BSc Mathematics and Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics is a Natural Sciences degree combining the study of physical theory with the mathematical methods used to describe it. Core topics include programming, data analysis, mathematical modelling and laboratory techniques. A common first year allows transfer at its end onto the MSci Mathematics and Physics, BSc Physics or BSc Natural Sciences. Theoretical physics modules are taught by the physics department, while mathematical physics and applied mathematics options come from the mathematics department. The first year establishes foundations through Calculus I, Linear Algebra I, Analysis I and Foundations of Physics I; Discovery Skills in Physics adds laboratory practice, data handling and programming. Second-year compulsory work spans Complex Analysis II, Mathematical Methods II, Foundations of Physics 2A and Foundations of Physics 2B, covering complex integration, vector calculus, quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Students also choose between Methods of Mathematical Physics 2 and Theoretical Physics 2, the latter joining Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics to a mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics. Optional second-year modules include Stars and Galaxies, Algebra II and Computational Mathematics. The third year centres on Capstone Project(s), in which students investigate a problem in mathematical physics or prepare a research funding proposal through Science Enterprise, alongside Foundations of Physics 3A and Theoretical Physics 3. Optional final-year modules include Analysis and Topology, Differential Geometry, Quantum Computing and General Relativity.
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*A*A including Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A Level, or including A*A* in Physics and Mathematics at A Level plus A in AS Further Mathematics for students unable to take A Level Further Mathematics. IB: 38 points overall including 7 in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches), 7 in Higher Level Physics and 6 in a further Higher Level subject
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What students say
Based on about 88 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 81 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 11%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 71%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 48%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 345 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 295 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Calculus I
- Linear Algebra I
- Analysis I
- Foundations of Physics I
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Complex Analysis II
- Mathematical Methods II
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Methods of Mathematical Physics 2
- OR Theoretical Physics 2
- Example optional modules
- Capstone Project(s)
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Theoretical Physics 3
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £61,500.
What do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University do next?
88% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*A*A at A level, or 38 points in the IB. The average entrant had 196 UCAS points.
Does BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Mathematics and Physics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.