Study at Cardiff | Undergraduate

The interface between Mathematics and Physics is becoming less and less clearly defined. If you are seeking a greater breadth of study than a single honours degree can offer, this joint honours programme is designed specifically with you in mind. Throughout your degree you will devote half your time to the study of Physics, and half your time to the study of Mathematics, and can choose between a theoretical project and laboratory work in your final year, depending on your interests.

Key Facts

For more information about the course structures, modules and teaching for these subjects, please visit the individual profiles of Mathematics and Physics on our website.

The School of Mathematics has a reputation for excellent teaching quality standards, a friendly atmosphere that pervades the School, and the care and support students receive from the staff. The School strives to ensure that its students react enthusiastically to their courses and thoroughly enjoy their learning experience.

The School offers a range of research-led teaching and learning opportunities which develop essential mathematical and employability skills. Teaching is carried out through a blend of lectures, tutorials and examples classes. To aid the transition to University, all first year modules have associated tutorial sessions that promote peer interaction and discussion. Increased independent learning is encouraged throughout the programme.

In all years the classes are used to discuss both theoretical concepts and essential mathematical techniques. Students are encouraged to undertake additional reading outside of timetabled classes and fully engage with and reflect upon the formative/summative assessments that take place. Summative assessment is mainly through written examination that takes place either at the end of the Autumn or Spring Semester, but many modules involve an element of continuous assessment which includes problem solving exercises, written reports, computer programs, oral presentation etc. Feedback on progress is typically provided through a combination of discussion in class, written comments on submitted work and review of outline solutions to problems.

The intention of the School of Physics and Astronomy is to provide students with an in-depth education over a broad range of widely applicable skills. Teaching is carried out using a wide range of different techniques. There are the traditional lectures, tutorials and laboratory work and, in addition, there are computer-based courses, project-based courses, skills-based courses and the opportunity to attend a residential course in mid-Wales. There is a wide variety of assessment methods. Some modules are assessed purely by an end of semester exam (in January or May), some combine continual assessment with an end of semester exam and others are all continual assessment. Students are assigned an Academic and Personal Tutor. Personal tutors are there to advise on academic, non-academic and personal matters in a confidential and informal manner. You will meet with your academic tutor once a week in the first year to discuss any study-related issues. You will also receive your marked coursework back with feedback during your tutorial.

A list of commonly accepted alternative entry qualifications and admissions and selection criteria for this degree programme can be read here.