BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad), a physics and mathematics degree exploring the interplay between physical theory and mathematical structures. Core topics include Programming, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Research Methods. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, and includes a year spent abroad at a continental European partner university during the third year. The first year covers the foundations through Classical Mechanics and Laboratories, Classical and Quantum Waves, Foundations and Calculus, Electromagnetism and Relativity, Mathematical Programming and Skills, and Multivariable Calculus and Matrices. The second year focuses on advanced physical principles and mathematics via Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism, Classical Dynamics, Vector and Complex Calculus, Statistical and Solid State Physics, Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics, and Quantum and Continuum Dynamics. The final year involves an Extended Independent Project in Mathematics and a BSc Research Project and Skills in Physics. Optional modules allow students to study specialist topics such as Quantum Mechanics, Cryptography, Numerical Analysis, Plasma Physics and Fusion, and General Relativity and Cosmology.
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: AAB including A in Mathematics and B in Physics IB: 35 points overall, including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and 5 in Higher Level Physics
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 75 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 200 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 3%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 36 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 56%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 13%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- 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 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 12%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 32%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 19%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 265 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist.
- This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician (CMath) designation when followed by either: a) Further study at master’s level (FHEQ level 7), or b) Work-based training and experience to reach an equivalent level of competence. It is also recognised as meeting the educational requirements for IMA membership at the appropriate level, from Student Member to Fellow.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Classical Mechanics and Laboratories
- Classical and Quantum Waves
- Foundations and Calculus
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Mathematical Programming and Skills
- Multivariable Calculus and Matrices
- Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism
- Classical Dynamics
- Vector and Complex Calculus
- Statistical and Solid State Physics
- Quantum, Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Quantum and Continuum Dynamics
- Extended Independent Project in Mathematics
- BSc Research Project and Skills in Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Mathematical Modelling: Nonlinearity, Uncertainty, and Computational Methods
- Partial Differential Equations
- Quantum Theory and Quantum Information
- Cryptography
- Numerical Analysis
- Fluids
- Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology and Evolution
- Communicating Mathematics in Education
- Riemann Surfaces & Algebraic Curves
- Plasma Physics and Fusion
- Advanced Theoretical Techniques and Modelling Matter
- Stars and Galaxies
- Relativity and Cosmology
- Medical Physics
- Nuclear and Particle
- Quantum Science and Technologies
- Condensed Matter Physics: Electrons in Solids
- Astrobiology
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £31,500 after 15 months, £28,500 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £50,500. The £36,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York do next?
85% 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York?
83% 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 (with a year abroad) at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Is BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of partially meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Physicist. This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician (CMath) designation when followed by either: a) Further study at master’s level (FHEQ level 7), or b) Work-based training and experience to reach an equivalent level of competence. It is also recognised as meeting the educational requirements for IMA membership at the appropriate level, from Student Member to Fellow.
Does BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Mathematics and Physics (with a year abroad) at University of York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.