MMathPhys/MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Handbook (2025-26 Entry)
| Site: | Mathematical Institute |
| Course: | MMathPhys/MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics |
| Book: | MMathPhys/MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics Handbook (2025-26 Entry) |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 23 November 2025, 1:26 PM |
Prelude
FINAL VERSION ISSUED NOVEMBER 2025
This handbook applies to students studying the MMathPhys/MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics degree in the 2025-2026 academic year. The information in this handbook may be different for students starting in other years.
The Examination Regulations relating to this course are available at:
https://examregs.admin.ox.ac.uk/.
If there is a conflict between the information in this handbook and the Examination Regulations then you should follow the Examinations Regulations.
Please consider this a draft, until otherwise notified by the course administrator. While the current information is provided for students' benefit, and is generally accurate, it is not officially confirmed as the final version until it is reviewed and approved by the Joint Supervisory Committee for the course in week 3 of Michaelmas Term.
It may be necessary, under exceptional circumstances, to publish further changes to the course details at a later date. If such changes are made, the department will publish a new version of this handbook together with a list of the changes and students will be informed. For details, please see https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/changes-to-courses
If you have any concerns please contact:
Welcome
Welcome to the Oxford Master’s Course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Our course provides a high-level education in the areas of Theoretical Particle Physics/String Theory, Condensed Matter Theory, Theoretical Astrophysics/Fluids and Mathematical Foundations of Theoretical Physics up to the level of research.
As you are probably aware, there is considerable flexibility in designing your path through the course; you can decide to focus on one of the above subject areas or study a broader span across areas. It is important that you consider your choices carefully. Consult the syllabi and case studies in this handbook for more information and, if in doubt, talk to your personal tutor or an academic related to the programme.
For an advanced programme of this kind, written examinations are not always the best form of assessment. You will find that the way we evaluate your work often correlates with the nature of the material. Typically, there will be formal written exams for the basic, foundational courses; other forms of assessment such as take-home exams or mini-projects for intermediate courses, and a home-work completion requirement for advanced courses. There are certain constraints on assessment — for example you have to sit four units of written exams. Be sure that your course choices are consistent with these constraints. Also note that Trinity term is devoted to advanced courses and there is no designated “revision” period.
Passing exams is a necessary and important part of learning and education but we hope you agree that there is significantly more to it. Enthusiasm, engagement with the subject, the desire for deep and profound understanding is what truly motivates us and we hope this is how you will engage with the course. We wish you a successful, productive and insightful year.
Best wishes,
Prof Caroline Terquem and Prof Lionel Mason
1. Introduction
This handbook contains important information about the Master’s Course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. It is intended as a guide and reference for you throughout the course. There are a number of other sources of information that you will need to refer to during your course and links to these are given in the following section.
1.1 Key Sources of Information
Course website: http://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/
Mathematical Institute website: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/
Department of Physics website: http://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/
Examination Regulations: https://examregs.admin.ox.ac.uk/
The University’s examination regulations govern all academic matters within the University and contain the general regulations for the conduct of University examinations, as well as specific regulations for each degree programme offered by the University)
Examination Conventions: http://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/students
The examination conventions for the course set out how each unit will be assessed and how the final
degree classification will be derived from the marks obtained for the individual units.
Oxford student website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students
Oxford Student Handbook: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/student-handbook
This contains general information and guidance about studying at the University of Oxford, and gives you formal notification and explanation of the University’s codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
College Handbook: The handbook for your college will be available on the college website.
1.2 Key Contacts
Course Director, Prof Lionel Mason, lionel.mason@maths.ox.ac.uk
Chair of the Joint Supervisory Committee, Prof Caroline Terquem, caroline.terquem@physics.ox.ac.uk
Course Administrator, Eleanor Kowol, mmathphys@maths.ox.ac.uk
Mathematical Institute Reception: reception@maths.ox.ac.uk
Department of Physics Reception: reception@physics.ox.ac.uk
1.3 Maps
In-person teaching for the course will take place in the Mathematical Institute and in the Denys Wilkinson Building or in the Clarendon Laboratory of the Department of Physics.
To enter the Denys Wilkinson Building, go up the wide concrete steps from Keble Road; turn left at the top and the entrance is facing you:
https://www.accessguide.ox.ac.uk/denys-wilkinson-building
The main entrance to the Clarendon Laboratory is on Parks Road, next to the University Parks: https://www.accessguide.ox.ac.uk/clarendon-laboratory
At the Mathematical Institute, all lecture rooms and classrooms are located on the mezzanine level. http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/about-us/travel-maps
The building has been designed with accessibility in mind. More details of the disability policy and the access guide are given at https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/building-information/accessibility
A searchable, interactive map of all college, department and libraries can be found at https://maps.ox.ac.uk/
1.4 Buddy System
All MSc students will be buddied by an internal 4th year MMathPhys student, who has transferred from MMath/MPhys or MMathPhil undergraudate at Oxford, to help integrate the MSc students to the university and department. We try to pair people from the same college, or a nearby college though this is not always possible. MSc students will receive their buddy’s college e-mail address and they can arrange to meet and seek advice about aspects of student life which interest them such as exams, social events or courses.
1.5 The Academic Year
The academic year at Oxford is in three terms, named Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity terms. You will often see these written as MT, HT and TT.
Each term has 8 weeks. Weeks are counted from Sunday, not Monday. So that the first day of week 1 would be Sunday, 12th October 2025.
There is also a 0th week, which is not included in the published term dates, as no teaching takes place. In Michaelmas term, 0th week is akin to an induction or 'freshers' week, with many induction talks and events happening in departments and colleges.
In Hilary and Trinity terms, written exams are scheduled in 0th week (as well as further exams later in term), so you should return to Oxford the week before term starts to sit exams.
The term dates for the academic year 2025-2026, not including 0th weeks, are as follows:
Term |
Start Date |
End Date |
Michaelmas |
Sunday, 12th October 2025 | Saturday, 6th December 2025 |
Hilary |
Sunday, 18th January 2026 | Saturday, 14th March 2026 |
Trinity |
Sunday, 26th April 2026 | Saturday, 20th June 2026 |
Note, many timetables, emails and schedules will refer to dates by week number, not by the Gregorian calendar date,
e.g. 'the lecture on Bosons is rescheduled to Tue, Week 4.'
You might even see a week written as 4 MT for '4th week Michaelmas term' or the terms MT25, HT26, TT26 to indicate the term and year.
1.6 Resources and Facilities
Departmental Work and Social Spaces
You will be able to use the computers and desks in the Mezzanine Study Room to work within the Mathematical Institute. The study room has power sockets for students wishing to use their own laptops and there is wi-fi throughout the building.
The Institute’s café is also located on the mezzanine level and has seating and tables for 100. The café serves drinks, snacks and meals from 08.30am - 4pm, Monday -Friday.
The menu for each week can be found here: https://estates.admin.ox.ac.uk/sitefiles/beyond-ordinary-cafe-menu-andrew-wiles-cafe-p
The Denys Wilkson building's café is open 10am - 2pm, Monday-Friday. Menu here: https://estates.admin.ox.ac.uk/sitefiles/beyond-ordinary-cafe-menu-denys.pdf
Departmental Safety Policies
You are urged to act at all times responsibly, and with a proper care for your own safety and that of others. Departmental statements of safety policy are posted in all departments, and you must comply with them. Students should note that they (and others entering onto departmental premises or who are involved in departmental activities) are responsible for exercising care in relation to themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.
In the Mathematical Institute accidents should be reported immediately to reception, telephone 73525, who keep the accident book. There is a first aid room located on the ground floor of the South wing. If you require access to this room please report to reception. Each lecture theatre has its own proper escape route and you are urged to familiarise yourself with these. Those for the Mathematical Institute lecture and seminar rooms are set out online:
http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/building-information/security-safety-and-reporting-building-issues.
Libraries
The main source of borrowed books is your own College library. You will also have access to the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) on Parks Road.
Information about all Bodleian Libraries can be found here: https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/libraries
The Mathematics Institute also has a small library of its own, the Whitehead Library. Students completing a dissertation may request a book for consultation if it is held only by the Whitehead Library (and not held by their College library, RSL or as an e-book), by emailing the Librarian at: libary@maths.ox.ac.uk . The book will be sent to the RSL where it can be consulted for reference (not borrowing).
Website: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/library
IT facilities
The IT services website details all the resources you can access for IT support, including digital skills tools, specialist software such as MatLab and Mathematica, as well as IT training.
MSc students will receive a University ‘single-sign-on’ IT account. This will have an email address associated with it which will be of the format firstname.lastname@college.ox.ac.uk.
It is important that students either read this email regularly or set up a forward from it to an account which they do read regularly. MMathPhys students will retain the account they were issued with at the start of their degree. For further information about Departmental IT matters, including rules and regulations surrounding the use of IT facilities, please see http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/it.
1.7 Glossary
The University of Oxford and its colleges have a unique collection of jargon, and nicknames for things, compiled over the centuries, some of which you may not have come across if you are a new student, or even if you've been here several years!
A non-exhaustive list has been compiled at this link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/about/organisation/history/oxford-glossary
Other useful terms include:
Bodcard: An informal name for your student identification card and University library card, issued once you have signed and returned your university contract and delivered to College.
Bop: A large college party usually run in the bar or similar location. Undergraduate bops generally admit students from the college in question. Graduate bops are usually much larger and involve many colleges.
Candidate Number: A number assigned to each student for the use of formal assessments and written examinations, which is usually available to students via student self-service after they have made their first exam entry. Candidate numbers are used instead of names to anonymise students during assessments. It is different from the student number.
Classes: Each Part C and MTP lecture course is accompanied by a set of classes (called ‘intercollegiate classes’ if they are held at Maths Institute and ‘classes’ if they are held in Physics.) For Maths courses, these will be run by a tutor and teaching assistant (TA), for Physics courses, these will be led by a TA, and will cover any problems that have arisen from the problem sheets.
Consultation Sessions: Revision sessions which take place for courses run by the Maths Institute in Weeks 2-5 of Trinity term.
Consultative Committee for Graduates (CCG): A committee consisting of postgraduate representatives from the Mathematical Institute and the departments two DGSs.
Course: This is the colloquial term both for the degree programme you are taking and individual courses, such as Kinetic Theory or C2.1 Lie Algebras, where these might be referred to as modules in other universities.
Examination Conventions: The Examination Conventions act as a supplement to the Examination Regulations. The Conventions explain how a student will be assessed for their course within the framework of the Examination Regulations.
Examination Schools: The building located on High Street where most in-person written examinations take place.
Formal Assessment: In the context of your degree, these are dissertations, mini-projects and take-Home Exams.
GSR: Graduate Supervision Reporting. Supervisors will submit termly reports through GSR on their student’s academic progress.
JSC: Acronym for the Joint Supervisory Committee in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, consisting of Maths and Physics academics who meet at least once a term to make decisions about the degree. Student representatives for the degree also attend these meetings
MCF: Masters in Mathematical and Computational Finance. A Master’s course run by the Mathematical Institute.
MFoCS: Masters in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science. An MSc course run jointly by the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Computer Science.
MMSC: Masters in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing. An MSc course run at the Mathematical Institute.
MPLS: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.
MTP: The acronym for your degree, Mathematical and Theoretical Physics.
OMMS: Oxford Master’s course in Mathematical Sciences.
Part C: The term given to the fourth-year undergraduate students studying for an integrated Masters. Part C is used to describe the courses that are open to these students.
PhysSoc: Oxford University Physics Society
Practicals: In the context of your degree, this means the homework options you choose. This is what they are called in Student Self Service, when you enter for exams.
Proctors: The two Proctors (Senior and Junior) are elected each year by colleges in rotation to serve for one year. The statutes provide that they shall generally ensure that the statutes, regulations, customs, and privileges of the University are observed. They serve on the University’s main committees, and where not members of committees, may receive their papers and attend meetings but not vote. They have responsibilities under the statutes and regulations for aspects of student discipline, for ensuring the proper conduct of examinations and for dealing with complaints. They also carry out ceremonial duties, e.g. at degree ceremonies.
Student number: A number used to identify you as a student in day to day tasks, and can be used in conjunction with your name, unlike your candidate number.
Student Self Service: Student Self Service allows a student to access their student record and complete other tasks such as examination entry, and viewing examination results.
2. Course Overview and Structure
The course is offered in two modes: the MMathPhys for Oxford 4th year undergraduates, and the MSc for students from outside Oxford. The academic content is identical for both modes.
If you are an Oxford MPhys, MMath or MPhysPhil student who transfers to the MMathPhys, you will graduate as a “Master of Mathematical and Theoretical Physics” with a double classification consisting of the BA degree class in your original subject and an MMathPhys degree class. If you are a student on the MSc course, you will graduate with an “MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics.”
These qualifications may be compared to national standards for higher education qualifications through the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). The University Awards Framework (UAF) maps the awards of the University against the levels of the FHEQ. The FHEQ level for both the MMathPhys course and MSc course is 7. The relevant subject benchmark statements for the course, which set out expectations about standards of degrees in a given subject area, are Physics & Astronomy (QAA 2025) and Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research (QAA 2023).
2.1 Aims
The Oxford Master’s Course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics aims to provide students with a high-level, internationally competitive training in mathematical and theoretical physics, right up to the level of modern research in the area.
As a graduate of this programme you will be in a prime position to compete for research degree places in an area of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics at leading research universities in the UK or overseas; or to pursue a research-related career, based on the acquired high-level ability in mathematics and its applications to physical systems, outside academia.
2.2 Learning Outcomes
During the course you will develop a knowledge and understanding of:
- Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, focusing on one of the areas of Theoretical Particle Physics, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Theoretical Astrophysics/Fluids, or studying across these areas.
- A broad range of physical phenomena and their description within Theoretical and Mathematical Physics.
- A wide range of advanced mathematical techniques and structures and how they are applied in Theoretical Physics.
You will also have the opportunity to develop the following skills:
- Intellectual Skills
- An appreciation of the principles of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics and their application to natural phenomena.
- The ability to model physical phenomena and deploy a wide range of mathematical methods for their description.
- A working knowledge of high-level mathematical methods and their application to systems in physics and beyond.
- Practical Skills
- Ability to apply mathematical methods to practical problems.
- Ability to construct, write-up and communicate logical arguments of some complexity.
- Transferable Skills
- Ability to solve problems effectively and to apply high-level mathematical methods to a wide range of problems.
- Ability to manage your time and to acquire a complex body of knowledge in a limited time.
- Ability to manage your own learning and study for research or other professional qualifications.
2.3 Structure
The course requires that you 'offer', meaning that you choose to be assessed, in 10 units worth of courses.
The unit weighting of courses is decided by the course director and usually corresponds to the length of the lecture course. For example, a course with 16 hours of lectures will usually be worth 1 unit. A course with 24 hours of lectures, is worth 2 units.
In order to qualify for a Pass, students must offer:
- four units that are assessed by written invigilated exams
- a further three units that are assessed by written invigilated exams or by other formal assessments (dissertation or mini-project)
- three other units, which can be written invigilated exams, formal assessments or homework completion courses
It is your responsibility to ensure that you fulfil the requirements for the overall number of units and the number of assessed units. The modes of assessment and details on completion requirements for all courses are provided in the courses synopses of this handbook and Appendix A of the exam conventions.
There are no compulsory courses on this degree. So, you can tailor your choices to your personal interests.
Course synopses are available on the MMathPhys website: https://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/students
You are responsible for managing your course load
You should carefully consider how many courses you take each term and how many assessments you are prepared to undertake. Written examinations are sat in 0th week Hilary term, 0th week Trinity term and weeks 6-8 of Trinity term. Dissertations are also due in Week 6 of Trinity term. So it's especially important not to overburden yourself in Trinity term.
You will be offered academic guidance by your assigned Academic Adviser on choosing an individual path suitable for you. You may also reach out to the Course Director for advice. Course lecturers will also advise on the recommended background for their courses or possible follow-up courses you might wish to choose.
2.4 Approved Subjects
In addition to the courses listed in Appendices A-C students are allowed to choose a maximum of three units from other Maths Part C (https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/mod/folder/view.php?id=55865) or Physics Part C courses:
C1. Astrophysics C2. Laser Science and Quantum Information Processing C3. Condensed Matter Physics C4. Particle Physics C5. Physics of Atmospheres and Oceans C7. Biological Physics C6. Theoretical Physics is not a permitted option.
However, these must be approved by the Course Director.
Please do not email Prof Mason directly. A webform will be provided during 0th week and you should complete it by the end of week 1.
The Course Director will review your choices and the courses that you've selected from the curriculum to decide if your request is appropriate. Approvals will be confirmed no later than Friday week 4.
Please note, even if your request is approved, your place is dependent on there being room for you in the lectures and classes for the course. The MSc Course Administrator will liaise with the undergraduate team in Maths and the teaching administrator in Physics to ensure there is available space before confirming you can take this course.
3. Teaching and Learning
Teaching for the course will be provided jointly by the Department of Physics and the Mathematical Institute through lectures and classes.
You will be assigned an academic adviser from one or the other of these faculties, based on your areas of interest. Please note, this is separate to your college adviser.
Students undertaking a dissertation will have a separate dissertation supervisor with whom they will have supervision meetings.
Course timetables can be found on the MMathPhys website:
The Physics department hosts its course materials on Canvas:
There you will find lecture notes, recordings, reading lists and problem sheets for each course.
For courses taught by the Mathematical Institute, these are hosted on Moodle:
3.2 Lectures and Course Material
Lecture timetables can be found on the MMathPhys website:
Please note that with the number of courses offered on this course, there will inevitably be clashes on the timetable.
All lectures are recorded. So if you are not able to attend in person, you can watch these online (see following subchapter).
Course materials include lecture notes, recordings, reading lists and problem sheets recordings. Students will access these on two different platforms, depending on which department manages the course.
Physics
Canvas:
Maths
Moodle:
3.3 Classes
Enrolment
The majority of lecture courses will be accompanied by problem sets and weekly or fortnightly problem classes. These will be held in the same department that does the lecturing for the course.
Classes are not mandatory but it is in your own best interest to attend and complete the problem sheets, especially if you intend to offer the course as one of your assessed units. Note that for Groups and Representations, you are assessed on both homework completion and the written invigilated exam.
If you wish to be assessed by homework completion, then you must officially sign-up for the class and submit the required problem sheets.
If you wish to attend classes and receive feedback on submitted problem sheets, then you must officially sign-up to a class.
Dates and times of Physics classes can be found on Canvas:
To sign-up officially, you will need to log-in to the Teaching Management System (TMS) and enrol yourself for a class.
(Link)
Dates and times of Maths classes can be found on Moodle:
You also enrol in classes via Moodle.
Instructions can be found at the following link:
Class enrolment will be available by the end of 1st week each term and you will be notified by the MSc Course Administrator when it opens.
Please note, if you are taking the Advanced Philosophy of Physics option, you will arrange tutorials directly with the course tutor and there will not be a separate class registration process.
Withdrawal
You will have until Monday week 4 of each term to request a class switch or to withdraw from the class altogether. To do so, please contact your class tutor as well as the MTP administrator.
It is important to withdraw from a class if you no longer wish to take it. If you do not withdraw from a class, then your college will be charged for your attendance. Furthermore, when you withdraw from a class, your tutor and teaching assistant will know not to expect you to attend, and will not need to enquire any further to the reason for non-attendance or be concerned about your absence from classes.
If you have made an official exam entry for a course via student self-service (see page 14) and decide that you no longer wish to take that course, please note that in addition to withdrawing from the classes that accompany the lecture course and assessment, you must also withdraw from the assessment itself. Please contact your college office to officially withdraw from any exams, formal assessments or homework options for which you have made an official exam entry.
3.4 Dissertations
TBC
3.5 Advice on Teaching and Learning Matters
There are a number of people you can consult for advice on teaching and learning matters. Academic advisors will be appointed for all students at the start of the course and will be available for consultation on any academic matter. Students can also seek guidance on academic matters from their college personal tutor. All students will receive academic guidance from the Course Director.
If you have any issues with teaching or supervision please raise these as soon as possible so that they can be addressed promptly. Details of who to contact are provided in Section 7.2 Complaints and Appeals.
3.6 Skills and Learning Development
Expectations of Study
You are responsible for your own academic progress. Therefore, in addition to the formal teaching you receive through lectures, classes and dissertation tutorials, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed independent study, both during term time and in the vacations. You are advised to read the University’s guidance on undertaking paid work at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/experience. You should seek advice from your advisor if you find it impossible to complete your academic work without spending significantly longer than 48 hours per week on a regular basis.
Your academic progress will be monitored by your academic advisor and also your college tutor. College tutors will receive reports from the class tutors for the classes you attend. In addition, academic advisors of MSc students will submit termly reports on their student’s progress via the Graduate Supervision Recording (GSR). These reports are reviewed by the Course Director . If you are concerned about your academic progress, please contact your college tutor, academic advisor or the Course Director .
For MSc students, it is also mandatory to complete a self-assessment report via GSR for every reporting period. You can access GSR via the following link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/selfservice. Students will be sent a GSR automated email notification with details of how to log in at the start of each reporting window, and who to contact with queries. Completing the self-assessment will provide the opportunity to:
-
Review and comment on your academic progress during the current reporting period
-
Measure your progress against the timetable and requirements of your programme of study
-
Identify skills developed and training undertaken or required
-
List your engagement with the academic community
-
Raise concerns or issues regarding your academic progress to your Academic Advisor
-
Outline your plans for the next term (where applicable)
If you have any difficulty completing this you must speak to your Academic Advisor or the Course Director. Your self-assessment report will be used by your Academic Advisor as a basis to complete a report on your performance this reporting period, for identifying areas where further work may be required, and for reviewing your progress against agreed timetables and plans for the term ahead. GSR will alert you by email when your Academic Advisor has completed your report and it is available for you to view.
3.6 University Lectures and Departmental Seminars
University lectures in all subjects are open to all students. A consolidated lecture list is available on the University website at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/lectures/.
Seminars and colloquia given in the Mathematical Institute and Physics Department, often by mathematicians and physicists of international repute, are announced on the departmental notice boards: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/list and https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/seminars-and-colloquia. You are encouraged to attend any which interest you.
Particle Theory seminars are listed here and here.
3.7 Study Skills
Much of the advice and training in study skills will come in the regular class teaching you receive. A wide range of information and training materials are available to help you develop your academic skills – including time management, research and library skills, referencing, revision skill and academic writing – through the Oxford Student website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills.
3.8 Key Teaching Links
Lecture Timetable: http://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/course-schedule
Maths Class Lists: https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=857
Physics Class Information: Follow links to course pages from https://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/course-schedule
And on Canvas: https://canvas.ox.ac.uk/courses/276069
Problem Sheet Submission: https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=857 (Maths) and https://canvas.ox.ac.uk/courses/226235/assignments (Physics)
3.1 Lectures and Course Materials
Lecture timetables can be found on the MMathPhys website: https://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/course-schedule
Please note that with the number of courses offered on this course, there will inevitably be clashes on the timetable.
All lectures are recorded. So if you are not able to attend in person, you can watch these online at the associated platform below.
Course materials including lecture notes, recordings, reading lists and problem sheets are available on one of the two platforms listed below, depending on which department manages the course. You will submit problem sheets and receive feedback on them at the same platforms.
Physics: https://canvas.ox.ac.uk/courses/294961
The Physics department uses Canvas. Guides to Canvas can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/canvas
Maths: https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/course/index.php?categoryid=931
The Mathematical Institute uses Moodle. Guides to Moodle can be found here: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/it/faqs/moodle-courses-system/students
3.2 Classes
The majority of lecture courses are accompanied by problem sets and weekly or fortnightly problem classes. These will be held in the same department that does the lecturing for the course.
Classes are not mandatory but it is in your own best interest to attend and complete the problem sheets, especially if you intend to offer the course as one of your assessed units. Note that for Groups and Representations, you are assessed on both homework completion and the written invigilated exam.
If you wish to attend classes and receive feedback on submitted problem sheets, then you must officially sign-up to a class.
If you wish to be assessed by homework completion, then you must officially sign-up for the class and submit the required problem sheets.
Enrolment
Note: This is not the same as enrolling for the exam – you must enrol for your exams in a separate process (see Chapter 4).
Physics Classes
Dates and times of Physics classes will be published on Canvas wherever possible, though not all lecturers choose to set up webpages. In which case, they will be on TMS (see below).
To sign-up officially for any Physics classes, you will need to log-in to the Teaching Management System (TMS) and enrol yourself for a class: https://tms.ox.ac.uk/
Log-in with your SSO. You will then see a list of the courses that you are eligible to register for. Clicking into these courses will provide you with a list of groups and class times which you can sign up for.
Maths Classes
Dates and times of Maths classes can be found on Moodle. You also enrol in classes via Moodle.
Instructions can be found at the following link: https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/it/faqs/moodle-courses-system/students/course-enrolment
Class enrolment will be available by the end of 1st week each term and you will be notified by the MSc Course Administrator when it opens.
Please note, if you are taking the Advanced Philosophy of Physics option, you will arrange tutorials directly with the course tutor and there will not be a separate class registration process.
Withdrawal
Note: This is not the same as withdrawing from an examination or other assessment. To do that, you need to contact your college's academic office.
You will have until Monday week 4 of each term to request a class switch or to withdraw from the class altogether. To do so, please contact your class tutor as well as the MSc Course Administrator.
It is important to withdraw from a class if you no longer wish to take it. If you do not withdraw from a class, then your college will be charged for your attendance. Furthermore, when you withdraw from a class, your tutor and teaching assistant will know not to expect you, and will not need to enquire any further or be concerned about your absence from classes.
3.3 Expectations of Study
You are responsible for your own academic progress. Therefore, in addition to the formal teaching you receive through lectures, classes and dissertation tutorials, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed independent study, both during term time and in the vacations.
You should seek advice from your advisor if you find it impossible to complete your academic work without spending significantly longer than 48 hours per week on a regular basis.
There are a number of resources available to help develop your study skills: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills
and especially at master's level: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/postgrad-taught-skills
3.4 Academic Advsiors and Reporting
Your college will assign you a tutor and the Maths and Physics departments will choose an academic advisor for you.
Advisors should be the first point of contact for students on all academic matters and are expected to monitor their student’s progress throughout the year.
Advisors and students are expected to meet a minimum of two times in Michaelmas Term: once at the beginning of term and once at the end. In Hilary Term and Trinity Term, students will meet with their supervisors a minimum of once per term.
Advisors should make initial contact with their advisees to arrange further contact. After the initial meeting between student and advisor, the onus will be on the student to arrange further meetings.
Your academic progress will be monitored by your academic advisor and also your college tutor. College tutors will receive reports from the class tutors for the classes you attend. In addition, academic advisors of MSc students will submit termly reports on their student’s progress via the Graduate Supervision Recording (GSR). These reports are reviewed by the Course Director.
For MSc students, it is mandatory to complete a self-assessment report via GSR for every reporting period. You can access GSR via the following link: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/selfservice. Students will be sent a GSR
automated email notification with details of how to log in at the start of each reporting window, and who to contact with queries.
- Completing the self-assessment will provide the opportunity to:
Review and comment on your academic progress during the current reporting period - Measure your progress against the timetable and requirements of your programme of study
- Identify skills developed and training undertaken or required
- List your engagement with the academic community
- Raise concerns or issues regarding your academic progress to your Academic Advisor
- Outline your plans for the next term (where applicable)
If you have any difficulty completing this you must speak to your Academic Advisor or the Course Director. Your self assessment report will be used by your Academic Advisor as a basis to complete a report on your performance this reporting period, for identifying areas where further work may be required, and for reviewing your progress against agreed timetables and plans for the term ahead. GSR will alert you by email when your Academic Advisor has completed your report and it is available for you to view.
3.5 Working while Studying
The master's is a demanding course and it is not advised to take-up paid work during your studies. For international students on student visas there is a strict 20hr per week limit on paid work in term time. Please view the following University guidance for more information: https://academic.admin.ox.ac.uk/policies/paid-work-guidelines-graduate-students
Information on work experience, internship opportunities and careers services is available here: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/experience.
3.6 Further Learning Opportunities
University lectures in all subjects are open to all students. A consolidated lecture list is available on the University website at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/lectures/
Seminars and colloquia given in the Mathematical Institute and Physics Department, often by mathematicians and physicists of international repute, are announced on the departmental notice boards:
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/events/list
https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/seminars-and-colloquia.
You are encouraged to attend any which interest you.
4. Examinations and Assessments
All of the units you undertake will have either a component of formal assessment (written invigilated exam, take-home exam, mini-project or dissertation) or a homework completion option/requirement. Each unit will be assessed by the method most suited to the material being taught.
Both the course synopses and the examination conventions show which courses are assessed, by which method, and which courses have a homework completion option/requirement.
For revision purposes, past papers for invigilated written examiniations, take-home exams and mini-projects can be found here: https://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/past-examination-papers
Exam Conventions
The examination conventions for the course are the formal record of the specific assessment standards for the course. They set out how each unit will be assessed and how the final degree classification will be derived from the marks obtained for the individual units. They include information on marking scales, marking and classification criteria, scaling of marks, formative feedback, re-sits, and penalties for late submission.
This is the most important course document for you to familiarise yourself with. Please make sure to read it thoroughly and refer back to it whenever you have a query regarding exams and assessment. However, if there is a conflict between the information in the exam conventions and the University-wide Examination Regulations then you should follow the Examinations Regulations.
The examination conventions for 2025-26 can be found on the course website at http://mmathphys.physics. ox.ac.uk/.
University-wide Examination Regulations: https://examregs.admin.ox.ac.uk/
Examiners' Reports
Past examiner's reports can be found here: http://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/students
Prizes
A prize may be awarded by the Examiners for excellence in examination for the Master of Mathematics and Physics (MMathPhys) or MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. The assessors of a dissertation that, in their view, shows particular originality and/or insight may recommend to the Examiners that this dissertation be given a commendation. A prize may be awarded by the examiners for the best dissertation.
4.1 Exam Entry
You will need to formally enter for the units you wish to be assessed on, including those courses which only have a homework completion requirement, by completing an examination entry form. This is done online through Student Self Service (https://evision.ox.ac.uk/) and further information on the process can be found at https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/examination-entry
For this course there will be three examination entry dates:
| Exam Entry Period | Assessments | Example |
| 30th October - 6th November 2025 |
0th week Hilary invigilated written examinations approved subjects assessed in Michaelmas or Hilary term |
Quantum Field Theory exam C3 Condensed Matter Physics |
| 22nd - 29th January 2026 |
0th week and 6th-8th week Trinity invigilated written examinations Michaelmas Term practicals (homework) Hilary term submissions (such as mini-projects released in Hilary Term) |
Cosmology exam; Algebraic Geometry exam Anyons and Topological Phases of Matter homework Galactic and Planetary Dynamics mini-project |
| 7th -14th May 2026 |
Hilary term practicals (homework) Trinity term practicals (homework) Trinity term submissions (such as the dissertation) |
Advanced Fluid Dynamics homework Astroparticle Physics homework Dissertation (1 unit); Dissertation (2 units) |
When completing your examination entry, you should try to ensure that the decisions you make are as final as possible. Please note that you must take care in selecting the correct options; it is your responsibility to ensure you are entered for the courses you intend, and it is not always possible to make amendments to your entries once you have submitted the form. In particular, please keep the below terminology in mind when completing your entries, as it is not always possible to rectify mistakes
| Exam | Papers assessed by written in-person examination |
| Submission | Work assessed by written submissions; this includes dissertations, mini-projects, and papers assessed by take-home exam. This does not include homework completion. |
| Practical | This only denotes homework completion courses; you should always select this where you wish to be assessed on homework completion rather than any alternative assessment method for the course. |
If you wish to withdraw from an assessment after the exam entry window has closed, you can request a withdrawal from your college up to a week before the exam/assessment deadline takes place. For homework completion courses, you must withdraw before the final homework deadline. If a course requires both homework completion and an examination, you will not be able to withdraw from the examination once the final homework completion deadline has passed.
Please discuss with your college tutor or academic advisor before making the decision to withdraw. There is no fee for withdrawal.
If you with to add an additional assessment after the exam entry window has closed, you will need to make a 'Change of Option' request to your college and pay a late entry fee. You should do this at least ten days before the assessment, so that the Academic Records Office has time to process the request.
4.2 Invigilated Written Examinations
Written invigilated exams take place in the Examiniation Schools in 0th week Hilary, 0th week Trinity. Part C (4th year undergraduate) exams, and papers that share material with Part C exams take place between 6-8th week Trinity.
The examination timetable for invigilated written examinations will be set by the Examination Schools and published a month prior to the exam period at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/timetables.
Candidates are required to wear sub fusc to written inviligated exams, unless they have a specific exam adjustment in place to excuse it.
A guide to sub fusc requirements can be found here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/dress
Further information on required conduct for in-person examiniations is available here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/completing-an-exam/in-person-exams
Please make sure to read it thoroughly.
4.2.1 Exam Adjustments
Students may be entitled to exam adjustments such as taking in-person examiniations in college, having extra time, wearing noise cancelling headphones etc.
To apply for exam adjustments, you will need to contact your college office or disability advisor, who can advise on reasonable adjustments and what information you will need to provide to support an application for those adjustments to be considered. You must do this is as soon as possible after matriculation and before Friday of week 4 the term before your exams.
Then, contact the Disability Advisory Service (DAS) to assess your requirements. They can provide a Student Support Plan, which may be used in evidence for an application for adjustments.
Provide evidence to your college office to support your request. Then your college office will submit an application for consideration on your behalf.
Approved adjustments will be notified to your college office and your course organiser/s. Your approved adjustments will be visible to you in self service and your individual exam timetable (when this is published). Any issues should be raised with your college office as soon as possible.
For more information, see here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/examination-adjustments
You can also apply for adjustments/alternative arrangements on the grounds of religious observance, for example if an exam is likely to take place during Ramadan or a religious holiday on which you are not allowed to work. You should apply for this through your college office, ideally before week 6 of Michaelmas term. Further gudiance is also available at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/examination-adjustments
4.2.2 If you cannot attend your exam
If you can’t attend an exam due to ‘illness or other urgent cause that is unforeseeable, unavoidable and/or insurmountable’ you should ask your college to apply to the Proctor's for you to be excused, meaning that your absence does not impact your overall marks and degree classification at the end of the year. Your college can apply up to 4 weeks before the date of the exam and within 14 days after.
For more information, see here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/problems-completing-your-assessment
4.4 Mini-projects and take-home exams
Some units will be assessed wholly or partially by submitted work. This will take one of two forms: mini-project or take-home examination. The deadline for the submission of the assessment for each unit is given in the table included in the examination conventions.
These should be submitted through Inspera. Instructions for using Inspera can be found at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/submission
The examiners will send out notices to candidates detailing where your work should be submitted and what format your submission should be in (e.g. handwritten or word-processed). Candidates will be required to submit an electronic copy and instructions on the online submission process will be included in the notice to candidates.
It is vital that you submit your work by the given deadline as any late submission will be reported to the Proctors and a late submission penalty may be applied. Please see the examination conventions and the following webpage (https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/problems-completing-your-assessment) for advice on what to do if you are unable to submit your work on time due to medical emergency or other urgent cause.
4.5 Dissertations
You may offer a dissertation for one or two units.
For a one-unit dissertation, you are expected to spend the equivalent time and effort on your dissertation as a 16-hour lecture course, including the associated private study, completion of problem sheets, and dedicated revision for examinations. For a two-unit dissertation, you are expected to spend the equivalent time and effort on your dissertation as a 32-hour lecture course, with the same considerations for associated work.
Please note, that if you choose to do a single-unit dissertation, you will be required to give an informal presentation to your supervisor and at least one other person as part of your supervision.
Topics are available from Appendix A of this handbook. Please note, this list is not considered final until after the first meeting of the Joint Supervisory Committee for MMathPhys/MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, around week 3 of Michaelmas term.
You can also propose a topic of your own, in which case you must find an appopriate faculty member or research staff to supervise. You must make an intitial proposal to them and they will approve or help you make changes to the proposal where necessary. If they are unable to supervise you or feel your wrok is more suited to another member of staff, they may suggest someone else.
All students wishing to take a dissertation must formally apply through the following link on the Maths website (make sure you are signed in with your SSO): https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/form/webform-16642
The form will be open between week 4 - 6. The deadline to apply is Monday of Week 6 in Michaelmas term.
More specific guidance is available on the course website: http://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/students
The deadline for submission of the dissertation is 12 noon on Monday of week 6, Trinity term. Dissertations must be submitted electronically and instructions on the online submission process will be included in the notice to candidates.
4.6 Extensions
If you are not able to submit a mini-project or your dissertation by the required deadline then you can request an extension.
You can request two 7-day extensions over the course of the academic year by self-certification through Student Self-Service. These do not require any approval and will be granted automatically. You may not request two 7-day extensions for the same submission, that is, you cannot have a 14 day extension by self-certification.
You can request these up to 2 weeks in advance of the deadline or 24 hours after the deadline.
For any more extensions, or for an extension longer than 7 days, your college must make the request for you and these will be granted by the Proctors' Office.
See here for more details: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/exams/problems-completing-your-assessment
The maximum extension that can be granted for any piece of work is 12 weeks. If you are granted an extension of a month or longer for a piece of work in Trinity term, you should not book your graduation ceremony until you have recieved your results. Otherwise, you may have to cancel your booking if the Examiners are delayed in confirming your results.
If you submit an assessment after the deadline and do not have an extension, then marks will be deducted from your asssessment. Please refer to the Examination Conventions to see how many marks are deducted per hour overdue.
If you were unable to submit on time due to 'illness or other urgent cause that was unforeseeable, unavoidable and insurmountable', you can contact your college to apply to have the late penalty removed. Your college must apply to the Proctors within 14 days of your deadline. It is not guaranteed that the Proctors will agree to remove the penalty.
4.7 Homework completion
For course with a homework completion option or requirement, the lecturer of the course will assign problem sheets to be completed. There may be between one to four problem sheets, depending on how the lecturer's choice.
Each submission will be marked by a teaching assistant (TA) based on solutions provided by the lecturer. Problem sheets will be marked using a letter system A/B/C for problems solved or attempted competently (A for excellent, B good, C fair), and F for those problems which are not handed in or, if attempted, show insufficient understanding of the concepts taught in the lectures. The TA will record the mark of each problem and return the marked scripts as promptly as possible.
The homework requirement for a course will have been completed if 50% of each problem sheet assigned has a mark A/B/C. Otherwise the homework requirement will normally be judged to have not been completed. The Examiners will make the final determination as to whether or not each student has completed the homework requirement for any given unit. If you fail to submit any of the problem sheets for the course, you will fail, unless you have been granted an eextension or excusal (see below).
Some of the courses will be accompanied by classes led by tutors in order to discuss the homework assignments. Please note, due to the short eight week teaching structure at Oxford, the teaching and homework schedules may not always align perfectly. Lecturers may sometimes assign problem sheets on topics that have not yet been covered in lectures. Students are expected to engage in self-study, referring to the lecture notes that are provided in advance and other reading material available.
Late homework submission
Each homework will have a submission deadline after which submissions will not be accepted and an F will be automatically given.
If you cannot submit your homework on time due to acute illness or other urgent cause (see Annex J of the Examinations and Asessments Framework, Points 14-25, for the definition of 'urgent cause') students should submit a formal request for an extension or excusal for that homework using this form: https://forms.office.com/e/Ka8efNgANC.
DO NOT informally request an extension from your tutor, TA or lecturer. Nor may you contact the Course Administrator, Course Director or any of the Examiners for this.
Do not request an extension via Student Self-Service either. The only way to request an extension is through the form linked above.
Where the extended deadline requested falls before the class at which the work will be discussed, the request will be considered by the lecturer of the course; where the extended deadline would fall after the class, or where an excusal is requested, the request will be considered by the Chair of Examiners.
4.8 Mitigating Circumstances
If you suffer from an acute illness or other personal circumstances that you believe has affected your performance in an asessment (either during an exam, or in the revision period before, or while writing up a submission), you can submit a mitigating circumstances notice to your examiners (MCE) to let them know. The Examiners will consider whether the outcome for affected papers or overall classification should be adjusted.
You can submit an MCE via Student Self-Service. However, you are encouraged to contact your college first, so that they can advise you on how to gather evidence.
Please see student guide here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/Mitigating%20Circumstances%20Notices%20%E2%80%93%20Student%20Guidance.docx
You are encouraged to submit an MCE as soon as possible after completing the affected assessment. You can submit an MCE at any time after the asessment is completed however, it must be submitted no later than noon the day before the final exam board meeting (mid-July, exact date to follow), or it will not be considered by the Examiners.
You may submit an MCE after that point, no more than a month after the final exam board meeting, but you must provide a reason for why you did not submit before. The Proctor's Office will review the cases and they will decide if the MCE should be forwarded to the Examiners at that point. So if you submit an MCE after the exam board, it is not guaranteed that the Examiners will review it.
Please note, if you are struggling with your studies for any reason, please contact your academic advisor and your college's welfare team for support. Don't wait until the last moment and only apply for an MCE. Your college is there to support you and you are more likely to succeed in your studies if you reach out for help when you need it.
4.9 Plagiarism
Presenting work or ideas from another source as your own, with or without consent of the original author, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement constitutes plagiarism. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition, as is the use of material generated wholly or in part through use of artificial intelligence (save when use of AI for assessment has received prior authorisation e.g. as a reasonable adjustment for a student’s disability). Plagiarism can also include re-using your own work without citation. Under the regulations for examinations, intentional or reckless plagiarism is a disciplinary offence.
Please see the University’s guidance on plagiarism:
5. Services
The Oxford students' website will provide most of the information you need on what services are available to you through the university. https://www.ox.ac.uk/students
Please refer to your college website and handbook for college specific services.
More detail is provided in the following subchapters.
University Policies
The University has a wide range of policies and regulations that apply to students. These are easily accessible through the A–Z of University regulations, codes of conduct and policies available at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/regulations/a-z. Particular attention is drawn to the following University policies.
Equal Opportunities Statement: https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/equality-policy
Intellectual Property Rights: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/intellectual-property
Code on Harassment: https://edu.admin.ox.ac.uk/harassment-advice
Policy on Plagiarism: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/skills/plagiarism
5.1 Who is Responsible
Different parts of the university are resonsible for providing different support services and administrative support. Here is a brief summary of who to go to for what issue.
Issues with Moodle, Canvas, TMS - Course Administrator (mmathphys@maths.ox.ac.uk)
General course information and administrative queries - Course Administrator (mmathphys@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Academic advice - Academic advisor or Course Director (lionel.mason@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Mitigating Circumstances - College
Extensions - College
Excusals and late penalty waivers - College
Exam entry change - College
Suspending your studies/return from suspension - Course Administrator (mmathphys@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Welfare - College welfare support. There is also the university counselling service: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/counselling; counselling@admin.ox.ac.uk
Diasbility support -
University’s Disability Advisory Service: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/disability
Disability Coordinator (Mathematics): Charlotte Turner-Smith (academic.administrator@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Disability Coordinator (Physics): Carrie Leonard-McIntyre (c.leonard-mcintyre@physics.ox.ac.uk)
Every college has their own systems of support for students, please refer to your college handbook or website for more information on who to contact and what support is available through your college.
Details of the wide range of sources of support available more widely in the University are available from the Oxford Student website (http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare), including in relation to mental and physical health and disability.
5.2 Student Representation and Feedback
Joint Supervisory Commitee
Students will be able to nominate two representatives (one MSc MTP student, one MMathPhys student) to sit on the Joint Supervisory Committee (JSC) which oversees the course. Volunteers will be sought at the Induction Session and an election held if necessary. The student representatives will be able to raise matters with the JSC on behalf of the cohort.
Consultative Committee for Graduates – Mathematics
The Consultative Committee for Graduates meets regularly once a term and discusses any matters that graduate students wish to raise. Students will be invited to nominate a representative to serve as an MSc rep on this committee via email in Michaelmas term.
The Physics Joint Consultative Committee
The Physics Joint Consultative Committee (PJCC) has elected undergraduate members who meet twice in MT and HT, and once in TT to discuss both academic and administrative matters with academic staff representatives. See https://pjcc.physics.ox.ac.uk/ for more information.
Divisional and University Representatives
The MPLS Division also runs a divisional Undergraduate Joint Consultative Forum, a divisional Graduate Joint Consultative Forum, and is establishing a Joint Consultative Forum for Graduate Taught Courses. Each Forum is chaired by the senior MPLS Academic who is responsible for that area across the Division, an undergraduate or graduate representative from each department, the undergraduate or graduate representative on the Academic Committee and Divisional Board, and the Oxford Student Union ( Vice-President (Access and Academic Affairs) or Vice-President (Graduates).
Student representative sitting on the MPLS Divisional Board are selected through a process organised by Oxford SU. Details can be found on the Oxford SU website along with information about student representation at the University level.
Opportunities to Provide Feedback
Students will be asked to complete questionnaires evaluating the teaching received for each unit. Please take time to complete these as your feedback is valuable for future course planning.
MSc students, like all students on matriculated courses, will be surveyed on all aspects of their course (learning, living, pastoral support, college) through the annual PTES (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey). Previous results can be viewed by students, staff and the general public at: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/student-surveys. MMathPhys students, as final year undergraduates, will be surveyed through the National Student Survey instead. Results from previous NSS can be found at https://www.thestudentsurvey.com/.
Key Student Representation Links
CCG: http://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/doctor-philosophy/ consultative-committee-graduates. (Minutes of meetings and list of student representatives.)
Oxford SU: http://oxfordsu.org/
University Surveys: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/student-surveys
5.3 Complaints and Appeals
The University, the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, the Department of Physics and the Mathematical Institute all hope that provision made for students at all stages of their course of study will result in no need for complaints (about that provision) or appeals (against the outcomes of any form of assessment).
Where such a need arises, an informal discussion with the person immediately responsible for the issue that you wish to complain about (and who may not be one of the individuals identified below) is often the simplest way to achieve a satisfactory resolution.
Many sources of advice are available from colleges, faculties/departments and bodies like the Counselling Service or the OUSU Student Advice Service, which have extensive experience in advising students. You may wish to take advice from one of those sources before pursuing your complaint.
General areas of concern about provision affecting students as a whole should be raised through Joint Consultative Committees or via student representation on the faculty/department’s committees.
Complaints
If your concern or complaint relates to teaching or other provision made by the faculty/department, then you should raise it with Director of Undergraduate Studies (Dr Richard Earl (Maths), Prof Jonathan Jones (Physics)) or with the Director of Graduate Studies (Prof Christoph Reisinger (Maths) as appropriate. If your concern relates to the course as a whole, rather than to teaching or other provision made by one of the faculties/departments, you should raise it with Prof Caroline Terquem, Chair of the Joint Supervisory Committee for the Master of Mathematical and Theoretical Physics/MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Complaints about departmental facilities should be made to the Head of Administration/Head of Physical Resources (Dr Jocasta Gardner (Maths), Mr. Simon Probert (Physics)). If you feel unable to approach one of those individuals, you may contact the Head of Department Prof James Sparks (Maths), The officer concerned will attempt to resolve your concern/complaint informally.
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may take your concern further by making a formal complaint to the Proctors under the University Student Complaints Procedure https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/ academic/complaints.
If your concern or complaint relates to teaching or other provision made by your college, you should raise it either with your tutor or with one of the college officers, Senior Tutor, Tutor for Graduates (as appropriate). Your college will also be able to explain how to take your complaint further if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of its consideration.
Academic Appeals
An academic appeal is an appeal against the decision of an academic body (e.g. boards of examiners, transfer and confirmation decisions etc.), on grounds such as procedural error or evidence of bias. There is no right of appeal against academic judgement. If you have any concerns about your assessment process or outcome it is advisable to discuss these first informally with your subject or college tutor, Senior Tutor, course director, director of studies, supervisor or college or departmental administrator as appropriate. They will be able to explain the assessment process that was undertaken and may be able to address your concerns. Queries must not be raised directly with the examiners. If you still have concerns you can make a formal appeal to the Proctors who will consider appeals under the University Academic Appeals Procedure (https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/complaints).
5.4 Careers Service
5.5 Volunteering Opportunities
Maths Outreach
The Department has an active Outreach programme https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/outreach which runs throughout the year, with events and programmes for school students aged 5-18. You can take a look at what’s currently happening on the website. Keep an eye out throughout the year for e-mails asking for volunteers for various events and other ways to get involved. Contact outreach@maths.ox.ac.uk if you would like to get involved.
Physics Outreach
The Physics department similarly has an outreach programme with events for primary and secondary schools. See https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/engage/schools for more information and email engage@physics.ox.ac.uk if you would like to get involved.
5.6 Societies
There are number of Mathematics and Physics student societies which you may like to join. Details of the main societies are given below. In addition, there are also over 200 clubs and societies covering a wide range of interest which you may join or attend. A full list is available at http://www.ox.ac.uk/students/life/ clubs/list.
Invariants
The Oxford University’s student society for Mathematics. The society promotes Maths and hosts informal lectures, often given by leading mathematicians. Website: http://www.invariants.org.uk/.
LGBTI∧3
LGBTI∧3 is the student group for all LGBTQ+ identifying students in Maths, Stats and Computer Science. Contact: oxlgbtqubed@gmail.com.
Mirzakhani Society
The Mirzakhani Society is a society aimed at supporting women and non-binary students in Oxford who are studying maths. Contact: mirzakhanisociety@gmail.com.
The Oxford University Physics Society
The Oxford University Physics Society (PhysSoc) is a student society that exists to promote and encourage an interest in Physics in and around Oxford University. PhysSoc hosts talks most weeks during term time in the Physics Department, often by leading experts and also holds social events which are a great opportunity to get to know others with an interest in all things Physics. Website: https://oxfordphyssoc.wordpress.com/
Appendices
- Appendix 1 - Course Curriculum
- Appendix 2 - Specialized Pathways
- Appendix 3 - Dissertation Proposals
A - Dissertation Topics
Subject to Joint Supervisory Committee approval
Supervisor: Prof Alexander Schekochihin
Title: Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics, and Effective Collision Integrals for Collisionless Plasma
Title: Phase-Space Structures and Strong Langmuir Turbulence
Supervisor: Prof Andre Henriques
Title: The Virasoro Algebra
Supervisor: Prof Andrew Dancer
Title: Symplectic Geometry and Quantisation
Supervisor: Dr Anton Sokolov
Title: Astrophysical probes of dual axion-photon coupling
Supervisor: Prof Ard Louis
Title: Biological Evolution and a Bias towards Simplicity?
Title: Sloppy Systems
Title: Theory of Deep Learning
Title: Effects of Mass Vaccination on the Dynamics of SIRS Systems with Seasonal Variation in Transmissibility
Supervisor: Dr Christopher Couzens
Title: Equivariant Localization and supergravity
Abstract: Equivariant localisation is a powerful mathematical result which allows for the evaluation of integrals on a space with a symmetry using topological data of the space. It has recently been used in supergravity to compute various observables such as the on-shell action and anomalies. This thesis will review this recent topic before applying it to a new setup.
Pre-requisites: The topic uses Riemannian geometry and supersymmetry/supergravity. The student should be familiar with the basics of Riemannian geometry (metric, curvature, forms) or taking the GR1 C7.5 course and/or the Differentiable manifolds (C3.3) course. Supersymmetry and Supergravity will be learnt as a byproduct of the dissertation.
Title: Classifying supersymmetric solutions in supergravity
Abstract: Finding solutions to the Einstein equations is very difficult, they are second order non-linear equations. One method for finding solutions is to impose additional symmetries, one such symmetry is supersymmetry. Imposing that the solution preserves supersymmetry typically allows us to replace the second order PDEs with first order PDEs. We will review how this is done using G-structures and Generalised complex geometry before applying this to a new class of solutions.
Pre-requisites: The topic uses Riemannian geometry and supersymmetry/supergravity. The student should be familiar with the basics of Riemannian geometry (metric, curvature, forms) or taking the GR1 (C7.5) course and/or the Differentiable manifolds (C3.3) course. Supersymmetry and Supergravity will be learnt as a byproduct of the dissertation.
Supervisor: Prof Ed Hardy
Title: The Strong CP Problem and Axions
Title: Hamiltonian Truncation and Machine Learning
Supervisor: Prof Fabian Essler
(fabian.essler@physics.ox.ac.uk)
Title: Heating rates in Floquet circuits
Abstract: In recent years there has been a lot of interest in simulating interacting many-particle quantum systems using superconducting circuits. Brickwall circuits naturally give rise to periodically driven (“Floquet”) circuits. These are known to heat under time evolution [1,2] und approach an infinite temperature (completely mixed) state at late times. Circuits that have a globally conserved charge are then expected to exhibit hydrodynamic behaviour. In order to study the latter using numerical methods it is necessary to have a circuit that heats fast, so that the accessible time scales suffice to detect it. The objective of the project is to investigate a simple class of two-Qbit brick wall circuits with a single conserved charge, and use the diagnostic proposed in [3] to find which circuits heat fastest.
Reading list:
[1] A. Lazarides, A. Das and R. Moessner, Phys. Rev. E90, 012110 (2014).
[2] L. D’Alessio and M. Rigol, Phys. Rev. X 4, 041048 (2014).
[3] A. Rakcheev and A.M. Lauchli, Phys. Rev. Research 4, 043174 (2022).
Supervisor: Dr Gianmarco Spera
(gianmarco.spera@physics.ox.ac.uk)
Title: Continuum description of living systems
Abstract:
Living systems are an emblematic example of active matter as they convert energy from the environment into work. As a consequence, such systems are inherently out of equilibrium, resulting in a wealth of large-scale behaviours[1-3].
To account for it, a key requirement is the ability to predict how different ingredients or symmetries of the models affect the emerging phenomenology[4-5].
Possible directions could be: the study of microscopic theories (and the associated field theories) to capture the emergent behaviour of biological systems; the study of continuum models with different symmetries, e.g. polar and/or nematic; or the role of domain topology in collective motion.
[1] Marchetti, M. Cristina, et al. "Hydrodynamics of soft active matter." Reviews of modern physics 85.3 (2013): 1143-1189.
[2] Chaté, Hugues. "Dry aligning dilute active matter." Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics 11.1 (2020): 189-212.
[3] Bechinger, Clemens, et al. "Active particles in complex and crowded environments." Reviews of modern physics 88.4 (2016): 045006.
[4] Doostmohammadi, Amin, et al. "Active nematics." Nature Communications 9.1 (2018): 3246.
[5] Jülicher, Frank, Stephan W. Grill, and Guillaume Salbreux. "Hydrodynamic theory of active matter." Reports on Progress in Physics 81.7 (2018): 076601.
Supervisor: Dr Harini Desiraju and Prof Jon Keating
(harini.desiraju@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Title: Semi-classical limits of Selberg integrals
Abstract: Special functions play a central role in describing physical phenomena. Some examples you may have encountered are Gamma functions, and Euler beta functions, which appear in the description of partition functions in statistical mechanics or computation of Feynman integrals. This project will focus on the multi-dimensional analogue of the Euler beta function, known as the Selberg integral.
Selberg integrals appear across diverse fields such as combinatorics, conformal field theory, and random matrix theory to name a few. You may begin by exploring the role of the Selberg integral in either random matrix theory or conformal field theory, where these integrals are commonly parameterized by beta, a parameter that encodes the underlying symmetry class of the system. As a concrete question, you will study these integrals in the (semi-classical) regime beta-> infinity, which is expected to give rise to interesting sets of equations with rich geometry.
References:
1. Chapter 17, Random matrices by M.L Mehta (available in the library)
2. The importance of the Selberg integral (https://arxiv.org/abs/0710.3981)
3. Random Matrix Theory and ζ (1/2 + it) (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002200000261)
4. Conformal blocks as Dotsenko-Fateev Integral Discriminants (https://arxiv.org/abs/1001.0563)
Supervisor: Prof Jason Lotay
Title: Minimal surfaces, mean curvature flow and applications
Abstract: Minimal surfaces provide the mathematical description of soap films, locally minimizing their surface area, and thus are important from the point of view of physical sciences (including relations to black holes) as well as geometry and topology. The mean curvature flow is a geometric evolution equation which takes a surface and tries to make it minimal. Again, besides the applications of mean curvature flow to geometry and topology, it also has connections to image processing, and the (inverse) mean curvature flow is used to prove the Penrose inequality inspired by the study of gravity.
The aim of this project will be to look at some of the recent developments in theory of minimal surfaces and mean curvature flow of surfaces, using geometry, topology and analysis, as well as applications within or outside mathematics, such as in theoretical physics.
Prerequisites: Essential: Basic geometry (e.g. material equivalent to B3.2 Geometry of surfaces) and basic topology (e.g. material equivalent to A5 Topology); Recommended: It would be good to learn alongside this dissertation the following topics - Differentiable Manifolds (C3.3), Riemannian Geometry (C3.11); Useful: Again, alongside this dissertation it might be helpful to learn Partial Differential Equations (e.g. C4.3).
Reading list:
T. Colding and W. Minicozzi, A Course in Minimal Surfaces, 2011
C. Mantegazza, Lecture Notes on Mean Curvature Flow, 2012
Supervisor: Prof Joseph Conlon
Title: Cosmic Strings
Pre-requisites: While no course is an absolute pre-requisite, a familiarity with field theory and cosmology would be very helpful.
Reading list:
As starter references,
Cosmic Strings and Other Topological Defects, (Vilenkin + Shellard, CUP, 2000)
Cosmic Strings and Superstrings, E. Copeland and T. Kibble, arXiv:0911.1345
These should then be used as a base from which to explore the literature.
Supervisor: Prof Julia Yeomans
Title: Active Matter
Supervisor: Prof Lionel Mason
Title: Twistor theory and applications
Abstract: Twistor theory is a geometrical framework for the formulation of physical theories introduced by Roger Penrose in the 1960s. It provides a more primitive geometry from which space-time itself emerges together with physical fields thereon using ideas from algebraic geometry and complex analysis. It traces its origins to the Klein correspondence from classical projective geometry in which the space of lines in three dimensional projective space form a four-dimensional quadric which in twistor theory is re-interpreted as Minkowski space-time. This framework has had many applications to mathematical physics over the years, any one of which might form the basis for a dissertation of one or two units.
1. The classification of integrable systems of nonlinear equations of Mathematical Physics and construction of exact solutions, see Mason & Woodhouse, Integrability, Self-Duality and Twistor Theory, OUP Monograph, 1996. This could be reviewed in the light of recent Chern-Simons approaches due to Costello, Witten and Yamazaki, Gauge Theory and Integrability, ICCM Not. 06, arxiv:1709.09993.
2. Applications to the construction of scattering amplitudes and correlation functions for 4d gauge and gravity theories. A prerequisite is QFT and a general introduction to scattering amplitudes can be found in the CUP book by Elvang and Huang book available at https://arxiv.org/abs/1308.1697. From here one could study more recent developements such as ambitwistor strings and the scattering equations, Geyer and Mason The SAGEX Review: Ambitwistor strings and amplitudes from the worldsheet, J.Phys.A 55 2022, arxiv:2203.13017 or more recent applications to the construction of cosmological and AdS correlators A new twist on spinning (A)dS correlators https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.02727. Another approach is via twistor actions which more ambitiously connects to celestial holography, see Kmec, Mason, Ruzziconi and Sharma, S-algebra in Gauge Theory: Twistor, Spacetime and Holographic Perspectives, arxiv:2506.01888.
Supervisor: Dr Nick Jones
Title: Symmetry-resolved entanglement in quantum chains
Supervisor: Prof Renaud Lambiotte
Title: How Directed Are Directed Networks?
Title: Dynamics and structure of complex-weighted networks
Abstract: Complex numbers define the relationship between entities in many situations. A canonical example would be the off-diagonal terms in a Hamiltonian matrix in quantum physics. Recent years have seen an increasing interest to extend the tools of network science when the weight of edges are complex numbers. The purpose of this project will be to explore further the structure and dynamics of such complex-weighted networks. We will consider linear processes such as consensus dynamics and random walks, from which build algorithms to extract information from the systems. Relatedly, the student may consider problems where edges are equipped by linear transformation, thus going beyond rotations in two dimensions.
Reading list:
Tian, Yu, and Renaud Lambiotte. "Structural balance and random walks on complex networks with complex weights." SIAM Journal on Mathematics of Data Science 6.2 (2024): 372-399.
Tian, Yu, et al. "Matrix-weighted networks for modeling multidimensional dynamics." arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.05188 (2024).
Supervisor: Dr Seyed Moosavian
(faroogh.moosavian@maths.ox.ac.uk)
Title: Quantum Theory of Gravity
Abstract: Quantum gravity has remained elusive for nearly a century, dating back to the earliest attempts by Pauli, Heisenberg, Rosenfeld, Bronstein, and others in the 1930s. Despite numerous efforts on many fronts, this arguably most profound challenge at the foundation of theoretical and mathematical physics has not yet yielded. In fact, it is fair to say that all existing approaches have not even managed bending this very thick rod, let alone cracking it [1, 2].
This project aims to delve into one of the most important series of papers in the history of the subject: the trilogy Quantum Theory of Gravity I, II, and III by Bryce DeWitt, a (if not the) principal architect of modern research in the field [3, 4, 5]. These papers encompass the canonical and covariant approaches to the quantization of gravitational interactions, applications of these methods, the derivation of the famous Wheeler–DeWitt equation, the problem of time, the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, the principal challenges that remain in completing the program, and much more.
Among DeWitt’s many contributions, which can be read about in [6], two stand out for their foundational importance in quantum field theory and quantum gravity alike: the development of the background-field method, and the systematic formulation of gauge-fixing in the path integral formalism. The background-field method allows one to maintain manifest gauge (and diffeomorphism) invariance while quantizing fluctuations around a fixed classical background–crucial for any sensible approach to perturbative quantum gravity. Closely related, DeWitt’s elegant and general approach to gauge fixing—via what would become known as the Faddeev–Popov procedure–originates from the very ideas developed in these papers.
Unlike most modern literature on the subject, this series is highly technical: there are no random or vague assumptions made to simplify or obscure the main challenges. The attempt is to build everything for the quantization of gravity in four spacetime dimensions from scratch. As such, the project is correspondingly demanding–certainly not for the faint of heart. Anyone interested is strongly encouraged to browse the papers in advance to get a sense of their scope and depth. If you remain interested after that, please contact me for further discussion.
For a Master’s student, the goal will be to absorb as much as possible—not necessarily by reading the entire trilogy, but by seriously engaging with its core ideas and reflecting on potential questions that might be addressed using these methods. The dissertation should include:
1. A detailed review of one of the main topics or methods from the trilogy;
2. An exploration of one question that can be pursued using that reviewed topic or method—this could either be a question that has already appeared in the literature, or, if the student is ambitious, something entirely new.
The choice in (2) depends on whether the student would like to complete a one-unit or two-unit dissertation.
Please Notice: If your main goal is to perform quick computations, publish a paper immediately, or engage with the latest hot and mainstream developments, then this project may not align with your interests. Its purpose is to build a strong and lasting foundation in the subject, one that you can draw upon in your future studies, if you are inclined to pursue it further. For clarity, there is no supersymmetric content in this project.
Reading list:
[1] R. P. Feynman, F. B. Morinigo, W. G. Wagner, B. Hatfield, J. Preskill and K. S. Thorne, Feynman Lectures on Gravitation. Addison–Wesley, Jun, 1995. 1
[2] R. P. Woodard, How Far Are We from the Quantum Theory of Gravity?, Rept. Prog. Phys. 72 (Jul, 2009) 126002, [0907.4238]. 1
[3] B. S. DeWitt, Quantum Theory of Gravity. I. The Canonical Theory, Phys. Rev. 160 (Aug, 1967) 1113–1148. 1
[4] B. S. DeWitt, Quantum Theory of Gravity. II. The Manifestly Covariant Theory, Phys. Rev. 162 (Oct, 1967) 1195–1239. 1
[5] B. S. DeWitt, Quantum Theory of Gravity. III. Applications of the Covariant Theory, Phys. Rev. 162 (Oct, 1967) 1239–1256. 1
[6] S. M. Christensen, ed., Quantum Theory of Gravity, Essays in Honor of the 60th Birthday of Bryce C DeWitt. CRC Press, 1984. 1
Supervisor: Dr Thomas Spieksma
(thomas.spieksma@physics.ox.ac.uk)
Title: Interactions of black holes crossing through active galactic nuclei
Abstract: Extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) are expected to be key sources for the future space-based gravitational-wave observatory LISA, yet their formation channels are poorly understood. One promising scenario involves stellar-mass black holes being captured by active galactic nuclei (AGN). These captures occur at large distances from the central black hole, and their subsequent evolution must be modelled to predict when and how they enter the LISA sensitivity band. In this project, the student will study the interaction of the captured black hole with the AGN, and determine the expected orbital parameters (such as inclination and eccentricity) by the time the system reaches the relativistic regime.
https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9910401
https://arxiv.org/abs/2212.11301
B - Course Calendar
MICHAELMAS TERM |
|
| 0th week | Induction Class sign-up for Part C Maths open on Moodle |
| Week 1 | Michaelmas term lectures begin Friday (17th October): Deadline to request approval for non-curriculum subject |
| Week 2 | Part C Maths classes start Class sign-up for Physics classes open on TMS Friday (24th October): Deadline for MMathPhys students to request transfer back to their original degree programme (MMath/Mphys/MMathPhil) |
| Week 3 | Thursday (30th October): Exam entry for Hilary exams open |
| Week 4 | Dissertation application form open Thursday (6th November): Deadline to complete exam entry for Hilary exams Friday (7th November): Deadline to request exam adjustments in time for Hilary exams Deadline to change class times for both Maths (Moodle) and Physics (TMS) |
| Week 5 | |
| Week 6 | Monday (17th November): Deadline to apply for a dissertation |
| Tuesday (18th November): Jobs for Mathematicians Fair, 4-6pm Mathematical Institute | |
| Week 7 | |
| Week 8 | Approval for dissertations sent out |
Christmas Vac |
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HILARY TERM |
|
| 0th week | Exams Class sign-up for Part C and bespoke MTP Maths courses open on Moodle |
| Week 1 | Hilary term lectures begin |
| Thursday (22nd January): Exam entry for Michaelmas homework, Hilary submissions and Trinity exams open | |
| Week 2 | Class sign-up for Physics classes open on TMS |
| Thursday (29th January): Deadline to complete exam entry for Michaelmas homework, Hilary submissions and Trinity exams | |
| Week 3 | |
| Week 4 | Friday (13th February): Advanced Philosophy of Physics mini-project titles released Deadline to change class times for both Maths (Moodle) and Physics (TMS) Deadline to make new exam adjustments requests in time for Trinity exams |
| Week 5 | Results of Hilary term exams released |
| Week 6 | |
| Week 7 | |
| Week 8 | Friday (13th March): Mini-projects and take-home exam released |
Easter Vac
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Wednesday (18th March): Collisionless Plasma Physics take-home exam submission deadline Friday (3rd April): Galactic and Planetary dyanmics mini-project submission deadline Friday (17th April): C5.4 Networks mini-project submission deadline |
TRINITY TERM |
|
| 0th week | Trinity exams Class sign-up for bespoke MTP Maths courses open on Moodle |
| Week 1 | Trinity term lectures begin |
| Week 2 | Class sign-up for Physics classes open on TMS |
| Week 3 | |
| Week 4 | Friday (22nd May): Adv. Phil. of Physics mini-project submission deadline Deadline to change class times for both Maths (Moodle) and Physics (TMS) |
| Week 5 | |
| Week 6 | Monday (1st June): Dissertation submission deadline |
| Part C Maths and Physics exams and some bespoke MTP exams | |
| Week 7 | |
| Week 8 | |
Long Vac |
The provisional date for the Final Exam Board meeting is 17th July. Your college must submit an MCE by noon the previous day if you wish it to be considered by the Examiners at the meeting. Your college may submit an MCE up to 1 month after the Final Exam Board meeting. It will be at the Proctors' discretion whether or not they forward it to the Examiners for consideration. |
| Final exam results and classifications will be released towards the end of July. DO NOT BOOK A GRADUATION CEREMONY UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR EXAM RESULTS |
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