Mathematics students will learn a broad range of skills including pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics whilst studying at a UK university. Logical thinking, problem solving and advanced numeracy are the key components mathematicians need as they provide the theoretical framework for physical science, data analysis and statistics.Your Mathematics Application
SI-UK can help you apply to study Mathematics in the UK. Arrange your free consultation online or at our offices in London or Manchester today.
Mathematics is most commonly studied alongside other university subjects such as computer science, economics and finance, and modules can include business mathematics, financial mathematics, education, management science, living environment and biomathematics.
Graduate Mathematics Careers and Salary
Mathematics graduates can choose to move into a variety of different fields, including accountancy, global banking, financial risk, investment analysis and statistics. The analytical, problem solving and logic skills acquired make mathematics graduates in demand across a range of sectors.
- Average starting professional salary: £25,000
- Average starting non-professional salary: £16,500
Source: The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.
Mathematics UK Entry Requirements
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 36 points.
- Typical A-levels requirements: AAB with an A in mathematics
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.0 overall, with no lower than 5.5 in any one component.
IELTS Preparation Classes
If you need to improve your IELTS score ahead of beginning a Mathematics degree, learn more about low cost and flexible part-time IELTS classes in London today.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Mathematics in the UK?
To learn more about the best Mathematics courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Mathematics universities in the Guardian University Guide 2021 below:
- University of Oxford
- University of St Andrews
- University of Cambridge
- University of Lincoln
- University of Birmingham
- Durham University
- Imperial College London
- UWE Bristol
- University of Warwick
- University of Edinburgh
Do you need assistance in applying to Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial? The Oxbridge Service will fully prepare you in your application to some of the best universities in the world with intense interview practice and expert personal statement advice.
Study Mathematics in the UK
If you are interested in studying Mathematics in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don’t forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university!
maths and physics degree oxford
| UCAS code | F303 |  | Duration | 4 years (MPhys) 3 years (BA) | |
 | Entrance requirements | A*AA (with the A* in Physics, Maths or Further Maths) |  | Subject requirements | Physics and Maths Maths Mechanics modules Further Maths |
 | Admissions test(s) | ox.ac.uk/pat |  | Written work | None |
 | Admissions statistics* | Interviewed: 33% Successful: 13% Intake: 182 *3-year average 2018-20 |  | Contact | +44 (0) 1865 272200 Email Physics |
Please note, the test date for the PAT has been moved to Thursday 4 November 2021.
Physics is concerned with the study of the universe from the smallest to the largest scale: it is about unravelling its complexities to discover the way it is and how it works. Discoveries in physics have formed the foundation of countless technological advances and play an important role in many scientific areas. Many techniques used in medical imaging, nanotechnology and quantum computing are derived from physics instrumentation. Even the World Wide Web was a spin-off from the information processing and communications requirements of high-energy particle physics. The contributions of physics to solving global problems such as energy production, environmental protection, global warming and public health are essential and have an enormous impact on our society.
Oxford has one of the largest university physics departments in the UK, with an outstanding and very diverse research programme in six sub-departments:
- Astrophysics
- Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics
- Atomic and Laser Physics
- Condensed Matter Physics (including Biophysics)
- Particle Physics
- Theoretical Physics.
Physics at Oxford is challenging and mathematical with a strong emphasis on fundamental concepts such as optics and relativity. There are two undergraduate courses, an MPhys and the BA. All applicants apply for the four-year MPhys in the first instance. The fourth-year MPhys option courses bring you to the threshold of current research, and can lead to subject specialism. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art lecture facilities and teaching laboratories. Tutorials give students direct and regular access to physicists actively involved in research and provide an opportunity to explore scientific ideas with experts in the field.
Project work/international opportunities
In the third year, all students carry out a short project in the teaching laboratories. Students on both the BA and MPhys have the opportunity to do industry projects investigating a real physics problem. There is further flexibility to undertake computational and experimental projects. A wide choice of fourth-year MPhys projects is available across all six physics sub-departments.
Academic requirements
| A-levels: | A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics. The A* must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics. |
| Advanced Highers: | AA/AAB |
| IB: | 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 should be in either Physics or Mathematics) |
| Or any other equivalent (see other UK qualifications, and international qualifications) |
Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved. (See further information on how we use contextual data.)
Subject requirements
| Essential: | Candidates are expected to have Physics and Maths to A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB or another equivalent. |
| Recommended: | The inclusion of a Maths Mechanics module is also highly recommended. |
| Helpful: | Further Maths is helpful to candidates in completing this course, although it is not required for admission. |
If a practical component forms part of any of your science A‐levels used to meet your offer, we expect you to pass it.
If English is not your first language you may also need to meet our English language requirements.
Applying
Admissions tests
| Test: | PAT |
| Test date: | 4 November 2021 |
| Registration deadline: | 6pm 15 October 2021 |
All candidates must take the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) as part of their application. Separate registration for this test is required and it is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they are registered. We strongly recommend making the arrangements in plenty of time before the deadline.
Everything you need to know, including guidance on how to prepare, can be found on the PAT page.
Updates to PAT: The test consists of maths and physics questions, which are mixed in sequence (there are not separate maths or physics sections). Formula sheets, tables and data books are not permitted. Calculators are permitted. Guidelines about the use of calculators along with details of the syllabus and links to supporting materials which candidates are encouraged to look at for preparation are available on the PAT page.
Written work
You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course.
What are tutors looking for?
Tutors are looking for enthusiastic and highly-motivated students with the ability to apply basic principles to unfamiliar situations. The language of physics is mathematics and formulating physical theories requires new mathematical structures. Therefore, the tutors are also looking for a good level of mathematical competence and the ability to formulate a problem in mathematical terms and then extract the physical consequences from the solution.
Top Five UK Universities for Mathematics
In an increasingly data driven world, the study of mathematics is a subject growing in popularity. Whether you wish to pursue a dedicated mathematics degree, or as part of another university subject in a dual-honours capacity such as business, engineering or computer science, skilled mathematicians will find of transferable value from their degree in a wide variety of sectors.
You can learn more about the five best* universities to study mathematics in the UK below. If you wish to apply, or have any questions about studying in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK in Lagos or Abuja today.
Top Five UK Universities for Mathematics
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is considered the best university in the UK to study mathematics and a three-year BA at undergraduate level and four-year MMath at postgraduate is available for students to study. Both courses are highly regarded with the employability of graduates of both degrees extremely high.
Mathematics at Oxford embraces the power and diversity of the subject by “combining its pure and applied mathematicians in one department and one building, ensuring collaborations both within and beyond Oxford.”
2.University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge mathematics department aims to “train the next cohort of mathematicians for academia, education, science, industry, business and society.” Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available for students to apply for.
A Cambridge degree in mathematics will help you go far – the demand for Cambridge graduates of any kind is great, but sectors in business, finance and physics are always keen on a Cambridge mathematician.
3. University of St Andrews
The School of Mathematics & Statistics at the University of St Andrews offers a variety of undergraduate courses in applied, pure and statistics mathematics, as well as a range of MSc programmes at postgraduate level.
St Andrews’ degrees in statistics have been accredited by the Royal Statistical Society in recognition of the “breadth, depth, quality and foundation”, whilst the University consistently rank in the top five in the UK for the quality of their teaching.
4. University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth offer a highly flexible BSc (Hons) Mathematics which optional pl placements across a range of sectors including science, engineering, finance, government and medicine.
Mathematics courses are taught by world leading researchers and through optional modules, you can gain additional expertise in areas such as probability, data analysis and statistics, and theoretical physics.
5. Liverpool John Moores University
The BSc (Hons) Mathematics at Liverpool John Moores University will “give you the mathematical and statistical knowledge to model, solve and analyse real-world problems.”
Students will have the chance to take a year’s paid industrial placement and strong links with 450 local and national organisations means the knowledge gained from your degree will be put to good use.
Best UK Universities for Physics
If you want to kickstart your dream career in physics, you may wish to study at the best universities for physics in the UK.
Physics is the study of how matter behaves within space and time. Many physics-related careers are in high demand today – mainly because there are few physicists in the UK to offset demand. You’ll find a myriad job and business opportunities waiting for you.
Let’s begin by helping you find the university you’d want to explore. If you want to get a taster of physics at university, then check out our physics summer courses for high school students.
Not sure about Physics at University? Check out the best UK universities for loads of different degrees!
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is easily one of the top schools in the world. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 ranked it Top 1 for the sixth consecutive year. It’s the oldest university in the UK with 800 years of rich history and tradition. Some of the most prestigious physicists who studied in Oxford include Stephen Hawking, Robert Hooke, and Edwin Hubble.
Oxford is one of the best universities for physics because it has one of the largest physics departments in the UK. Do you know that they have extensive research programmes encompassing particle physics, astrophysics, and atomic and later physics, to mention a few? You will have the world’s best facilities to support your research.
According to UCAS, 98% of the graduates are employed or enrolled in further education. Those employed have an impressive annual salary of £28,600 per year. Kickstart your career path for physics degrees in one of the best and oldest universities globally, try out for the University of Oxford.
University of Cambridge
For 800 years, the University of Cambridge raised and nurtured students by giving them a sense of community and purpose. There are over 700 student societies and organisations for you to join, depending on your strengths and hobbies. Also, you may want to know that Cambridge offers accommodations for its students for at least three years. What better way to call a university your home?
The University of Cambridge is one of the best universities for physics because of the Natural Science Tripos framework. That is, you will learn physics along with other natural science subjects. Think chemistry and biology, even including the philosophy of science!
Then after exposure to various sciences, you can decide to concentrate solely on physics for your second and third years. You can proceed to the fourth year to pursue a professional career in physics. insert link for “what can I do with a physics degree.”
The Natural Science Tripos framework will give you a broad perspective of how the various sciences work together—giving you a deep foundational understanding of physics.
With decades of experience, Cambridge has sharpened its teaching to excellence. The Complete University Guide 2022 and the Guardian University Guide 2022 named it Top 3 in the UK. As a testament to its teaching prowess, 121 Cambridge affiliates became Nobel prize winners since 1904.
Do you need exposure to various sciences before committing to physics? Cambridge can help you with the decision-making process.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is unique in that it’s the only university in the UK that’s solely focused on engineering, science, medicine and business.
Due to its location in Central London, students have exposure to future employers related to these subjects. The companies surrounding Imperial are some of the largest in the world.
No wonder the employment rate is high for their graduates!
Imperial College London is one of the best universities for physics because the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject university 2022 ranked its physics department Top 3 in the UK.
They have the latest technology to let you explore to your heart’s content. That includes nanoscale fabrication and high-intensity laser systems.
Yet Imperial isn’t all about theories and laboratories. It puts premium value on the community. You are welcome to join any of the 350 student societies to inspire you to pursue your non-academic passions.
If you’re looking for a top-notch school in Central London that values community life, try exploring Imperial College.
University of Nottingham
According to The Graduate Market in 2021, the University of Nottingham is one of the top five most sought after by Britain’s best graduate employers. This could only result from having excellent quality in teaching, as the Teaching Excellence Framework attests. It also helps its students grow with extensive support, including disability support, counselling service, and health care.
The University of Nottingham is one of the best universities for physics because of its groundbreaking research that solves real-world problems. In 2003, it’s very own Professor Sir Peter Mansfield received a Nobel Prize for inventing Magnetic Resonance Imaging body scanners. Already, this technology has improved the lives of over half a billion globally. The exciting news is students can take part in paid research projects alongside professionals.
You may also be happy that Nottingham physics students can study a year abroad in any European country and learn another language. What’s more, there are available Physics with a Year in Industry degree courses you can take. Here you can go on a job placement with a physics-related industry partner. So if you’re looking for a university that will give you the latest research experience and apply your learnings in an industry setting, check out the University of Nottingham.
University College London
The University College London (UCL) aims to involve its students in global issues. It wants to give you a global perspective to offer real-world solutions.
In UCL, you’ll get in based on your merit. It doesn’t matter what your social or national background is. As long as you have the talent and potential to thrive, you will make it. It welcomes a wide range of students and staff, drawing from 100 different countries to respect and celebrate diversity.
In fact, it was the first university in England to welcome women and students from any religion. The QS World University Rankings 2022 ranked it Top 8.
UCL is one of the best universities for physics because the Times Higher Education Rankings by subject 2021 ranks it 4th in the UK. Its students benefit from having experts who have real-world experience in various physics-related fields as their lecturers.
You may find it interesting to note that they have a news page on their website dedicated to the latest development in their first-class research. One exciting piece of news talks about how UCL physicists designed and built the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). It’s an instrument that created the most extensive 3D map of the universe. Do you want to participate in exciting new research that aims to solve global issues? Perhaps UCL is what you’re looking for.
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is leading in many ways. The Good University Guide 2022 named it the University of the Year Runner Up and the University of the Year for Quality Teaching. The Times Higher Education ranked it 9th in the UK and 80th globally.
The accolades mean Warwick raises sought-after graduates over 100 graduate employers clamour for. According to the Graduate Market 2021, it’s the Top 6 most targeted university by UK’s best companies.
Warwick is one of the best universities for physics because 97% of its students are employed or enrolled in further study after graduation. Those who are employed earn an average annual salary of £26,500. While students are still studying, 90% said they were satisfied with what the school offered them.
If you’re wondering what Warwick offers its students aside from high-quality teaching and top employability rate, it’s the student experience. You’ll be part of a close-knit community when you join them. They have over 8,000 accommodations with support to help you figure out which option suits you best. And to help you develop your interests and hobbies, they have 300 student-led societies you can check out – from gaming to arts, and even cheese and chocolate!
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