MSci Honours Applied Mathematics and Physics* (UCAS Code: GFC3)
For entrance requirements
E: admissions@qub.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)28 9097 3838
For course information
Mathematics Admissions Co-ordinator
School of Mathematics and Physics
T: +44 (0)28 9097 6001
E: mp@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/mp
BSc Honours
Applied Mathematics and Physics* 3 yrs (GF13)
Mathematics 3 yrs (G100)
Mathematics and Computer Science 3 yrs (GG41)
Mathematics and Statistics & Operational Research 3 yrs (GG13)
Mathematics with Extended Studies in Europe 4 yrs (G104)
Mathematics with Finance 3 yrs (G1N3)
Theoretical Physics* 3 yrs (F340)
MSci Honours
Applied Mathematics and Physics* 4 yrs (GFC3)
Mathematics 4 yrs (G103)
Mathematics and Computer Science 4 yrs (GGK1)
Mathematics and Statistics & Operational Research 4 yrs (GGC3)
Theoretical Physics* 4 yrs (F344)
Entrance Requirements
BSc options
A-level: ABB including Mathematics grade A.
*For degrees marked with an asterisk this must include A-level Physics grade B or better
BSc Mathematics with Extended Studies in Europe
A-level: ABB including Mathematics grade A
For French option: A-level French
For Spanish option: A-level Spanish
BSc Mathematics with Finance
A-level: A* (Mathematics) BB OR AAB including Mathematics grade A.
MSci options
A-level: AAA including Mathematics OR A* (Mathematics) AB.
*For degrees marked with an asterisk this must include A-level Physics.
For students whose first language is not English
An IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information on other acceptable English Language qualifications is available here.
If you are an international student and you do not meet the entrance requirements, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Queen's University Belfast, which will prepare you for successful study on these degree courses. INTO Queen's University Belfast is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including:
International Foundation in Engineering and Science.
Back to topMathematics is the universal language of science, and a beautiful subject in itself. Mathematics also has important applications in industry and commerce, and well-qualified mathematicians and statisticians are in great demand with a wide choice of careers, making Mathematics an excellent choice as a degree subject.
Mathematical Studies at Queen's encompasses three subject areas:
Applied Mathematics
Pure Mathematics
Statistics and Operational Research (SOR)
In each, the ideas that have been encountered at school are extended and new areas are introduced. It is important to appreciate that what may be understood as either Pure or Applied Mathematics from school experience will differ from the University experience.
For this reason, amongst others, Mathematics students usually study both Pure and Applied Mathematics in the first year, with Statistics being a likely third component.
Queen's offers several different degree programmes involving Mathematics, and there are two types of degree available within these programmes - the three-year BSc and the four-year MSci.
BSc
Mathematics
This degree offers the greatest flexibility and choice among the three subject areas.
Mathematics and Computer Science
This is a joint degree which combines these two subject areas.
Mathematics and Statistics and Operational Research
This degree contains more emphasis on Statistics and Operational Research.
Mathematics with Extended Studies in Europe
This degree is designed for students with an interest in French or Spanish.
After two years at Queen's, students spend one year abroad studying Mathematics in their chosen language before returning to Queen's for their final year.
Mathematics with Finance
Compared with other Mathematics degrees that allow a wide choice of modules, this degree is much more focused and provides students with a particular set of mathematical skills that are ideal for work in the financial services technology sector, as well as in software engineering.
Applied Mathematics and Physics and Theoretical Physics
These degrees are especially suitable for those wishing to study both Mathematics and Physics. The former is focused on the mathematical aspects of Physics, while the latter is a joint degree with a wider choice of modules.
MSci
These four-year undergraduate degrees can be seen as extended versions of the three-year BSc Honours degrees, and are aimed primarily at students who intend to make significant use of their subject in their future careers, or who simply wish to broaden their understanding of Mathematics.
The following MSci degrees are available:
Applied Mathematics and Physics
Mathematics
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics and Statistics and Operational Research
Theoretical Physics
Students may register for either the three-year BSc or the four-year MSci degree. Transfers to the MSci are permitted up to the end of Stage 2, subject to performance. Progress to Stages 3 and 4 of the MSci is dependent on the student maintaining an approved high standard at earlier stages.
Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics is concerned with the application of Mathematics to the study of the physical universe, including theoretical physics, as well as the social, industrial and commercial world.
Modules include the study of Newtonian mechanics, the motion of fluids, electromagnetism, wave motion and diffusion processes, the physics of atoms, molecules and nuclei, numerical analysis, financial Mathematics, and applications to the commercial world, incorporating the methods of operational research. Computers are used to obtain accurate numerical solutions to the mathematical problems involved.
Level 1
Vector Algebra and Dynamics
Waves and Vector Fields
Level 2
Classical Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Methods of Applied Mathematics
Numerical Analysis
Level 3
Advanced Numerical Analysis
Calculus of Variations and Hamiltonian Mechanics
Dynamical Systems
Electromagnetic Theory
Financial Mathematics
Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine
Partial Differential Equations
Quantum Theory
Tensor Field Theory
Level 4
Advanced Mathematical Methods
Information Theory
Investigations
Practical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
Statistical Mechanics
Theoretical Atomic Structure and Collisions
Project
Pure Mathematics
Pure Mathematics provides the essential theoretical tools used in the increasingly numerate science of today, and is continually developing new ones to solve problems at the forefront of research in many disciplines.
At Queen's we offer a wide selection of modules in Analysis, Algebra and Topology. Active research links are maintained with other institutions, both at home and abroad.
Level 1
Analysis and Linear Algebra
Numbers, Sets and Sequences
Level 2
Analysis
Complex Variables
Elementary Number Theory
Geometry
Group Theory
Linear Algebra
Level 3
Algebraic Equations
Computer Algebra
Convergence
Metric and Normed Spaces
Ring Theory
Set Theory
Level 4
Algebraic Topology
Functional Analysis
Integration
Mathematical Investigations
Rings and Modules
Topology
Project
Statistics and Operational Research
Statistics is concerned with deriving sound inferences from data. This may be experimental or observational and obtained from investigations of physical or biological phenomena or from the study of the workings of industry, commerce and society.
Operational Research deals with the application of scientific method to obtaining the best solutions to the various problems which arise in the organisation and management of complex systems in industry and commerce.
Level 1
Introduction to Probability and Operational Research
Statistical Methods
Level 2
Linear Models
Methods of Operational Research
Statistical Inference
Level 3
Linear and Dynamic Programming
Statistical Data Mining
Stochastic Processes
Survival Analysis for Medicine
Level 4
Statistics Project
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the MSci in Applied Mathematics and Physics we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
Assessment (general): The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.
Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.
Back to topStudying for a degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including mathematics.
Although the many of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching, banking and finance significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers. Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer. See Queen’s University Belfast’s Employability Statementfor further information.
Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.
Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.
Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies. These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
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