Mathematics BSc

Mathematics is the key to the sciences, a vital skill for business, and a fascinating subject of study in itself. Our mathematics courses are highly flexible to reflect the wide range of topics and areas of interest the subject encompasses. From climate science to financial forecasting, mathematics has applications everywhere.

Modules are available in topics as diverse as quantum mechanics, evolutionary modelling, coding theory, and numerical analysis. You can specialise in a particular area of mathematics according to your interests and aspirations, or retain a broad set of interests and explore several different areas.

Enhancing your degree

We offer two degree options: the MMath, BSc, a four-year integrated Masters degree, and the BSc, which is a three-year course. The MMath, BSc degree is particularly suitable if you wish to work closer to the frontiers of research, or to use mathematics at a higher level in your career.

If you don’t yet know which programme would best suit you, it is recommended to apply for the MMath, BSc degree, as you can opt to transfer to the BSc later.

This course offers you the opportunity to spend a year working in industry or studying at a university abroad, both of which provide valuable experience and help your personal development. In the BSc course, these options add an additional year to your degree.

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Accreditation

Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute of Actuaries.

The first year of your course will introduce you to the main branches of mathematics. You’ll develop a solid understanding of these core areas, which will provide you with the necessary background knowledge you require to explore more advanced topics later in your programme. The wide range of subjects you will explore at this stage allows you to define what areas of mathematics really interest you.

In your second year, you’ll have more freedom to choose and will be able to start specialising, with at least half (60 credits) of your programme being made up of optional modules. You’ll study compulsory modules in analysis, groups and vector spaces, vector calculus, and linear differential equations and transforms. Module options are available to you in areas including mathematical logic, computational mathematics, statistical methods, survival analysis, and more.

In your third year, the majority of your study will be in advanced optional modules. You’ll have complete control over which modules you study, provided you meet the module’s prerequisites. You could specialise in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics, or choose modules across the spectrum of topics.

You’ll also have a final year project, in which you’ll develop vital skills in carrying out independent research. There are several topics that your project can relate to and you’ll be able to choose a topic which interests you.

In each year of this degree, up to one sixth of your study (20 credits) can be dedicated to discovery modules - modules taught by Schools across the University that allow you to broaden your learning. Provided they don’t clash with your timetable, you can choose modules in areas such as art, business, education, environment, history, languages, law, music, philosophy, psychology, and more.

Our academic staff have extensive research interests, which is why we are able to offer such a wide choice of up-to-date module options. You will graduate as a multi-skilled mathematician, perhaps with particular expertise in an area of interest or with the training necessary to work in a particular industry.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mathematics BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

We offer a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There’s a café, social and group study areas, a library and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’re assessed through a range of methods, including formal exams and in-course assessment.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including Grade A in Mathematics

AAA/A*AB where the first grade quoted is Mathematics, AAB/A*BB including Further Mathematics and where the first grade quoted is Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics plus A in AS Further Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: You must also have GCSE English at grade C (4) or above (or equivalent).

• Access to HE Diploma

  Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.

• BTEC

  BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 or D2 M1 M1 where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics OR D3 M1 M2 or D2 M2 M2 including Further Maths where the first grade quoted is Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAABB Including grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics

• Other Qualifications

  We also welcome applications from students on the Northern Consortium UK International Foundation Year programme, the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, and other foundation years with a high mathematical content. Read more on the School Foundation year programmes page.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds OR A in Mathematics, B in Further Mathematics and C in a 3rd subject and pass Access to Leeds

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component, or IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any one component, depending on other qualifications present. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Applicant days

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, which is not mandatory, but for which we strongly encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, but please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.

If you have non-standard qualifications, or when there is no evidence of recent mathematical study, a 30-minute interview and/or a 90-minute test covering the core A-level Mathematics syllabus may be part of the selection procedure. This is to ensure that the course is suitable for you and that your current studies have prepared you for the curriculum at Leeds. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged. For further information, read our admissions policy.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £22,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships

The School of Mathematics awards a range of scholarships.

A mathematics degree can take you down many career paths into some of the highest paid and most satisfying roles in employment. The University of Leeds is in the top ten most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2020 report.

Recent graduates from the School of Mathematics have secured positions at organisations including:

• Lloyds Banking Group
• IBM
• Deloitte
• HMRC
• Marks and Spencer
• PwC
• Morgan Stanley
• Ministry of Defence

In virtually all areas of life, mathematical skills are highly valued. The numerical, analytical and problem solving skills you will develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued across sectors, including financial services, IT, software design, data analysis, engineering, and teaching. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Careers support

Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.

We teach problem-solving and high level thinking at all stages of your degree. We also provide modules that are specifically designed to boost your employability. The second year module “maths at work” engages you in group-based project. At the start of the module, you’ll undertake a skills audit, then prepare a CV, research a company for a mock interview, and participate in an interview workshop. Depending on the nature of your specific project, you may produce a report for a client or deliver a piece of software or webpage. Throughout the module, you’ll develop team work, communication, and presentation skills.

If you’re considering a career in teaching, you can gain experience of working in a local school or college through our “mathematics into schools” module. You’ll prepare teaching materials, deliver mathematics activities through lessons or a club, and organise a mathematics-based project that shows you how exciting the subject can be.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

Find out more on the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews.

On this course, your industrial placement adds an additional year to your studies.

An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area, but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of mathematics-related organisations in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies, including:

• Ernst and Young
• ESPN Sports Media
• IBM
• UBS
• Converse

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.