Mathematics

Our BSc Mathematics provides you with a broad education in mathematical sciences and their modern applications to commerce and the natural and social sciences, such as:

• game theory
• cryptography
• the mathematics of networks.

This mathematics degree covers theoretical aspects of the subject as well as methods and modelling techniques. You will develop an understanding of a range of mathematical skills, together with the abstract background to help you make sense of this material.

This BSc Mathematics course also has a flexible structure enabling you to follow your interests, choosing option modules from other departments if you wish. For instance, for 2023-24 entry you can choose option modules that allow you to combine mathematics with economics, accounting or management in your degree to graduate with a BSc Mathematics with Economics, BSc Mathematics with Accounting or BSc Mathematics with Management. 

A mathematics or statistics graduate is highly numerate. But studying mathematics is also excellent training in logical thought. Mathematicians are not satisfied with an observation until they have proved it to be true. By learning mathematics and statistics, you learn to construct reasoned, structured arguments. The tools of analysis, whether it be modelling situations with appropriate equations or using statistics to analyse data sets and test hypotheses, have countless applications.

• The Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics has an excellent reputation for the quality of its academic research and teaching. We offer a full range of academic courses in economics, finance, mathematics and statistics, and we regularly provide customised training to various public and private sector organisations.
• We provide a broad education in mathematical sciences and their modern applications to commerce and the natural and social sciences, such as game theory, cryptography and the mathematics of networks. Our courses cover the theoretical background, as well as methods and modelling techniques, and equip you with a wide range of mathematical skills. The course has a flexible structure enabling you to choose option modules from other departments if you wish.
• Mathematical sciences are highly valued by employers, and our graduates go on to successful careers in business and finance, statistics, research and analysis, management, consultancy, and teaching, among many others.
• You will have access to Moodle, our online learning resource, where all information and materials relating to your course and modules are available. You will also have access to the Birkbeck Library and e-Library where you can obtain books and journal articles required for your studies.

Applicants from Jordan who have taken the Tawjihi (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) will normally require a Foundation course for entry onto undergraduate programmes at Birkbeck. These offer the opportunity for guaranteed progression onto Birkbeck’s Bachelor programmes.

Applicants with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A-levels will be considered for direct admission to our undergraduate degree programmes. IB requirements range from 28 to 30, depending on the course.

Students who have studied for one or two years at a recognised higher education institution in Iraq may be considered for Year 1 entry.

Careers and employability

• You will be asked to provide your personal details, home address and to confirm your residency status. As part of confirming your identity, you must provide an accepted form of photographic identification - usually a valid passport. If you are not a UK, EU/EEA national you must also provide visa documentation to confirm you have valid leave to remain in the UK.
• We ask you to upload a scan of your photographic identification. If you would prefer, you can instead bring hard copies to the Student Advice Centre. 
• Please note: Section 14 of the Terms and Conditions of Study at Birkbeck, University of London requires your registered name(s) (as listed on your identity documentation), to be used on your student record. This includes middle names, and will be the name that appears on your final award certificate. If your name has changed since you were awarded previous qualifications needed for entry, you will be asked to provide evidence of their name change. e.g. a marriage certificate, deed poll documentation or statutory declaration.

• You will be asked about your current studies, if any, and your previous qualifications. You will also be asked to upload certificates or transcripts of your previous qualifications, where relevant.
• If English is not your first language, you will be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency. If you have not yet taken an English test, please continue with your application and you will be asked to upload the English test results prior to being invited to enrol.

• Please have your employment history to hand, with a brief overview of your responsibilities in each job or role. You may take these from your CV. Birkbeck values all your skills and experiences, not only your academic qualifications, so this information is important for your application. We also ask you to list relevant professional qualifications or training courses.

• You will be asked to write a personal statement that describes your academic abilities and your commitment to succeeding on the course you are applying for. You should aim to write an engaging, concise and well-structured statement:
  • The purpose of the personal statement is to demonstrate that you have the intellectual ability and the commitment to be a successful student on the course that you're applying for. You should give examples of where you can demonstrate success, whether that's academic or in the workplace. Keep the examples factual, and try to relate them to the course and the skills required to be a successful student.
  • Some students are afraid of coming across as boasting when they talk about their achievements. Others have concerns that their achievements are not impressive enough. Don’t let either worry to put you off applying. Show your achievements in the best possible light. We want to see your potential in your application, we don’t expect you to be a complete student at this stage. 
  • If you have an active interest in the subject you are applying for then mention them here. For example, perhaps you have attended free lectures and events; you regularly make visits to places or read certain publications. Maybe you have had a long-standing interest in the subject and you want to take it to the next level. This is your opportunity to show how you have been engaging in the subject you wish to study. 
  • If you are applying for a 4-year part-time undergraduate degree, your application will be direct to Birkbeck. As our classes take place in the evening, Birkbeck is different to other universities. Our Admission Tutors will be looking for indications that you have considered how you will be able to study successfully. You could, therefore, state why you are choosing to study in the evening. For example, you may be working or have other commitments during the day and the evening model allows you to continue with your work. 
  • If you wish to study a postgraduate course in a different subject area to that you studied as an undergraduate, first look at the entry requirements for the course that you're interested in, as some courses have more specific requirements than others. Our admission tutors will be looking at your whole application, and your professional experience will be considered alongside your previous studies. Use your personal statement to highlight how your professional experience or your personal interests may relate to the new subject area that you wish to study.