Mathematics BSc

Course overview

Mathematics is key to the sciences and to a cross-section of business disciplines. The ongoing drive for economic efficiency, the increasing importance of technology and big data, and new emerging areas such as climate science all mean that mathematics continues to have a significant impact on the world. Demand for mathematical skills comes from all sectors – from business and technology to science, research and development and IT – meaning the career options available are varied and rewarding.

Studying a mathematics degree at Leeds will provide you with a range of core mathematical skills whilst enhancing your abilities in logical thinking, problem solving and decision making – all of which are highly valued by employers. You can also opt to explore topics as diverse as fluid mechanics, cosmology, topology, and numerical analysis, specialising in a particular area of interest or delving into several different areas.

Here at Leeds, we understand the importance mathematics has in everyday life, which is why we have one of the largest mathematics research departments in the UK which shapes the curriculum. This will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued specialism.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our School’s globally-renowned research feeds into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as pure and applied mathematics, statistics and financial mathematics.
• Learn from expert academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of mathematical areas.
• Academic staff provide you with regular feedback and advice throughout your degree, with small tutorial groups supporting the teaching in the first year.
• Access excellent teaching facilities and computing equipment, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.
• Broaden your experience before you graduate and enhance your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.
• At the end of your second year, there is a possibility of transferring to the four-year integrated Masters (MMath, BSc) course.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MathSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events and join the MathSoc football or netball team.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

The School of Mathematics at Leeds has a successful history of delivering courses accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). This means our mathematics courses have consistently met the quality standards set by the RSS.

As we are reviewing our curriculum, we are currently seeking reaccreditation from the RSS.

Course details

We are currently reviewing our curriculum as part of a university-wide process. As a result, we are unable to publish module information for this course at this time. The information below provides an overview of what you’ll study and our approach to teaching and assessment. We will update this page as soon as the changes are confirmed. Read more in our terms and conditions.

This content was last updated on 3 April 2023.

Our core mathematics degree offers opportunities to study a broad range of topics within the discipline, spanning pure, applied and statistical mathematics. Our academic staff have extensive research interests, which is why we are able to offer a wide choice of industry-relevant modules. You’ll 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.

Discovery modules are available in years 2 and 3 of your degree, as long as you’re taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Year 1

The first year of your course will introduce you to core mathematical topics, including calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics. 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’ll explore at this stage allows you to define what areas of mathematics really interest you.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge of topics such as advanced calculus, abstract algebra, differential equations, and computational mathematics. You will also have the freedom to explore the topics that interest you most by choosing from a diverse range of optional modules. Additional topics may include discrete mathematics, finance, geometry, logic, modelling, statistics, or topics of a similar mathematical depth.

Year 3

In your third year, you’ll focus on higher-level optional modules. You’ll have complete control over which modules you study, provided you meet each 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 where you’ll be grouped into similar topic areas. You’ll develop vital skills in carrying out independent research, producing your own final project report and giving a group presentation on that topic area. There is a long list of topics from a wide range of areas that your project can relate to and you’ll be able to choose a topic which interests you.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the basic body of knowledge in a range of mathematical areas;
• Demonstrate a good level of skill in calculation and manipulation within specific areas of mathematics;
• Apply concepts and principles in well-defined contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques;
• Understand complex logical arguments, identifying the assumptions and conclusions made;
• Demonstrate a reasonable level of skill in comprehending problems, formulating them mathematically and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods;
• Present straightforward arguments and conclusions accurately and clearly;
• Demonstrate by the writing of a project appropriate transferable skills and the ability to work under guidance.
• One-year optional work placement or study abroad
• During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

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 are social and group study areas, a library with a café and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series
• What Does it Mean to be Round?
• Fractals – What, How, Why?

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

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics

AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics plus Further Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A 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: GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers the EPQ, IPQ or ASCC we may make an offer of AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in EPQ/IPQ/Welsh Bacc ASCC.

Alternative qualification

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.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £27,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

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.

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.

Scholarships and 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.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Mathematics

Contact us

School of Mathematics Undergraduate Admissions

Email: maths.admiss@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Mathematical skills are highly valued in virtually all walks of life, which means that the employment opportunities for mathematics graduates are far-reaching and have the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 10 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2023, High Fliers Research.

Qualifying with a degree in mathematics from Leeds will give you the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries and sectors, including:

• Accountancy
• Insurance
• Banking and finance
• Asset management and investment
• Engineering
• Teaching
• Data analysis
• Law
• Consultancy

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 by employers. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Category Management Analyst, Accenture
• Business Intelligence Engineer, Amazon
• Financial Analyst, American Express
• Consultant Statistician, AstraZeneca
• Audit Associate, Deloitte
• Senior Credit Risk Analyst, HSBC
• Senior Actuary, KPMG
• Retail Analyst, Emma Bridgewater
• Statistician, Nestle
• Senior Actuarial Associate, PwC
• Risk Analyst, SkyBet
• Statistical Analyst, Office of National Statistics

Careers support

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Industrial Placement Student, Deloitte LLP
• Risk Analyst - Infrastructure/ Strategy, Lloyds Banking Group
• Reporting and Data Enablement Internship, Nike
• Finance and Governance Placement, Bupa
• Operations Analyst, Tracsis Rail Consultancy

Find out more about Industrial placements.

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