physics, including:
- Scientist/Engineer for Tech Company
- Finance/Banking/Management
- Information Technology
- Research scientist
- Medical Physics
- Scientific Publishing
- Teaching
- Science-related careers in the Civil Service
Below are just some of the employers that our graduates have gone on to work for:
- BAE Systems
- RAF
- Meteorological Office
- NHS
- Bank of England
- Deutsche Bank
- Merril Lynch
You can read more about the experiences our students and graduates have had on the Department of Physics blog.
Accrediting organisations
This course is accredited by both the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
The accreditation by the IMA means that the programme meets the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught Masters degrees.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.