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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2025/2026
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Degree Programme Specification
BSc Honours in Mathematical Physics
 

BSc Honours in Mathematical Physics
To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. This information is created when new programmes are established and is only updated periodically as programmes are formally reviewed. It is therefore only accurate on the date of last revision.
Awarding institution: The University of Edinburgh
Teaching institution: The University of Edinburgh
Programme accredited by:
 
Final award: BSc Honours
Programme title: Mathematical Physics BSc
UCAS code: F326
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group(s): Physics, Mathematics
Postholder with overall responsibility for QA: Professor Philip Clark
Date of production/revision: 8th January 2024
Further Information: View the prospectus entry for this programme

External Summary
Mathematical Physics aims to develop a precise quantitative understanding of the nature, structure and evolution of the physical world through the language of mathematics. Its scope runs from quarks and leptons, the smallest fragments of the universe, through the material world we perceive directly with our senses, and on to stars and galaxies, and the origins and fate of the universe itself. It thus builds directly on the work of Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, Born, Heisenberg, Dirac, Feynman, Hawking, Higgs and countless others. Our aim is to equip you with the precise analytical thinking necessary to understand this vast subject, and thereby prepare you for a broad range of subsequent careers in Theoretical or Computational Physics, Applied Mathematics or any profession requiring the solution of difficult problems through mathematical modelling. 

Through studying Mathematical Physics at Edinburgh a student will acquire:
•    a thorough grounding in mathematics, and the skills necessary to use mathematics to solve problems;
•    a thorough grounding in physics, and a deep understanding of its fundamental ideas and principles;
•    the attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
•    the confidence and ability to formulate problems mathematically, and solve them analytically; 
•    the confidence and ability to solve problems numerically, through computer programming;
•    skills required for a career in applied mathematics, theoretical physics, or computational physics; 
•    problem solving skills useful for a wide range of careers in industry, education, finance, and management.

Educational Aims of Programme

The educational aims of the Mathematical Physics programme at Edinburgh are:

  • to provide a degree programme with flexibility and choice, accommodating a range of entrance qualifications and experience;
  • to provide a thorough grounding in mathematics, and the skills necessary to use mathematics to solve problems;
  • to provide a thorough grounding in physics, and a deep understanding of its fundamental ideas and principles;
  • to offer exposure to a range of activities in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, capitalising on the strengths of a thriving and diverse research environment;
  • to provide thorough preparation for a research career in theoretical or computational physics, or applied mathematics;
  • to develop general transferable skills related to IT & computing, modelling, problem-solving and communication;
  • to provide a platform for employment in science-based industry, education, research and the wide spectrum of professions such as finance, business and management, calling for the formulation and solution of problems through mathematical modelling

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By engaging with and completing a degree in Mathematical Physics, graduates will acquire    knowledge and understanding of:       

  • core areas in mathematics: abstract algebra, group theory, calculus, real and complex analysis, tensor algebra, probability and statistics, and numerical methods
  • core areas of physics: classical mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics
  • the opportunity to study from a very wide range of selected topics in Mathematical Physics: atomic physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, statistical physics, critical phenomena, atmospheric physics, astrophysics and cosmology;
  • a balanced training in the methodologies and research skills of modern applied mathematics, theoretical physics and computational physics

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Research and Enquiry

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • an attitude of mind conducive to critical questioning and creative thinking;
  • the confidence and ability to formulate ideas mathematically and then solve them;
  • the ability to harness these skills in tandem with the core knowledge base to solve problems;
  • the ability to assimilate and evaluate advanced literature from a range of diverse sources;

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Personal and Intellectual Autonomy

The degree programme aims to develop:

  • a disposition to approach unfamiliar situations with a spirit of critical enquiry;
  • the confidence and ability to formulate a physical problem in terms of mathematics;
  • the ability to solve a mathematical problem analytically or numerically.

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Communication

The degree programme aims to develop the ability to:     

  • formulate a coherent written and oral presentation based on material on a given topic gathered and organised independently on a given topic;
  • present the outcomes of an extended research project in a dissertation report and public oral presentation;
  • formulate a logical mathematical argument and communicate this effectively to peers and educators;
  • function effectively as a member or leader of a team working towards a joint report and presentation

Programme outcomes: Graduate Attributes - Skills and Abilities in Personal Effectiveness

The degree programme aims to develop the ability to:

  • collaborate effectively and productively with others in the process of inquiry and learning including those with a range of backgrounds and knowledge;
  • organise independent learning to an effective schedule;
  • manage time effectively, utilise resources and meet deadlines

Programme outcomes: Technical/Practical skills

The programme aims to develop:

  • confident facility with general IT resources (WWW for learning and information retrieval; e-mail and bulletin boards for communication; word-processing for document preparation)
  • confident facility with the Unix operating system and its use in a scientific environment
  • advanced scientific programming skills in Python
  • numerical programming and computer simulation techniques
  • computer algebra and symbolic manipulation
  • the ability to analyse data and assess what can be inferred from it in the light of theoretical expectations and experimental uncertainties

Programme Structure and Features

The programme structure is a full time, 480pt Scottish Bachelors with Honours with entry at first- or second-year level and is fully compliant with the University’s Curriculum Framework and Scottish Qualification Framework.

First Year
Total of 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Physics 1A [20pt]                                SCQF Level 8
•    Mathematics for Physics 2 [20pt]                        SCQF Level 8
•    Introduction to Linear Algebra [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Calculus and its Applications [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Proofs and Problem Solving [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8 
•    20pt of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8. 
•    Physics 1B [20pt] may be taken instead of Proofs and Problem Solving, but then Accelerated Proofs and Problem Solving must be taken in Year 2.
 Progression to second year requires passes in all first year specified compulsory courses. By concession 20 credits of courses may be carried but must not include specified courses.

Second Year 

Total of 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8

Specified courses are:
•    Introductory Dynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 8
•    Probability [10pt]                                SCQF Level 8
•    Introductory Fields and Waves [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Fundamentals of Pure Mathematics [20pt]                SCQF Level 8
•    Several Variable Calculus and Differential Equations [20pt]         SCQF Level 8
•    Modern Physics [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8
•    Physics of Matter [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8    
•    Programming and Data Analysis [10pt]                     SCQF Level 8    
•    10pt of free choice from Schedules A-Q, S, T, W and Y at Level 7/8. 
Progression requires 120pt of courses from second year. By concession 10pt courses may be carried, but must not include specified courses.

Second Year Point of Entry 2 (Direct Entry) for suitably qualified students

Total of 120pt of courses, normally at SCQF Level 8


Specified courses are:
•    Accelerated Algebra and Calculus for Direct Entry [20pt]         SCQF Level 8
•    Accelerated Proofs and Problem Solving [10pt]                SCQF Level 8
•    Introductory Dynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 8
•    Probability [10pt]                                SCQF Level 8
•    Introductory Fields and Waves [20pt]                    SCQF Level 8
•    Fundamentals of Pure Mathematics [20pt]                SCQF Level 8
•    Modern Physics [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8
•    Physics of Matter [10pt]                             SCQF Level 8    
•    Programming and Data Analysis [10pt]                     SCQF Level 8    

Junior Honours (Third Year) 

Total of 120pt of courses, at Level 9 or 10

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Principles of Quantum Mechanics [20pt]             SCQF Level 10
•    Electromagnetism and Relativity [20pt]                 SCQF Level 10
•    Thermal Physics [20pt]                         SQCF Level 9
•    Lagrangian Dynamics [10pt]                     SCQF Level 10
•    Computer Modelling or Numerical Recipes [pt]        SQCF Level 9/10
•    Honours Complex Variables [20pt]                SQCF Level 10
•    20pt of free choice from a list of 9 recommended courses in Schedules P & Q    
            
Progression requires 120pt of courses at first sit. Students obtaining 120pt after August re-sits are eligible for the BSc Ordinary Sciences PHY degree.

Senior Honours (Fourth Year) 

Total of 120pt of courses, normally at Level 10 or 11

Specified compulsory courses are:
•    Methods of Mathematical Physics [10pt]                    SCQF Level 10
•    Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics [10pt]                SCQF Level 10
•    Nuclear and Particle Physics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 10
•    Symmetries of Quantum Mechanics [10pt]                                                    SCQF Level 10
•    Quantum Theory [10pt]                            SCQF Level 11
•    Classical Electrodynamics [10pt]                        SCQF Level 11
•    Group Project [10pt]                                    SCQF Level 11
•    Mathematical Physics Honours Project or Senior Honours Project [10pt]    SCQF Level 10
•    40 credits of free choice from a list of 8 recommended courses at Levels 10/11 in Schedules P & Q    
•    Science Education Placement Physics [20pt] may be taken instead of the Honours Project
•    Statistical Physics [10pt] may be taken instead of either Quantum Theory or Classical Electrodynamics

Progression requires 120pt of courses at first sit. Students obtaining 120pt of courses at first sit are, by concession, permitted to graduate with BSc Honours.

Classification of Honours
Honours classification is determined on the 240pt of courses taken in the Junior Honours and Senior Honours years, with years weighted on a 50:50 basis. Classification is based on the University Common Marking Scheme. 

Equality and Diversity
The School is an active participant in the Institute of Physics JUNO project with “Champion” status where we monitor and report on the equality and diversity across the whole School including activities of academic staff, research staff, post and undergraduate students.

Teaching and Learning Methods and Strategies
The bulk of the teaching programme is conducted through lectures; the class sizes vary from about 250 in pre-honours courses to as few as 10 in some Senior Honours optional courses. This teaching is supported through tutorial sessions and supervised workshops; and through study resources generally delivered online. These resources vary in extent and character; they invariably include a detailed syllabus, reading list and problem-set; in some instances they incorporate substantial multimedia material including self-tests and illustrative simulations. First year and Direct Entry specific courses offer extensive student support to assist the transition into higher education and develop independent learning skills. These include the use of an in-lecture feedback system, peer-assisted learning, tailored problem sheets and extensive student – tutor feedback in extended workshop classes. Computing/IT courses are conducted through supervised sessions in dedicated teaching laboratories in groups of 10-50. Group Projects typically involve teams of about 5 students working largely autonomously.

Innovative Learning Week
The University of Edinburgh Innovative Learning Week is scheduled in Week 6 of Semester 2.  During this week ‘normal’ teaching is suspended, providing the opportunity for staff and students to explore new learning activities.  Some examples of the types of activities held in Physics and Astronomy are workshops, peer assisted learning activities, public engagement activities and careers events.

Assessment Methods and Strategies
Each course has its own assessment criteria appropriate to the specified Learning Outcomes of the course, as detailed in the on-line course specification. All courses are assessed using the University Common Marking Scheme. The typical modes of assessment used through the programme are detailed below:

Pre-Honours: (first and second year)
Lecture-based physics and mathematics courses are assessed by end-of-course written examinations (unseen) with a typical weight of 80%, augmented by weekly hand-in assignments typically weighted at 20%. These are marked throughout the semester and returned with feedback comments typically within 10 days of submission. All semester 1 pre-honours lecture-based courses offer examination feedback workshops as the start of semester 2, where students can view their marked scripts and receive personal feedback from the course staff. Class performance and common error feedback on semester 2 examinations are supplied via the School intranet.

Practical and computing classes are assessed by continuous assessment either via written submitted reports, laboratory notebooks or, for computing classes, specified checkpoints assessed during the assigned workshop classes. All submitted reports and notebooks are returned with written feedback, and students receive verbal feedback and advice on computer checkpoints from the assessors. 

Honours (third and fourth year):
Lecture-based physics and mathematics courses are mainly assessed by either end-of-course, or end-of-year written examinations (unseen). Core courses at Junior Honours are augmented by periodic hand-ins with a typical weight of 20% which are marked throughout the course and returned with written feedback. The reduction in frequency of these hand-ins, compared to pre-honours, encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and time management. In courses with no assessed course work, students are encouraged to attempt course questions in advance and seek feedback on their work at the course workshops/tutorials. All students have access to their marked examination scripts via the School Teaching Office.

Practical and computing courses at Junior Honours are assessed as in pre-honours, with laboratory work assessed via written laboratory reports (on which feedback is provided). Project work at Senior Honours level is assessed via laboratory performance, written report and poster presentation; written feedback is provided on all aspects. Group exercises in Research Methods and the Group Project are assessed by a written group report, group presentation and peer moderation (feedback is provided on all aspects).
 

Career Opportunities
The BSc programme offers the preparation needed for a research career in mathematical or theoretical physics, either via further academic study (e.g. towards a Masters degree) or via industrial research.  In addition, a wide range of employers recognise that Mathematical Physics graduates have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and critically about complex situations. Add this to a high level of mathematical ability, computing and IT proficiency, and communication skills in written, oral and online media and Mathematical Physics graduates have opportunities in a diverse range of careers. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to jobs with Google, the BBC, IBM, the NHS, and a variety of other organisations.
 

Academic and Student Advisers
Each student is assigned an Academic Adviser and a Student Adviser. The Academic Advisor is a member of academic staff and is responsible for providing academic guidance. The Student Adviser is a member of the student support team and is responsible for providing pastoral guidance. Throughout a student's time at the university the Academic Adviser guides the student in the choice of courses and provides general support. The Student Adviser is the student’s first point of contact for all pastoral matters. 

Courses are administered and run through the Teaching Organisation in the School, which produces detailed online course guides for both new and continuing students.  These guides provide the details of course structure and assessment, along with general university policy and regulations
 

Further Information
View the prospectus entry for this programme

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