Mathematics underlies all of modern science, technology and industry, as well as economics, finance and much of art and design. There is a national shortage of mathematics graduates. Employers value mathematicians because of their problem solving skills. Mathematics graduates work in large multinationals, the Civil Service, and local authorities as well as smaller companies and research institutions. Many students also proceed to post-graduate study and research.

This course covers the central ideas and developments of pure and applied mathematics. It offers an ideal start for anyone wanting to pursue a career in which a sound knowledge of the subject is essential. The degree is designed to develop your analytical and strategic thinking skills as well as equipping you with professional software experience and in applying mathematics to solve a wide variety of problems.

 

The first year develops and strengthens topics previously met at A-level, such as calculus, but also introduces completely new material such as the number theory underlying internet security. Professional software such as Maple, a computer algebra system, and R, a programming language and software environment are also introduced in the first year. This experience ensures that our students are prepared to tackle numerical mathematics and mathematical programming. In the second year our students can master more advanced mathematical techniques. After this sound base is established, the final year features more choice and contains a variety of possible project modules.

 

This is a highly practical degree which lets you master many technical skills as well as exploring the beauty of mathematics. We are very proud of the support we offer to our students. Our lecturers are at the forefront of their subjects and the degree is strongly informed by their research. Many of our graduates have gone on to extremely successful careers in industry, finance and academia.

​"The School of Computing and Mathematics has a dedicated and enthusiastic group of staff willing to help any student achieve the highest possible grade. With a small campus, the lecture theatres, 24 hour library and lecturers were all close together and easy to get between during revision and when completing coursework.

 

Amy Patch
Business Planning Analyst for Ocado

Our degrees feature a variety of final year project modules. Recent project topics include: 

There is a £500 automatic scholarship for students with a grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics A-level (£1,000 for both). To be eligible for the scholarship, students must put us as their first choice before the 1st of August. The scholarship is paid in term one of the first year. There are additional prizes and certificates to reward high marks in later years.

 

We have an open door policy and a personal tutor system where your tutor is a lecturer whom you will also be seeing regularly in the lecture theatre. Additionally our SumUP mathematics and statistics drop in centre is open in the main library from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday during term.

Students on this degree have the opportunity to take a 48-week placement year with a suitable organisation.

 

This is done between the second and final years. Recent placements have been in the Department of Communities and Local Government, leading IT services company Fujitsu, Europe's largest accountancy firm KPMG and in Jagex Ltd a computer gaming company. 

 

Placement salaries are currently typically around £16-17,000 for the year. Placements offer you an opportunity to apply some of the skills from your degree in a commercial or industrial setting. After a placement your CV demonstrates that you have experience in industry and it can help you obtain the job you want.