Interactions between mathematics and physics have led to a range of weird and wonderful advances in the sciences, from elementary particle theory to general relativity and non-Euclidean geometry, to the understanding of chaos. At Essex, your ways of thinking will be shifted as we teach you about the cosmos, the symmetries of quarks and the complexities of quantum physics.

On our BSc Mathematics with Physics course you can study a wide range of topics, such as:

Pure mathematics, including geometry, algebra, analysis and number theory

Quantum mechanics, electronics and analytical mechanics

Further applied mathematical topics such cryptography, mathematical modelling, differential equations and dynamical systems

As well as these mathematical topics, your degree will develop your programming skills in languages such as Python, and you will learn to solve sophisticated problems using computational toolkits such as Matlab, Maple and R.

This course can lead to employment opportunities within business, commerce, education, engineering, government service, industry and research as well as from the wider economy.

Professional accreditation

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year with an external organisation, learning about a particular sector, company or job role, applying your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receiving inspiration for future career pathways. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and the placements team.

If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.