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Do I need a-level physics to study maths at a top uni

I would like to do a maths degree at cambridge/imperial/ucl however was wondering if not doing alevel physics would make my application less competitive. My sixth form has made 4 subjects compulsory if further maths is one of them. My current subjects are maths, further maths, chem and econ so I am wondering if this combination is good enough to get into a top uni for maths. Also was wondering what other options other than maths I could do with these subjects.
(edited 2 months ago)
Check if theyre websites specify any preferred subjects. If they do then the uni may prefer applicants who have those subjects (eg: physics) however if they do not then they will not have any preference as it has to be stated for transparency.
However, also think about whether taking physics would be right for you even if it would make you more competitive (if that’s the case). Taking the subjects you enjoy and are confident in is very important.
Original post by sum124
I would like to do a maths degree at cambridge/imperial/ucl however was wondering if not doing alevel physics would make my application less competitive. My sixth form has made 4 subjects compulsory if further maths is one of them. My current subjects are maths, further maths, chem and econ so I am wondering if this combination is good enough to get into a top uni for maths. Also was wondering what other options other than maths I could do with these subjects.

I do Maths at Cambridge and didn't have Physics. I had Chemistry and French as my others.

It may be different if you're applying for Maths with Physics but I'd assume this wasn't the case.
Original post by melancollege
I do Maths at Cambridge and didn't have Physics. I had Chemistry and French as my others.
It may be different if you're applying for Maths with Physics but I'd assume this wasn't the case.


Any tips on admission? I'm predicted A*A*A in maths, further maths and computer science. Am I able to submit a TMUA score?
Original post by IntegralTrader
Any tips on admission? I'm predicted A*A*A in maths, further maths and computer science. Am I able to submit a TMUA score?

I'm not sure about the TMUA question as Cambridge didn't use it when I applied; you'd have to ask the admissions office at your preferred college.

I would advise just practicing your Maths as much as possible. STEP is great practice and you can start with STEP I for the moment then move onto STEP II and III.
Original post by iiEllaxox
Physics would be really beneficial, a lot of students who took physics better understood mechanics in the maths classes. Also you’ll be doing a LOT of mechanics in a uni maths degree so it’s probably generally a stronger option than eco.
Obviously however, it does mean you will be doing 4 heavy subjects so just be prepared for that.

I don't really agree. Sure, it may provide some background knowledge to the mechanics section, but the Further Maths mechanics modules are plenty sufficient. Physics A-Level also has a lot of content that isn't necessarily immediately relevant so it would be a lot of extra work for a comparatively small amount of benefit.

Also, mechanics doesn't play that big of a part in the Cambridge Maths degree and is also taught from scratch in an optional mechanics course in first year. Many educational systems don't cover it as part of their Maths courses so they won't assume it.
Reply 6
Original post by melancollege
I don't really agree. Sure, it may provide some background knowledge to the mechanics section, but the Further Maths mechanics modules are plenty sufficient. Physics A-Level also has a lot of content that isn't necessarily immediately relevant so it would be a lot of extra work for a comparatively small amount of benefit.
Also, mechanics doesn't play that big of a part in the Cambridge Maths degree and is also taught from scratch in an optional mechanics course in first year. Many educational systems don't cover it as part of their Maths courses so they won't assume it.


Oh okay I didn’t realise that! It’s good that they teach from scratch.
Original post by iiEllaxox
Oh okay I didn’t realise that! It’s good that they teach from scratch.

It's an optional course in the first term that's mostly targeted to those without much mechanics. So whilst it advised to do mechanics, it's not the end of the world if you haven't covered much when you start.
Reply 8
Original post by sum124
I would like to do a maths degree at cambridge/imperial/ucl however was wondering if not doing alevel physics would make my application less competitive. My sixth form has made 4 subjects compulsory if further maths is one of them. My current subjects are maths, further maths, chem and econ so I am wondering if this combination is good enough to get into a top uni for maths. Also was wondering what other options other than maths I could do with these subjects.

no you don't need physics.

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