BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics at University of Plymouth combines core mathematical theory with theoretical physics, covering research methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 85% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Stage 1 1 modules
- Mathematics Placement PreparationCore
Module details
Undertaking a sandwich-year placement (also known as an industrial or work placement) offers many benefits, including valuable hands-on work-experience and enhanced employability. This module is for first-year students who may undertake a placement in their third year. It is designed to support students in exploring placement opportunities and developing the skills and knowledge required to successfully secure one.
Year 1 6 modules
- CalculusCore20 credits
Module details
Calculus is to degree level maths what algebra is to A level - being confident and competent is key! In this module you will consolidate your existing knowledge of calculus with a strong emphasis on the 'why', not just the 'how'. You will quickly move on to higher dimensions as you meet partial differentiation and multiple integrals. This module is the launchpad for most of the maths you will meet during your degree.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Analysis and Group TheoryCore20 credits
Module details
Group theory is a foundational part of pure mathematics. The language of symmetry, groups arise in many branches of science, including descriptions of elementary particles in the Standard Model of particle physics. This module also provides the theoretical foundation of calculus, through infinite 'limits', known as analysis. Learn materials and skills used across mathematics, including rigorous mathematical proof.
Assessment: 60% Tests 40% Coursework
- Mathematical ReasoningCore20 credits
Module details
So you want to be a mathematician? This is the module that will set you up with the analytical and problem-solving techniques to become a good mathematician. You will learn to speak the language of mathematics, you will appreciate the beauty of a well-constructed proof, and you will be laying firm foundations for the rest of your maths degree.
Assessment: 60% Coursework 40% Tests
- Linear AlgebraCore20 credits
Module details
Vectors and matrices are the building blocks of computation, and key tools in statistics, physics and data science. This module develops practical skills in handling vectors and matrices, explores the mathematical structure of vector spaces, and explores their deep connections with geometry.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Numerical MethodsCore20 credits
Module details
Computers are needed to solve mathematical problems. You'll be introduced to computational mathematics and algorithms. We'll help you to learn Python programming, a skill extensively used in industry. You'll learn a range of numerical methods needed to solve problems in industry, science and finance.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Fundamentals of Data ScienceCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding uncertainty and randomness is fundamental for data science and many areas of mathematics. This module provides you with a solid framework for successfully understanding data science and statistical modelling concepts. We'll teach you state-of-the art tools for visualising and making decisions from multiple data sources. You'll also meet widely applicable mathematical results which underpin much of science.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Stage 2 1 modules
- Stage 2 Mathematics Placement PreparationCore
Module details
A year-long work placement is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that will enhance future career prospects. This module prepares students to begin their placement search by providing practical guidance on where to look, how to apply, and how to present themselves effectively to potential employers; featuring insights from students who have recently returned from their own placements.
Year 2 6 modules
- Advanced CalculusCore20 credits
Module details
Mathematical functions can depend on more than one variable. For instance, a weather map shows the temperature as a function of latitude and longitude. You will learn how to differentiate and integrate such functions. The resulting multi-variable calculus is readily applied to vectors. With the new tools at hand, you can finally overcome the limitations of one-dimensional maths and enjoy the freedom of higher dimensions.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Algebra and TransformsCore20 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to objects called rings and fields, capturing the fundamental structure underlying the integers, polynomials, and more. You'll see real-world applications like error-correcting codes, used to fix errors in digital communication. You'll also explore Laplace and Fourier transforms, tools that turn tough problems into simpler ones and apply these to solve differential equations from mechanics.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Differential EquationsCore20 credits
Module details
Learn how to model change in the world around us. From predicting the weather to understanding ecosystems and disease spread, differential equations are key. You'll study the maths behind these processes, solve equations both analytically and with computational tools, and explore dynamical systems to see how mathematics captures the complexity of the real world.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Operational ResearchCore20 credits
Module details
Operational Research uses mathematics to solve problems in the management of complex systems. Applications include designing efficient queues and organising the running of patient services in hospitals. You will work on open-ended case studies in Operational Research using simulation methods. These tasks will improve your teamwork, presentation skills and programming, so enhancing your employability.
Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals
- Complex Analysis and Vector CalculusCore20 credits
Module details
Swirling storms, rocket paths, and spinning planets are all described by powerful mathematics. You'll use vector calculus to explore real-world forces like circulation and vorticity. You'll have the power to analyse how fluids move and how planets stay in orbit. We'll also dive into the beautiful world of complex functions which has surprisingly deep applications across science and engineering.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Data ModellingCore20 credits
Module details
Science, medicine, industry, AI and social media all rely on data. We'll teach you state-of-the art tools for working with multiple data sources. You'll work with a rich range of mathematical models for data generation processes. We'll see how to gain knowledge about these models from observations. These including computational methods with broad applications including simulating physical and chemical systems.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Placement Year 1 modules
- Mathematics and Statistics PlacementCore20 credits
Module details
A year-long work-placement, undertaken with an approved placement provider and in a role relevant to the students programme. Students will leave with practical and relevant work experience, where they put theory into practice. This module is attached to the Placement and provides students with a single digital space to refer to for key reminders, FAQs, contact details, top tips and their Placement-year handbook.
Assessment: 80% Coursework 20% Practicals
Year 3 4 modules
- Partial Differential EquationsCore20 credits
Module details
Partial differential equations - PDEs - provide the mathematical language to explain how the world moves, changes and evolves. You'll explore both analytical and numerical methods to tackle these equations and apply them to real-world challenges. From modelling the spread of pollutants, to understanding waves, and quantum and nonlinear systems, you'll see how PDEs shape science, engineering, and more.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Quantum ComputingCore20 credits
Module details
Quantum mechanics describes physical systems at the atomic and molecular scale. This allows properties of matter and its interactions with light to be modelled, and these models underpin the rapid development of quantum computing. We'll introduce you to the principles and applications of quantum computing and you'll learn how to program quantum computers.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Examinations
- Relativity and CosmologyCore20 credits
Module details
E = mc2 is Einstein's equation connecting energy with mass and the speed of light. You will learn how this equation arises by studying exciting topics in special and general relativity. These include time dilation and space-time curvature - vital for GPS apps. Mastering these topics will help you to understand modern cosmology, the expanding universe and dark matter.
Assessment: 70% Examinations 30% Coursework
- Fluid DynamicsOptional20 credits
Module details
Fluids are everywhere - the ocean, the atmosphere and the sauces you put on your food! We'll teach you how to use mathematics to model a variety of fluid flows and solve the resulting equations. You'll meet a variety of theoretical and p
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course integrates advanced mathematics with theoretical physics to develop your understanding of fundamental physical principles and their mathematical foundations. You'll usually begin with core physics and mathematics essentials, mechanics, matter, energy and the calculus you'll need, alongside practical laboratory skills. In Year 2, you'll move into quantum and thermal physics, mathematical methods for solving real problems, and more advanced experimental and computational work. By Year 3, you'll choose from specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, quantum science, or computational methods, while undertaking research-level seminars taught by active researchers and completing a supervised research project in a physics group.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong mathematical and physics foundations. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariff points ranging from 112 to 127. You'll need to be comfortable with abstract theory and independent study, particularly in the final-year independent project component.
Careers & job market
Across Physics and Chemistry courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £26,500 to £34,000, rising to £30,600–£43,200 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate outcomes landscape rather than guarantees specific to this programme. Check the university's funding pages for information on bursaries and scholarships.
University & format
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics is a 3-year full-time degree at the University of Plymouth, delivered in English on the main campus. The University of Plymouth is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the course has received a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Plymouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,500 | £22,500 – £30,000 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £24,500 | £21,500 – £28,500 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £26,500 – £38,000 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 50; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Physics Content Developer for AI-Enhanced LearningUp LearnPhysics PhD, Quantum Data Scientist for AIObsidianPhysics Academic MentorRibbons and Reeves LimitedPhysics TechnicianSapientia Education TrustPhysics Academic Mentor17918Physics Teachers in Calderdale and KirkleesCV-LibraryIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 92.9% · in work or study 90% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £20,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Plymouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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