MSci Mathematics and Physics
About this course
MSci (Hons) in Mathematics and Physics, a natural sciences degree combining mathematics with theoretical physics. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling and Laboratory Techniques. The two departments deliver theoretical physics alongside mathematical physics and applied mathematics options. The first year is shared, so students can transfer to the MPhys, BSc Physics or BSc Natural Sciences degrees when it ends. The first year covers the basics through Calculus I, Linear Algebra I, Analysis I, Foundations of Physics I and Discovery Skills in Physics, which introduces laboratory work, experimental error handling, data work and programming. Year 2 develops complex analysis, multivariable calculus and further physics through Complex Analysis II, Mathematical Methods II, Foundations of Physics 2A and Foundations of Physics 2B, with a choice between Methods of Mathematical Physics 2 and Theoretical Physics 2 and options such as Algebra II, Computational Mathematics and Stars and Galaxies. Year 3 concentrates on quantum mechanics, nuclear and particle physics and advanced electromagnetism through Foundations of Physics 3A and Theoretical Physics 3, with options including Analysis and Topology, Differential Geometry, Quantum Computing and General Relativity. The final year centres on the compulsory Physics or Mathematics Project (40 or 60 credits), carried out within research groups, alongside options such as Advanced Quantum Theory, Superstrings, Particle Theory and Statistical Mechanics.
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
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Theoretical Physics 3
- Example optional modules
- Physics or Mathematics Project (40 or 60 credits)
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci 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 MSci 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 MSci 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 MSci 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 MSci Mathematics and Physics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.