Applied Mathematics (BSc) G120

Introducing BSc Applied Mathematics

Mathematics at university encourages you to think in an entirely different way.

You will develop a rigorous mindset and be introduced to new mathematical concepts not explored at school level.

This new way of approaching and analysing complex problems is a particularly valuable skill, applicable to many exciting career paths. This makes mathematics graduates extremely employable.

Areas of study

This programme covers a broad range of mathematical topics, from abstract methods to numerical computation; it also emphasises their application to real-world problems.

The programme's modular structure allows you to specialise in areas of particular interest, such as mathematical biology or scientific computing.

Optional courses

In addition to your mathematics courses in Years 1 and 2, you will study courses in other subjects. These may be in related areas such as physics or informatics, or from the wide and varied range offered across the University, such as philosophy or languages.

From Year 3 onwards, you will study your degree subject only.

Flexibility between BSc and MMath

You can change between the BSc and MMath Applied Mathematics programmes up until the beginning of Year 4, subject to strong academic performance.

Second year entry

Well-prepared applicants can enter this programme in Year 2 and follow an accelerated programme. On this route, you will focus on mathematics from the beginning rather than studying a range of subjects in Year 1 and Year 2.

On the accelerated programme, we support your Year 2 mathematics courses with extra courses covering the key ideas in algebra, calculus and proofs from Year 1 of the programme.

How will I learn?

Mathematics is taught through a mixture of lectures and workshops.

You will have approximately 15 hours of teaching each week. Although, this varies depending on your year of study and your chosen outside subjects.

Year 1

In Year 1, lectures are usually interactive; lecturers use online voting systems and encourage small-group discussion to improve your understanding of core material.

These lectures are linked to your subject reading, and so you will be familiar with the content before you attend.

Year 2 onwards

Lectures in later years follow a more 'traditional' lecturing style but occasionally include the voting system.

Lectures are supported by small-group workshops. These sessions give you the opportunity to apply the concepts you have learned in lectures, and to develop your understanding. You will work with five to six other students, with a tutor on hand to support you and answer questions.

Peer collaboration

We encourage students to work collaboratively outside of lectures, and provide spaces like the MathsBase and MathsHub to enable this collaboration.

Year 1 students also have the option to:

• take part in our peer-assisted learning scheme, MathPALS
• make use of our drop-in tutor sessions in the MathsBase

How will I be assessed?

In Years 1 and 2, mathematics has mainly ‘open book exams where you can use your textbook and notes. This allows you to concentrate on understanding and using the ideas and concepts, instead of memorising procedures.

Most courses have regular assessments, both written and online, so you can get feedback on your progress. These typically count for a small part of your course grade.

After Year 1, some courses are assessed entirely by coursework, usually reports or presentations.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

As a mathematics graduate, you will have a wide range of careers open to you.

You will develop skills that are highly sought-after by employers:

• logical and analytic abilities
• programming
• data analysis
• presentation skills
• practical problem-solving

Many recent graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial sector. Others have gone into fields including:

• software engineering
• logistics
• education
• the civil service

Further study is also a popular option. You can progress from this programme into masters or PhD level study in mathematics, or apply your mathematical training to postgraduate study in another subject.

We regularly invite alumni back to share their experiences and showcase the range of careers available to you.

Enhance your CV

Within the School of Mathematics, you will have many opportunities to develop your skills and enhance your CV. For example:

• Share your love of mathematics by working with the wider community as a member of our Outreach Team.
• Join our team of Student Ambassadors and enthuse prospective students.
• Become a MathPALS leader and support Year 1 students.
• Apply for a project scholarship and work with a lecturer during the summer.

You will also be able to access the School’s weekly employability events including:

• presentations from industry employers
• alumni careers showcases
• useful workshops to help you prepare for applying to internships, jobs and further study