Transfer from Maths degree to Physics degree

At university is it possible to transfer from the second year of a single Maths degree to the third year of a single Physics degree such as Theoretical Physics degree (assuming the student has also taken some physics option in the first and second year of the Maths course, plus the applied maths options)?

Thanks in advance for the responses.

Reply 1

tory88

It depends on the university. At mine, it is theoretically possible to transfer at the end of the first year, provided the correct options, but not the second. If you have completed all of the core modules for the theoretical physics course you have a decent shot (provided you did well in them). What made you change your mind now, after two whole years of maths?

Reply 2

SpiralV

Original post by tory88

I have not started university course yet; my question was a hypothetical one.

I am interested in both maths and physics. Doing a joint Maths&Physics degree seems to be the obvious choice, but several important subjects from both maths and physics are missed in the joint degree. Therefore I am thinking of doing either:
a) two years in Maths degree and then transfer to the third year Physics (which will not have the problem with funding, because it will still be my first university degree). Or
b) doing a single Maths then a single Physics (which will not be funded by the government because it will be the second undergraduate degree)

Reply 3

tory88

Original post by Spiral1977

If you're looking at really competitive universities, a maths and physics degree will be plenty fine for you - the things that are skipped would be able to be taken as options anyway (in most cases, at least). If it's for employment reasons, it won'y make any difference to an employer at all; if it's for interest, you could always just go to the lectures but not sit the exams I guess.

Reply 4

EierVonSatan

People do change degree streams fairly frequently at university but normally within or just after the first year - but I don't think I've come across someone changing at the end of their second year unless it was to downgrade their course - for example I knew someone who did Maths & Business for 2 years (on a 4 year joint honours course) then switched to a 3 year business degree.

There's also a lot of variation between courses, not only in terms of core modules, but also their options - so just because one maths & physics course doesn't teach topic X, it doesn't mean that another won't. Have you considered doing say a Maths with physics course (i.e. a major/minor) then doing a taught masters in physics? At some universities you can pick up outside modules on top of a normal load with the permission of both departments. You're also free to study outside of your degree too :p:

Bottom line, I'd go so far as to say that this isn't something you should be planning to do :s-smilie:

Reply 5

SpiralV

Original post by EierVonSatan

Bottom line, I'd go so far as to say that this isn't something you should be planning to do :s-smilie:

Is it possible to do MMath (4 years; and not major/minor) taking applied maths options and some physics options (if available) and then go to a taught master in physics?

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 6

OMGWTFBBQ

To be honest two years is going to be too late.

You should be fine after one year, though even then you'll likely need a dispensation for the lab work you missed.

If you're stuggling to decide between the two, try a course in Mathematics and Physics joint honours - some of these allow you to specialise in either in the third year.

Reply 7

EierVonSatan

Original post by Spiral1977

Is it possible to do MMath (4 years; and not major/minor) taking applied maths options and some physics options (if available) and then go to a taught master in physics?

Possibly - I can't really say for sure, there are too many variables to consider.

Reply 8

JuliusDS92

I'd be very surprised if you'd be allowed to switch to 2nd year in one course (i.e. physics) after one year in a separate course (maths).

It does sound like Maths&Physics would suit you better. You'd likely be able to switch to single honors Maths or Physics after one year of joint honors Maths&Physics. At this point I think you'd be in a better position to assess which stream you'd rather focus on, as well as having a years university experience to help you decide how much you're willing to study to get what you want out of your education.