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Mathematics and Physics (MSci)

Course details
Fees / funding
How to apply

Course details

This course allows you to develop an advanced understanding of how mathematics can describe and predict the physical universe, and a wide range of transferable skills.

The degree is evenly divided between mathematics and physics and you will be able to study a wide range of topics in each. The course units in mathematics cover areas from calculus to linear algebra and are also designed to enable you to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of physics course units. You will also develop an understanding of the practical applications of mathematics and physics.

This four-year MSci degree is ideal for those who want to continue to use mathematics and physics at a high level after graduation, for example those who wish to proceed to postgraduate study or to a scientific or technical career, and also for those who simply wish to undertake a broader and deeper study of the subject.

The first year is the same as the three-year BSc so that you can choose to progress with an MSci at the start of the second year. In the fourth year you will have the chance to gain advanced research skills through a supervised project in mathematics or physics. You will also be able to choose from a list of specialist units such as superfluids, cryptography and advanced quantum theory.

Key facts

Key facts about the course
UCAS code	GFC3
Qualification	Integrated Masters of Science
Duration	Four years full time
Typical A-level offer	AAB including an A in A2 Mathematics and an A in A2 Physics, or equivalent
Department	Mathematics, Physics

Fees / funding

Please visit the Fees and funding| pages for the latest information about tuition fees| and the different sources of funding which may be available to you.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time undergraduate degrees must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS|). Further information on making your application through UCAS is available on the Applying| section of our website.

If you are interested in applying to Royal Holloway, why not arrange a visit to our campus to see for yourself what academic and student life is like here. The College runs three annual Open days| which give you the chance to meet our students and teaching staff, and get a taste of what university life is really like.

Prospective students who receive an offer of a place are invited to attend a UCAS day, where they are shown around the department, given the opportunity to speak with academic members of staff and meet current students.

Entry requirements

Typical offers

Typical offers
A-levels	AAB including an A in A2 Mathematics and an A in A2 Physics, or equivalent
International Baccalaureate	35 points including 6 in Mathematics at higher level and 5/6 in Physics at higher level
BTEC National Diploma	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction
English language requirements	IELTS and TOEFL scores\| for non-native English speaking applicants

We normally require three A-levels, including Mathematics with grade A, however individual circumstances are taken into account. Although we do not require Further Mathematics, we view a good grade in AS-level or A2-level Further Mathematics as a strong asset in an application, which might in some circumstances compensate for a weaker performance in a non-mathematical subject.

Applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications in addition to A-levels. Special consideration will be given to mature applicants, and we are happy to consider applicants with QAA-approved Access to HE qualifications.

Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for further information on the entry requirements from their country and English language requirements. Royal Holloway International offers an International Foundation Programme and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their undergraduate degree.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. More information on how your application will be assessed, and tips for your personal statement can be found on our Applying| pages.

We believe in meeting with all applicants where possible, and call all suitably qualified candidates either to an Open Day or to one of our UCAS days, when there is an opportunity for an informal interview and a chance to talk to current students. Applicants unable to attend these, such as overseas students, but who otherwise qualify for admission, will usually receive our standard offer.

Why choose this course?

Study two challenging subjects at a greater depth than the three-year BSc.
The Mathematics Department is rated highly for ‘Overall Student Satisfaction’ each year in the National Student Survey.
The Physics Department has an international reputation for its teaching and research.
Benefit from a strong focus on small group teaching led by inspirational staff who are acknowledged experts in their fields with a dedicated support network, including a personal academic adviser to guide you in your studies.
The course has a track record of producing high-achieving graduates who are well-prepared for future employment.

What you'll learn

The mathematics element of the degree offers a variety of subjects ranging from core course units in algebra and calculus to optional units in areas such as statistical mechanics and advanced electromagnetism. Some course units provide the tools needed in a range of mathematical disciplines, while others apply these tools to areas of interest in real life.

Physics course units cover core areas including mechanics and relativity and electromagnetism as well as exploring the application of knowledge in electromagnetism and atomic and nuclear physics.

The individual project in the final year will equip you with a broad portfolio of research skills.

In a typical week you will attend 12 to 14 hours of formal teaching in lectures, tutorials, workshops and computer classes. Outside these times you are expected to work on worksheets, revision and preparation of projects.

Throughout the course, you will:

advance your knowledge and enhance the basic techniques of mathematics and physics first encountered at A-level
learn to think logically and analytically
see how mathematics and physics are applied to real-life problems.

The websites of the Department of Mathematics| and the Department of Physics| give detailed lists of the course units on offer.

View the full course specification for Mathematics and Physics (MSci) in the Programme Specification Repository|.

How you'll learn & be assessed

Students take eight course units per year with four course units in each subject. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering flexibility and choice. Most course units are examined by written papers in the summer term although assessment is also carried out through coursework – presentations and reports – as well as the final year project.

Employability & career opportunities

Royal Holloway degrees enjoy international recognition, and are highly valued by employers. The College has strong links with a variety of companies and organisations to help us stay in tune with the very latest needs of employers. Certain exemptions may be given by the Institute of Actuaries and other professional bodies to students who have taken appropriate course units in mathematics. In recent years graduates have gained positions as electronics engineers, statisticians and researchers and entered careers in teaching, financial services and accountancy.