BSc Mathematical Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Physics, a physics degree focused on the mathematical and analytical foundations of physical theory. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Laboratory Techniques. Students take courses from both the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics. The first year establishes core mathematical foundations through modules such as Introduction to Mathematics at University, Introduction to Mathematical Analysis, and Linear Algebra 1. The second year expands into dynamics, Fourier analysis, and vector calculus alongside probability, statistics, programming, and data analysis, with optional experimental techniques. The third year covers quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and relativity, Lagrangian dynamics, and complex analysis. The final fourth year offers advanced study in areas like methods of mathematical physics: analytic and algebraic, condensed matter physics, nuclear and particle physics, quantum theory, and classical electrodynamics, culminating in a research project based on a physics-based topic.
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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A, Physics at B) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 81%
- Organisation and management: 56%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 25 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 30%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- West Midlands: 1%
- London: 6%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 60%
- Northern Ireland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Modules
- Introduction to Mathematics at University
- Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
- Linear Algebra 1
- modern physics
- dynamics
- Fourier analysis
- vector calculus
- several variable calculus
- probability
- statistics
- programming
- data analysis
- experimental techniques (optional)
- quantum mechanics
- thermodynamics
- electromagnetism and relativity
- Lagrangian dynamics
- complex analysis
- methods of mathematical physics: analytic and algebraic
- condensed matter physics
- nuclear and particle physics
- quantum theory
- classical electrodynamics
- research a physics-based topic
- collate and analyse existing information from a wide variety of sources
- present your findings in oral and written forms
- algebra
- general relativity
- Hamiltonian dynamics
- geometry
- statistical physics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £45,500. The £37,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh 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 Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 198 UCAS points.
Is BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
Does BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Mathematical Physics at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.