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Mathematics & Physics

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MSci

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Full Time

| UCAS code: FGH1
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The programme gives you the opportunity to study both subjects at degree level. Approximately equal weighting is given to both subjects, although from the third year you may be able to choose more from one subject and tailor the degree to suit your interests. The Mathematics element gives students a foundation in many branches of mathematics, for example algebra, analysis, probability and geometry. The Physics element offers students a broad knowledge of all of the fundamental elements of physics and includes areas such as relativity, quantum mechanics, fields and waves, electromagnetism and nuclear physics.

A unique feature of this programme is that final year students may take physics courses from a consortium of University of London colleges.

In the fourth year, MSci students do a supervised project, which allows you to experience some of the excitement of research.

For more about the departments contributing to this combined programme, follow the department contact links.

Click here to read about the Department of Mathematics

ABOUT THE Department of Mathematics

CAREERS
A degree in mathematics is one of the most flexible qualifications you can obtain, and as a result graduates are among the best paid and the least likely to be unemployed. Many mathematics graduates become statisticians, actuaries, scientists, accountants, and so on. More and more often they are also going into careers in life sciences or the City. Opportunities also exist in teaching, and there is a real demand for graduates in this area. Recent graduates have found employment as: • Actuarial Analyst, Deloitte • Graduates in the Fashion Industry scheme, lyle and scott • Teacher, Harris Academy • Accounting Associate, Ernst & Young • Financial Analyst, GE Healthcare • Mathematical Developer, Oakham • Audit Assistant, KPMG • Finance Assistant, Eden Finance • Management Consultant, Pricewaterhousecoopers • Project Assistant, HSBC • Qualify Management Technician, Pacific life Insurance • Systems Analyst, QBE

TEACHING STYLE
Teaching is predominantly by lectures, supplemented with tutorials and problem classes. Mathematics is not a spectator sport: to become a competent mathematician you must have a go at solving problems. Lecturers provide problem sheets, and if a problem defeats you, we hope and expect that you will ask for help.

STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Our students are assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations depending on the module.

LOCATION
The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the London Mathematical Society and the Royal Society.

SPECIAL NOTES
King’s College London has a Study Abroad programme and UG Mathematics students are eligible to apply for this. Further details can be found at http://www.kcl.ac.uk/international/abroad/prospective/sa/

Click here to read about the Department of Physics

ABOUT THE Department of Physics

CAREERS
Physics students are in high demand because employers recognise the wide range of skills that they possess. Physicists are trained to be good problem solvers and to think logically and apply mathematical and computational techniques to real problems. It is not surprising that our graduates are found in many areas of employment, where they can exploit their skills. Recent graduates have found employment as… • Actuarial Analyst, Willis • Physics Tutor, Tutoring Agency • Project Engineer, Cryogenic Ltd • Publishing Editor, Royal Society of Chemistry • Researcher, Cornell University • Risk Analyst, City Index • Performance Manager, Bradford Commerce

TEACHING STYLE
The majority of teaching is performed by lectures and laboratory classes, tutorials and through project work. All academic staff are involved with the undergraduate teaching programme. Each student has a personal tutor and the department encourages an open atmosphere in which students feel able to easily approach academic staff. The Student-Staff Committee provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and feedback on teaching. Staff and students are members of the Maxwell Society: the departments social and lecture society.

STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
The programmes have a common core of physics modules, with some optional modules each year for single honours students. We place great emphasis on problem solving and project work, which teaches team-work, group organisation, and the skills of oral and poster presentations. We also allow advanced students to work with a school, to experience teaching and develop the skill of presenting information at an understandable level. Students registered for the MSci degree take almost exactly the same modules in the first three years as those taking the BSc degree in Physics. The fourth year provides a wide range of specialised physics options through an intercollegiate London programme, while the MSci project work is a genuine research project.

LOCATION
The department is located in newly refurbished dedicated office space, with views over the Thames to the London Eye and Westminster. The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the Institute of Physics.