Physics and Mathematics BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Two students using equipment in the lab.

This course aims to provide you with a grounding of physics, multiplied by a solid knowledge of mathematics, programming and numerical methods.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

F302

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

This physics and mathematics degree combines a thorough education in mathematics with explorations of phenomena at all length scales from the sub-atomic level (quantum mechanics) to the macroscopic scale (cosmology) and everything in between.

You will have the opportunity to gain expertise in mathematics and translate concepts in physics into mathematical and computational models, allowing you to solve various physical and real-world problems upon successful completion of the course.
An essential part of the course relies on understanding numerical and experimental processes and the uncertainties inherent to measurements. As such, there will be ample opportunity for you to engage with real-world data analysis and experimental techniques using activity-led learning, lab-before-lecture and flipped learning techniques, which have formed a long-standing part of Coventry University’s teaching and learning strategy.
Over the course of your studies, you will have the chance to learn a variety of analytical and numerical tools used by physicists to tackle problems in the field of statistical mechanics, cosmology, or quantum mechanics.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Studying Physics and Mathematics BSc (Hons) at Coventry University will provide you with the opportunity to delve into the laws governing the universe, from a microscopic (particles and atoms) to an astronomical scale (planets and galaxies), and the diverse and beautiful language of mathematics required to describe the laws.
Technological advances such as the current digital revolution, quantum computing, and holographic screens were driven by the curiosity of generations of scientists investigating the fundamental principles of physics. Future advances, will likewise, depend on our evolving understanding of physics. Since ancient times, critical thinking has been at the heart of all physical theory. You will acquire the core meta skill traditional in physics to question everything, to take nothing for granted, to test theory against experiments until one reaches a coherent and satisfying model of the world around us.
Studying physics and mathematics will provide you with the opportunity to develop practical, experimental, and strong problem-solving skills. This may open doors to careers in all areas of science, engineering, and teaching. Thanks to the transferable nature of the skills developed, graduates are also much appreciated in areas as diverse as data science, actuarial science, finance, and banking.
You’ll also receive one-to-one assistance from sigma, the university’s Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support⁴.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and final years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

We want your degree to fit around you, so upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses:

Mathematics BSc (Hons)
Mathematics and Statistics BSc (Hons)
Physics and Mathematics BSc (Hons)

Modules

Calculus - 20 credits

This module provides core calculus for those undertaking degrees in the mathematics area. The primary aims of the module are to consolidate the material covered in the different A levels and equivalent qualifications and explore some of the advanced concepts needed for an extensive study of mathematics required for the study at level 5 modules.

Compulsory

Algebra - 20 credits

The aim of the module is two-fold. First, to introduce you to modern algebra by taking what you have learned at high school and placing it in the context of university mathematics. Emphasis will be given to the importance of assumption and proof in mathematics. Second, you will encounter one of the fundamental pillars of modern mathematics - linear algebra. You will see the key result of the basis theorem, as well as explore the one-to-one correspondence between linear maps and matrices over a field. This will be key for other areas of mathematics you will see in your undergraduate degree.

Compulsory

Programming 1: Concepts and Algorithms - 20 credits

In order to explore mathematics in a practical way, we often have to rely on computational simulations. This module will guide you through the fundamentals of coding - from structure and syntax to algorithms and functional decomposition - to prepare you to construct your own mathematical software solutions.

Compulsory

Probability and Statistics - 20 credits

This module builds a foundation for the study of statistics in future years. It will introduce you to the concepts of probability, random variables and probability distributions. It will also introduce the concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing, and will give you the opportunity to develop the necessary theory, methods and concepts for statistical analysis of data.

Compulsory

Mechanics and Numerical Methods - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce Newtonian mechanics and its use, as well as various mathematical modelling tools, with the accent on computational tools, to describe real-world situations. This module will make use of computer software, or/and programming language to help in the visualisation and resolution of typical problems. Along with Newtonian mechanics, the module will introduce foundational numerical methods, useful in a variety of practical situations, such as numerical integration, matrix methods for solving systems of linear equations, iterative methods for solving equations, finite differences, Euler-based methods for integration of Newton's 2nd Law problems.

Compulsory

Mathematical Case Studies - 20 credits

The module consists of a series of problem-solving challenges on mathematics; statistics and physics in order to build up your course identity among fellow students. Students from a course will be encouraged to take projects from the corresponding area. Projects are about coming up with creative mathematical models to solve mathematical or physics challenges, developing problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, as well as presentation skills.

Compulsory

Year two builds on the acquisition of knowledge from the previous year and will provide you with the opportunity to dive into more technical and complex concepts of both theoretical physics and mathematics. In addition, year two includes laboratory sessions² to support you in further developing experimental skills, working on understanding physical phenomena while testing the validity of their assumptions and estimating errors due to measurements.

Modules

Further Calculus and Complex Analysis - 20 credits

This module will build on the earlier module, calculus. We will extend the ideas from year one to dealing with both scalar fields and vector fields, the concepts with wide applications spanning from theory of fluids through meteorology to traffic control, as well as to functions of complex variables that allow for a very elegant and succinct solution of many classical problems of calculus.

Compulsory

Linear Algebra and Differential Equations - 20 credits

This module continues linear algebra and differential equations from the first year with the overlap between the areas emphasised – in both cases, the general goal will be to explore ways in which one can find a ‘suitable basis’ for a given problem. This is akin a suitable choice of the coordinate system that can hugely simplify the description of physical phenomena. The module will also cover second order ODEs (linear, but with non-constant coefficients), systems of first order ODEs, series solutions and self-adjoint operators. 

Compulsory

Labs - 20 credits

The module provides you with opportunities to develop experimental and computational skills including setting up and designing experiments, data collection and data analysis. The module includes performing a number of experiments using a variety of equipment as well as coding physical and mathematical problems to reach technical solutions. The aim of the module is to provide you with transferable and critical thinking skills required by a physicist.

Compulsory

Partial Differential Equations and Analytical Mechanics - 20 credits

The module acts as an introduction to the vast fields of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) and Analytical Mechanics. You will be introduced to standard techniques to solve a range of PDEs. The module also provides key elements relating to variational calculus and focuses on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms for Analytical Mechanics, which are naturally formulated via PDEs and which find themselves at the very foundation of physics.

Compulsory

Electrodynamics - 20 credits

Starting from electrostatic electric and magnetic force and energy, this module relies on the concepts of vector calculus to explore the mathematics and physics of Maxwell’s equations. Electric fields in dielectric materials, steady electric currents and simple DC circuits are also discussed.

Compulsory

Waves and Optics - 20 credits

This module builds foundations and develops further understanding of physical concepts in waves, optics, atomic structure and electromagnetic radiations. You will also develop an understanding of real-world applications of physical and geometrical optics and the propagation of sound waves. At the end of the module, you should fully understand these fundamentals and how they are applied to an understanding of interference and diffraction, dispersion and wave propagation phenomena. The module also provides an introduction to modern physics via the presentation of key historical problems which lead to the development of quantum mechanics.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The final year will deepen your specialist knowledge by developing further expertise in physics and applied mathematics. You will study fundamental topics of quantum mechanics, and statistical physics and thermodynamics, as well as get in-depth familiarity with cutting edge methodologies such as that of computational physics and quantum information. You will also do an in-depth research project on physics and mathematics in a field that interests you, under a tailored supervision of a research active academic.

Modules

Computational Physics - 20 credits

The module provides you with knowledge of advanced methods and algorithms to study and model complex systems. After completion, you will be able to discuss the most appropriate methods to apply, in order to minimize numerical errors, biases and instabilities when studying such systems.

Compulsory

Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics - 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to provide you with a grounding in thermodynamics and statistical physics. In this module you will learn how macroscopic thermodynamic phenomena arise from the statistics of systems with very many constituent particles. You will obtain a basic understanding of how this proceeds, giving an introduction to thermodynamics then covering Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics and their applications to gases, liquids and solids. This module builds on the probability and calculus studied at level 4.

Compulsory

Quantum Mechanics - 20 credits

You will be Introduced to foundations of quantum mechanics QM; functional analysis on finite and infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces; study fundamental physical systems such as spin systems, the harmonic oscillator, and the hydrogen atom. More generally, this module introduces you to QM as a fundamental theory that describes physical properties of nature at atomic length scales. The mathematical framework for QM is introduced and applied first to finite dimensional systems such as quantum spin systems and the two-level system and second to infinite dimensional systems such as a particle in a potential well, the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom. You will acquire knowledge in the fundamental theory and its applications to modern real-world problems.

Compulsory

Quantum Information and Quantum Computation - 20 credits

This module offers you a comprehensive introduction to the main ideas and techniques of the field of quantum computation and quantum information. The required physical, mathematical, and computational frameworks are briefly introduced and effects such as fast quantum algorithms, quantum teleportation, quantum cryptography, quantum error-correction, quantum Fourier transform, and quantum searches are discussed. You will acquire a working understanding of the fundamental tools and results in the field and will be able to engage with contemporary software and applications.

Compulsory

Advanced Topics in Physics - 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to a selection of advanced ideas in Physics, such as phase transitions and critical phenomena, and emergence and complexity. The module is based on the world-renowned research expertise of the team and will therefore provide you with a cutting-edge research-led learning experience. Where appropriate, relevant programming tools will be used.

Compulsory

Project - 20 credits

This module forms a major individual study at the honours level in areas related to physics or applied mathematics. You will take the responsibility of managing such a study through all its stages. The project will build upon your knowledge and skills developed in previous years. It will further develop your skills of enquiry, research and innovation and will enhance your critical and communication skills.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, seminars, lab, workshops, online activities and group work. Students are expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. This module also requires students to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

Formative feedback will be used to prepare students for summative assessment and give students an early indication of their progress towards the module's intended learning outcomes. A portion of this module’s contact time will be dedicated to course support sessions. The course support sessions are weekly, timetabled sessions where students can explore areas of the course which they find challenging or get support with personal projects and employability efforts.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	120
A level	BBB to include Mathematics at Grade B or above. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE	Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above including English and Mathematics.
BTEC	Considered on an individual basis.
IB Diploma	31 points to include 5 points in Mathematics at Higher level.
Access to HE	Considered on an individual basis

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The School of Computing, Mathematics and Data Science is based in the Engineering and Computing Building, and the attached Beatrice Shilling Building. Both buildings are high-specification learning environments which benefit from extensive social learning facilities⁴, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Two students sat talking to a lecturer with a laptop

Sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is a mathematics support centre, which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.

Informal study areas

You will have plenty of computer access to all the specialist software required for your studies. There are also bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

apply physical principles to diverse areas of Physics and Mathematics
solve problems in Physics by choosing appropriate mathematical and physical techniques
make appropriate approximations when solving problems
critically analyse experimental results and place them in their context
use mathematical or computational techniques to model physical phenomena
communicate scientific information in a clear and accurate way
work cooperatively on a project
create working solutions to a variety of computational and real-world problems using an appropriate programming language (or languages) for the task
plan and execute an open-ended but supervised research project.

Studying physics and mathematics aims to give you the opportunity to help you to develop skills in logical thinking and demonstrates to employers your advanced numerical and analytical ability.

It may also give you an advantage in the job market upon successful completion, opening a wide range of career opportunities in industry, banking, data science, computer analysis and scientific research. You may be employed in a wide variety of roles, for example, as a research scientist, actuary, computer programmer, data analyst or teacher.

Where our graduates work

Previous students on our Physics and Mathematics BSc (Hons) degree have worked at a wide range of employers including, for example IBM, GSK, Pfizer, Cummins, Scottish Power and Warner Bros.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Data Science MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EECU147

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.