Maths vs Physics degree for theoretical physics

[Mathematics]

Hi, I'm interested in doing research in theoretical cosmology (the kind or work hawking did). Should I do an undergraduate degree in mathematics or physics? I'm in the UK so I can't do a double major. I'm well aware of the fact that interests change a LOT later on, but ideally which one is better for GR and Cosmology research? I'm interested in theoretical physics, not mathematical physics. I know that a masters in applied maths/theoretical physics is going to be needed, at present I'm talking about undergraduate degrees. Thank you.

 

[Vanadium 50]

The best preparation for a graduate degree in physics is an undergraduate degree in physics.

 

[f95toli]

The best preparation for a graduate degree in physics is an undergraduate degree in physics.

Usually true...But e.g. Cambridge does not have an undergraduate physics program; instead the students do a "Natural Sciences" program which gradually becomes more specialised. The UK university system is quite complicated and there is a wide variety of paths with different universities offering quite different programs. Another options would e.g. be an integrated MSci in Physics from Imperial.

Regardless, my suggestion would be to simply look at the admission criteria for the MSc programs you might be interested in down the line. That is, unless you are thinking of doing an integrated MSci.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Usually true...But e.g. Cambridge does not have an undergraduate physics program

The OP listed physics as an option.

 

[Mathematics]

The OP listed physics as an option.

Usually true...But e.g. Cambridge does not have an undergraduate physics program; instead the students do a "Natural Sciences" program which gradually becomes more specialised. The UK university system is quite complicated and there is a wide variety of paths with different universities offering quite different programs. Another options would e.g. be an integrated MSci in Physics from Imperial.

Regardless, my suggestion would be to simply look at the admission criteria for the MSc programs you might be interested in down the line. That is, unless you are thinking of doing an integrated MSci.

Yes. I'm primarily considering Oxbridge and Imperial. I'm struggling to decide between the following options :-
Physics at Oxford
Maths at Oxford
Natural sciences at Cambridge specialising in Physics and theoretical physics
1st year Maths with Physics at Cambridge and then continuing with the mathematical Tripos and taking theoretical physics courses.

The Oxford maths course doesn't have a lot of physics (in comparison to Cambridge's) and the Oxford Physics course has less mathematics than the Cambridge Physics via NST course (not by much though). So ideally I would want to apply to Cambridge. From the looks of it, the Cambridge maths course seems like the best preparation , but I just don't think I am good enough to do maths at Cambridge. So, at present, my first choice is probably natural sciences at Cambridge. Some people say do a maths degree, some say do a physics degree. I'm just so confused lol. One question - It's not like doing Physics instead of maths or vice versa will be a big disadvantage right ? Surely the difference is minute (correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[Frabjous]

There is a heavily edited thread which has some of your concerns
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...nly-for-maths-graduates.1002625/#post-6489055

 

[Mathematics]

There is a heavily edited thread which has some of your concerns
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...nly-for-maths-graduates.1002625/#post-6489055

so, a mathematics degree then?

 

[f95toli]

The OP listed physics as an option.

Indeed, but the point I was making was that Cambridge is one of the 2-3 leading universities for undergraduate physics in UK, but they don't have a specialised physics program.
The UK system is often very weird. A good (non-STEM) example would be that studying English at Oxford is probably the best entry point for you career your is goal is to work as lawyer or solicitor, as long as you get good grades it pretty much guaranteed that one of the big law firms will hire you and you can then do a relativity short law-conversion (while getting paid).

Anyway, the main point is that the most "prestigious" path in the UK are often not obvious and a "pure" physics degree is certainly not the only (or even necessarily the best) path if you want a career in physics.

It is also worth noting that some of the Centres For Doctoral training do have a policy of NOT only accepting people with physics degrees, having students with different backgrounds is often seen as being very desirable.

so, a mathematics degree then?

Not necessarily. I don't think there is a single right answer here. You also need to consider what you would LIKE to study, and also WHERE. Good grades from a good university will always be your best bet as long as you meet the admission criteria. Again, have a look at the relevant CDT admission pages.