BSc (hons) mathematics & physics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

The Mathematics & Physics BSc at Bath combines rigorous mathematical training with in-depth physics — giving you both the abstraction and logical tools of mathematics and a deep understanding of the physical laws governing the universe. It’s ideal if you enjoy both pure math and physics, and dream of exploring theoretical physics, mathematical modelling, computational physics or applications across science and engineering.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In Year 1 you cover foundational mathematics and physics together. Mathematics modules include Core Pure & Applied Mathematics A & B, covering algebra, calculus (multivariable), vector calculus, linear algebra, sequences/functions and differential equations — giving you the core mathematical toolkit. At the same time, you take physics modules like Foundations of Physics 1, along with Mathematics & Physics Skills 1, which introduce basics of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetism, plus laboratory work, scientific computing, data handling, and scientific writing — building both theoretical understanding and practical experimental/computational skills.

Second Year

Year 2 deepens both maths and physics. On the mathematics side, you study units such as Differential Equations & Vector Calculus, Partial Differential Equations, and Advanced Linear Algebra, which strengthen your analytical, modelling and abstract reasoning skills. On the physics side, you continue with a second part of physics fundamentals (Foundations of Physics 2) and Physics Skills 2, involving more advanced concepts — such as electromagnetism (Maxwell’s equations), quantum theory fundamentals, plus lab and computational work. Additionally, there are optional modules (e.g. numerical analysis, computational physics, electronics/physical computing, or data-modelling in astrophysics) which let you start tailoring the degree to your interests.

Third Year

In the final year, you undertake a substantial research-style final year project (which can be experimental, theoretical or computational, depending on your interest) — this can be in physics or mathematics or a cross-disciplinary topic. Alongside that, you choose from a wide range of optional advanced modules in both physics and mathematics, allowing you to shape the balance according to your career or academic ambitions: you might prioritise more mathematics, or physics, or an even balance, depending on whether you lean toward theoretical work, applied physics, modelling, or pure mathematics.

Focus Areas

Pure and applied mathematics (algebra, analysis, vector calculus, differential equations, PDEs, linear algebra), core physics (classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves & optics), mathematical modelling, computational and numerical methods, experimental and computational physics, and cross-disciplinary projects bridging maths & physics.

Learning Outcomes

You graduate with a strong grounding in mathematical reasoning and proof techniques, analytical and computational skills, a deep understanding of physics fundamentals, ability to approach physical problems using mathematics, experience with experimentation and scientific computing, and capacity to carry out independent research through your final-year project. You'll be able to model complex systems, analyse data, communicate scientific ideas, and apply both mathematics and physics in academic or industry contexts.

Professional Alignment & Career Readiness

This degree is especially valuable if you aim for careers or further studies in research (theoretical physics, applied mathematics, computational physics), engineering, data science, modelling, simulation, software engineering (especially physics- or science-based software), scientific research, teaching, or interdisciplinary roles requiring strong quantitative and scientific skills. It keeps your future options open — from postgraduate research to industry roles in technology, engineering, analytics or science.

Why This Course Stands Out at Bath

At Bath, the Mathematics & Physics programme gives you the benefit of studying through two departments — so you get depth in both subjects. In the final year you get flexibility to shape your course according to your interests: you can lean more towards physics or mathematics, or maintain a strong balance. Also, the combination of mathematics and physics with computational, experimental and theoretical work makes this a rigorous and well-rounded programme, ideal for ambitious and curious students.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From year one, you’ll be combining pure and applied mathematics with physics topics, and the physics side includes experimental laboratory work, scientific computing, data analysis, and collaborative projects. As you progress, modules in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, waves, and advanced mathematics strengthen your ability to build and test physical models. In your final year, you will complete a substantial project — this can be experimental, theoretical, computational, an external Industry Team Project, or a communicating-physics outreach project.

To show you how you’ll gain practical experience, here’s how the programme supports hands-on learning:

Access to physics laboratories where you’ll carry out measurements, experiments, data analysis, and scientific reporting.
Skills modules that include scientific programming, statistics, computational modelling, and research-style problem solving.
Opportunities to work in pairs or small groups during lab sessions and computing activities, giving you real teamwork experience.
A choice in your final year to take on an experimental project, a theoretical analysis, a computational simulation project, or a real project from an external client through the Industry Team Project.
Exposure to specialist research facilities such as nanofabrication labs, photonics laboratories, quantum materials facilities, and computational physics environments used by Bath’s research groups.
Access to the University’s 24/7 library and digital resources, supporting your coursework, coding assignments, lab reports, and final-year project research.
Elective modules that let you specialise in areas like astrophysics, applied mathematics, fluid dynamics, materials, quantum systems, or mathematical methods.

🎯 Why This Programme Is a Great Choice for You

Choosing Mathematics & Physics at Bath means:

You build an exceptionally strong foundation in both analytical mathematics and physical sciences.
You gain hands-on experience across experimental, computational and theoretical methods.
You have flexible options in later years to tailor the degree toward the topics you enjoy most.
You graduate with strong career readiness thanks to programming skills, data-handling experience, lab work, teamwork, and project-based learning.
You’re part of a research-active department with strengths ranging from astrophysics to quantum materials, meaning you learn in an environment shaped by current scientific discovery.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Bath’s BSc (Hons) Mathematics & Physics develop a rare combination of analytical depth and scientific problem-solving. This makes them highly competitive across technical, research, and quantitative careers. Typical roles include:

Quantitative Analyst or Data / Statistical Analyst
Research Scientist in physics, engineering, or applied research
Computational Scientist or Software Developer (modelling, simulation, scientific computing)
Engineering, Technology, or Scientific Consultant

This degree equips you with rigorous mathematical methods, physical reasoning, computational tools, and practical lab experience — all of which employers value across many industries.

✅ What Makes Bath’s Mathematics & Physics BSc Stand Out

Balanced, Integrated Curriculum: The programme includes algebra, calculus, differential equations, vector calculus, linear algebra and mathematical modelling, alongside physics topics such as quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, waves and optics, thermodynamics, and solid-state physics.
Strong Computational & Practical Skills: You gain hands-on experience in laboratory work and scientific computing, learning to analyse data, run simulations, and use computational methods to solve complex physical and mathematical problems.
Final-Year Research Project: The major final-year project allows you to specialise in an area you care about — theoretical, experimental, or computational — and often connects to the university’s active research groups.
Academic Flexibility: You can choose modules that let you lean more toward mathematics or physics, depending on your long-term interests — ideal for students who want freedom to navigate both fields.
Industry-Relevant Skills: The training you receive in modelling, computation, quantitative analysis, and scientific problem-solving is valued in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, energy, research, and consultancy.

🚀 Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme benefit from strong outcomes, with Bath having a consistently high reputation for graduate employability and analytical training. Here’s what supports your career development:

Career Services: Bath’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance, skills workshops, employer events, and placement support to help you secure roles in research, technology, finance, engineering, and consultancy.
Industry Connections: The university maintains active links with sectors such as scientific research, engineering, data science, quantitative finance, and technology — ensuring students can access employer networks and opportunities.
Long-Term Value: Your dual training in mathematics and physics gives you a robust foundation that remains relevant across many industries, making your skill set future-proof.
Graduate Outcomes: Students typically progress into roles requiring advanced analytical modelling, scientific computation, experimental analysis, and research thinking — all core strengths of Bath’s Mathematics & Physics graduates.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you could continue your studies through:

A Master’s degree (MSc) in physics, applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, data science, computational physics, engineering, or financial mathematics.
A PhD in theoretical physics, applied physics, mathematical physics, computational science, or interdisciplinary scientific research.
Specialist training or professional qualifications depending on your chosen industry, such as data science, software development, scientific research, or quantitative areas of finance.