If you are equally drawn to studying for a degree in maths and a degree in physics, then this Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc programme is for you. The course is a joint honours degree between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics.

Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc

 

Our Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc degree course draws on the expertise of Newcastle physicists and mathematicians engaged in cutting-edge research.

Initially your time is split evenly between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mathematics, in later years you can choose to focus on one or keep options from both. As the two Schools are physically located next door to one another and the subjects themselves are close neighbours too, this joint honours course is unique in providing you a cohesive programme of study with plenty of choice.

Modern applied mathematics has provided many concepts that have revolutionised physical thought in unexpected directions. What can you bring?

 

Why study Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc at UNC?

 

  • Very broad range of leading research leading to a wide range of optional modules and projects
  • High employability rate, including a high percentage who go on to do PhDs. Employability is embedded through the course
  • Friendly and supportive environment. Year 1 and year 2 have weekly tutorials with one academic member of staff and no more than 4 students. Lecturers have open door policy. Elected student representatives meet weekly with staff to resolve any issues quickly
  • Flexibility between our range of specialised courses
  • BSc and MSci identical for first two years so don’t need to make final decision between the two until end of second year.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics BSc

 

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U408

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 Year)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Year 1

  • Communication Skills and Data Analysis – 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves – 10 credits
  • Special Relativity and Probability and Random Processes – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism and Temperature and Matter – 20 credits
  • Chaos and Nonlinear Systems B – 10 credits
  • Mechanics – 10 credits
  • Vectors, Geometry & Linear Algebra – 20 credits
  • Sequences and Series – 10 credits
  • Real Analysis – 20 credits

Year 2

  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics – 10 credits
  • Eigenphysics – 10 credits
  • Electromagnetism – 2 – 10 credits
  • Physics and Communication Skills 2 – 10 credits
  • Linear Algebra – 10 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 2 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics and Entropy – 10 credits
  • Multivariable & Vector Analysis – 20 credits
  • Differential Equations – 20 credits
  • Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids – 10 credits

Year 3

Core modules:

  • Quantum Mechanics 3 – 10 credits
  • Statistical Physics – 10 credits
  • Complex Variable Theory – 10 credits

Students must EITHER take Research Skills in Mathematics (20 credits) OR Current Topics in Theoretical Physics (10 credits) AND Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 (10 credits)

Students must also choose one of the following modules:

  • Methods in Partial Differential Equations – 20 credits
  • Partial Differential Equations – 10 credits

Optional modules.

Choose 50-60 credits (depending on core choices above). Minimum of 20 Physics and 20 Mathematics modules must be taken. Example modules:

  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 1 – 10 credits
  • Scientific Computing Laboratory 2 – 10 credits
  • Fission and Fusion – 10 credits
  • Medical Imaging – 10 credits
  • Semiconductor Optoelectronics – 10 credits
  • The Life and Death of Stars – 10 credits
  • Observational Cosmology – 10 credits
  • Atomic Physics – 10 credits
  • Particle Physics – 10 credits
  • Nuclear Physics – 10 credits
  • Evolution of Cosmic Structure – 10 credits
  • Asteroseismology and Exoplanets – 10 credits
  • Physics Teaching in Schools – 10 credits
  • Chaos and Dynamical Systems – 10 credits
  • Condensed Matter Physics – 10 credits
  • Images and Communication – 10 credits
  • Physics of Music and Sound – 10 credits
  • Physical Principles of Radar – 10 credits
  • Group Studies – 20 credits
  • General Physics – 10 credits
  • Current Topics in Theoretical Physics – 10 credits
  • Radiation and Relativity – 10 credits
  • Mathematical Finance – 20 credits
  • Continuum Mechanics – 20 credits
  • Numerical Methods and Numerical Linear Algebra – 20 credits
  • Applied Mathematics Analysis – 20 credits
  • Advanced Mathematical Modelling – 20 credits

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

As a graduate in Physics, the choice of career remains wide open. You may go on to apply your physics knowledge directly in a scientific environment, or you might be employed in a high-profile job for your problem-solving and computational skills, in the worlds of finance and information technology. 

Over 40% of our students go on to further study after graduating, with around two thirds of those being research leading to a PhD, a route open to you directly after completing an MSci degree. As well as being the main route into academic research, a PhD also opens the door to many careers that need specific advanced scientific knowledge. The most compelling reason to do a PhD is love of the subject, and the high number of our graduates choosing this route illustrates the satisfaction of students who study with us. The remaining third of students who carry on to further study either take a specialised postgraduate masters in subjects such as a very specific branch of physics, or engineering or computing, or they are pursuing a postgraduate teaching qualification such as a PGCE or PGdipEd.

Graduates who have studied our courses:

Example employers

  • NASA
  • NHS – Medical Physics
  • Rolls-Royce
  • EDF Energy
  • BAE Systems
  • Barclays Capital
  • PriceWaterhouse Coopers
  • Accenture – Technology Services

 

Example careers

  • Scientific researcher
  • Medical physicist
  • Energy consultant
  • Defence analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Statistician
  • Financial services analyst
  • Business consultant