BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics, a physics and mathematics degree focused on the mathematical and analytical principles of physical systems. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme spans three years of full-time study. The first year introduces foundational material through modules such as Mathematical Foundations, Calculus and Linear Algebra, Differential Equations and Mechanics, and Special Relativity, Probability, Thermodynamics, and Electronics. The second year develops core concepts via Multivariable and Vector Calculus, Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations, Real Analysis, and Statistical Physics and Optics. The final year allows students to study advanced topics including Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power, Stars and Exoplanets, and Machine Learning and Inference from Data, alongside independent study options such as the Year 3 Theoretical Physics Project and Mathematical Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: A*AA to include A-level Mathematics A* and A-level Physics A.. IB: 7,6,6 at HL, to include Mathematics and Physics, with a minimum of 32 points overall. 7 must be in Mathematics, 6 in Physics.. BTEC: options considered when combined with other Maths and Physics qualifications.
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What students say
Based on about 158 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 53 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 56%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 12%
- Unemployed: 14%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 16%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Engineering professionals: 13%
- Teaching Professionals: 9%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 9%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 265 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 44%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 20%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Waves, and Electromagnetism
- Special Relativity, Probability, Thermodynamics, and Electronics
- Discover: Skills, Computing and Theoretical Physics B
- Mathematical Foundations, Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations and Mechanics
- Statistical Physics and Optics
- Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism 2
- Challenge: Skills, Computing and Quantum Mathematics
- Multivariable and Vector Calculus
- Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations
- Real Analysis
- Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics
- Advanced Dynamics, and Relativistic Fields
- Chaos Dynamical Systems and Complex Variables
- Year 3 Theoretical Physics Project
- Mathematical Project
- Particle Physics
- Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Power
- Stars and Exoplanets
- Medical Physics
- Atomic, Condensed Matter and Photonic Physics
- Gravitation, Cosmology and Galaxies
- Professional Science Communication and Teaching
- Machine Learning and Inference from Data
- Partial Differential Equations and Applications
- Continuum Mechanics
- Mathematics in Biology and Medicine
- Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
- Metric Spaces and Geometry
- Real and Complex Analysis
- Year 3 Physics Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £43,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £53,000. The £43,000 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 168 UCAS points.
Is BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
How many students continue on BSc Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.