Heriot-Watt University

The course

UCAS code
G1F3
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time
Find out how to apply More about this subject area

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Overview

Mathematics and physics are inextricably linked. The comprehensive grounding in mathematics offered by this course underpins an exploration of key physics topics, including quantum theory, nuclear physics and solid state physics. While a clear understanding of the subject will be a given, employers will also be looking for the other qualities imparted through this course, in particular numerical, analytical and problem solving skills.

Teaching excellence and student satisfaction

Mathematics at Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018*.

*Responses from full-time degree students.

Go Global

This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.

However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information.

Course content

Detailed course guide

Year 1

Level 1 has been designed to ease the transition from school to university. You will take courses in calculus and algebra which continue the study of these subjects from school, while also taking physics courses on mechanics and waves and fields and forces.

Year 2

Work in mathematics consolidates and extends the first year content, with applied mathematics and numerical analysis being introduced, alongside physics courses in photonics, quantum mechanics and relativity.

Year 3

Mathematics courses in pure and applied topics are offered along with physics courses in advanced quantum theory, electromagnetism and optics.

Year 4

Further exploration and specialisation in advanced mathematics is possible with options related to our research expertise, together with a selection of topics in advanced physics.

More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via our current student portal.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Physics students are doing six months after graduating:

  • 65% are working
  • 20% are studying
  • 5% are working and studying.

Managerial/professional position

  • 85% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.

Salary

  • The average salary of students six months after graduating: £25000
  • The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £23000

Jobs

These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:

  • Business, research and administrative professionals
  • Business and public service associate professionals

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements

  • Highers ABBBB (including Mathematics at A and Physics)
  • A-Levels BBB (including Mathematics and Physics)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 28 points (with Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics and Physics)

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers BBBC (including Mathematics and Physics at B)
  • A-Levels BBC (including Mathematics and Physics at B)

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

  • live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
  • are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements

Year 2

  • Advanced Highers ABB (including Mathematics at A and Physics plus excellent Highers)
  • A-Levels ABB (including Mathematics at A and Physics)
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points (with Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level 6)
  • BTEC DDD (including sufficient Mathematics and Physics )

Additional information

English language requirements

  • If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (by residency status)
Status* Scotland / EU** England / Northern Ireland / Wales*** International
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £15,080

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.

** European Union countries (not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales).

*** 'Rest of the UK' (RUK) students entering at Level 1 receive a fee waiver of one year's tuition fee. Normally this will be the final year, or a year during which students study abroad (either at a partnership institution, or at one of Heriot-Watt's overseas campuses).

4 years for the price of 3

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, study with us and save £9,250 over your 4-year degree.

Additional costs

You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.

Scholarships and bursaries

Featured scholarships

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2020

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.