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Is a degree in maths or maths and physics better?

Hi, I was just wondering whether you guys thought a degree in just maths is worse, as good, or better that a joint degree of maths and physics. what i mean by good is all the general things; interesting to study, job prospects (not just money like interesting jobs as well), etc. If you think an alternative degree e.g. maths and statistics is a better option id love to know too
It very much depends on what you are interested in - Physics becomes MUCH more mathematical at uni, and so if you enjoy the mechanics modules in maths (and are good at the pure maths stuff too) then a physics component of your degree would probably be very interesting for you. Doing a joint degree would also keep both options open I guess - most unis will let you specialise slightly more in one or the other or even switch to the single subject course if you discover that one is more interesting to you than the other.

The job prospects are probably fairly similar - most jobs that just require 'numerate' degrees (e.g. banking, finance, etc.) will accept physics and maths. Having a bit of physics may keep a few more options open perhaps, particularly if you are interested in scientific research/ academia (e.g. organisations like CERN will recruit plenty of physicists).

In the first year of my degree (Natural Sciences) I took both Physics and Maths modules. I personally found that maths became so much more theoretical - and even physics lost some of it's real world focus (hence why this year I dropped both subjects and went down the biology route...).
Reply 2
Avatar for qno2
qno2
16
It's pretty hard to say one is better than the other as it's an individual thing. For generic graduate jobs, the difference will be minimal but in engineering-based jobs, the physics component might be slightly more favourable. The difference is small at best though. Do what you think is more interesting.
Reply 3
Avatar for Noble.
Noble.
17
In reality, unless you're wanting to go into academia the job prospects are near enough identical.
Reply 4
Avatar for hyjacked
hyjacked
9
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3070951
Economics, physics or maths? help:/

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