BSc Mathematics and Physics (GFD3)

2025 entry

How to apply

Mathematics and Physics (GFD3)

How to apply
On this page

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for both Physics and Mathematics research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning.

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem but also appreciate the applications of mathematics in areas of physics and want access to the exciting and specialised subjects offered by the School of Physics, then this joint honours course can offer you both.

Your mathematics study will focus on the areas of applied mathematics that are most linked to physics, such as the mathematical modelling of physical problems, quantum mechanics and random matrix theory. You will also cover a range of topics in physics, such as special relativity, electromagnetism and superconductors.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Accreditations

Our Mathematics and Physics BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (IOP) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

In the first and second years of this course, the units are fixed to provide a balanced exploration of mathematics and physics and the connection between them.

In your third year, you will choose optional units to focus on the areas of Maths and Physics that interest you the most, including a substantial project on an area you are passionate about.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*A*A including A* in Maths and A in Physics OR A*AA including A*A (in any order) in Maths and Further Maths, and A in Physics
AAA including Mathematics and Physics OR AAB including AB (in any order) in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and A in Physics

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
D*D*D in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in four specified Physics units, and A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
40 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and 6 at Higher Level in Physics.
36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and Physics.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
90% overall, with 9.0 in Mathematics and 8.5 in Physics
Advanced Higher: AA in Mathematics and Physics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA
Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles) with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit, including at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry), and at least 12 credits at Distinction in Physics plus either A in A-level Mathematics, or achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Search international qualifications
More about UK qualifications.

Next steps

Visit us on an open day

Find out how to apply

Download a prospectus

Make an enquiry