(Full time) 2020 start
Mathematics Degree
Overview
Mathematics is ever-present in all our lives. From the Internet to predicting the weather to space travel - all these things are possible because of mathematics. It is the language of science and a far-reaching discipline. Our mathematics courses are highly flexible to reflect the wide range of topics the subject encompasses.
In your first year, you’ll gain a solid grounding in the major branches of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, statistics and mechanics. Having established the areas that most interest you in your first year, you’ll have a huge amount of choice in the years that follow.
Modules are available in topics as diverse as fluid dynamics, environmental statistics, coding theory, and groups and symmetry. You can specialise in a particular area of mathematics according to your interests or 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 for students wishing to work closer to the frontiers of research, or to use mathematics at a higher level in their 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. The study abroad year replaces the third year of your programme, meaning the length of your programme is still 4 years. The industrial placement scheme adds an additional year to your programme.
Accreditation
Certain options can receive Royal Statistical Society accreditation and others can receive exemptions from the Institute of Actuaries.
Course content
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. Optional modules include areas like mathematical logic, computational mathematics, statistical methods, survival analysis, and more.
In your third year, 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 subjects.
In your fourth year, you’ll undertake your final year project. You’ll be able to suggest a topic that you would like to explore for your project or choose an assignment suggested by the School, and be allocated a supervisor. You’ll produce a final report and deliver a presentation about your work. You’ll also be studying advanced level modules, which you’ll choose from a large selection.
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 your areas 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Mathematics 1 25 credits
- Mathematics 2 25 credits
- Number Systems 15 credits
- Sets, Sequences and Series 15 credits
- Probability and Statistics I 10 credits
- Probability and Statistics II 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Introduction to Geometry 10 credits
- Financial Mathematics 1 15 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Real Analysis 15 credits
- Groups and Vector Spaces 15 credits
- Vector Calculus 15 credits
- Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15 credits
- Computational Mathematics 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- School Mathematics 10 credits
- Rings and Polynomials 10 credits
- Logic 10 credits
- Logic with Computation 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- The Mathematics of Music 10 credits
- Nonlinear Differential Equations 10 credits
- Financial Mathematics 2 10 credits
- Financial Mathematics 3 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 1 10 credits
- Introduction to Optimisation 10 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Statistical Methods 10 credits
- Statistical Modelling 10 credits
- Environmental Statistics 10 credits
- Introduction to Markov Processes 10 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Mathematics into Schools 10 credits
- Maths at Work 10 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Combinatorial Optimisation 10 credits
- Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory 10 credits
- Graph Theory: Structure and Algorithms 15 credits
- Mathematics Education 10 credits
- Introduction to Clinical Trials 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Computational Mathematics 10 credits
- Project in Mathematics 20 credits
- History of Mathematics 15 credits
- Calculus in the Complex Plane 15 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Graph Theory 15 credits
- Number Theory 15 credits
- Groups and Symmetry 15 credits
- Proof and Computation 15 credits
- Differential Geometry 15 credits
- Models and Sets 15 credits
- Combinatorics 15 credits
- Coding Theory 15 credits
- Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 15 credits
- Metric and Function Spaces 15 credits
- Hilbert Spaces and Fourier Analysis 15 credits
- Topology 15 credits
- Transformation Geometry 15 credits
- Hamiltonian Systems 15 credits
- Mathematical Methods 15 credits
- Linear and Non-Linear Waves 15 credits
- Hydrodynamic Stability 15 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
- Dynamical Systems 15 credits
- Nonlinear Dynamics 15 credits
- Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15 credits
- Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World 15 credits
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Numerical Methods 10 credits
- Modern Numerical Methods 15 credits
- Discrete Systems and Integrability 15 credits
- Actuarial Mathematics 1 15 credits
- Actuarial Mathematics 2 15 credits
- Relativity and Cosmology 15 credits
- Mathematical Biology 15 credits
- Evolutionary Modelling 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 2 15 credits
- Linear Regression and Robustness 15 credits
- Statistical Theory 15 credits
- Stochastic Calculus for Finance 15 credits
- Multivariate Analysis 10 credits
- Time Series 10 credits
- Bayesian Statistics 10 credits
- Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Groups, Symmetry and Galois Theory 20 credits
- Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
- Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
- Advanced Models and Sets 20 credits
- Advanced Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 20 credits
- Metric Spaces and Functional Analysis 20 credits
- Hilbert Spaces and Advanced Fourier Analysis 20 credits
- Models in Actuarial Science 15 credits
- Advanced Hamiltonian Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Linear and Nonlinear Waves 20 credits
- Advanced Hydrodynamic Stability 20 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 20 credits
- Advanced Dynamical Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
- Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Discrete Systems and Integrability 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Biology 20 credits
- Advanced Evolutionary Modelling 20 credits
- Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing 20 credits
- Multivariate and Cluster Analysis 15 credits
- Time Series and Spectral Analysis 15 credits
- Bayesian Statistics and Causality 15 credits
- Generalised Linear and Additive Models 15 credits
- Statistical Computing 15 credits
Year 4
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Combinatorial Optimisation 10 credits
- Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory 10 credits
- Graph Theory: Structure and Algorithms 15 credits
- Mathematics Education 10 credits
- Introduction to Clinical Trials 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Computational Mathematics 10 credits
- History of Mathematics 15 credits
- Calculus in the Complex Plane 15 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Graph Theory 15 credits
- Number Theory 15 credits
- Groups and Symmetry 15 credits
- Proof and Computation 15 credits
- Differential Geometry 15 credits
- Models and Sets 15 credits
- Combinatorics 15 credits
- Coding Theory 15 credits
- Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 15 credits
- Metric and Function Spaces 15 credits
- Hilbert Spaces and Fourier Analysis 15 credits
- Topology 15 credits
- Transformation Geometry 15 credits
- Hamiltonian Systems 15 credits
- Mathematical Methods 15 credits
- Linear and Non-Linear Waves 15 credits
- Hydrodynamic Stability 15 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
- Dynamical Systems 15 credits
- Nonlinear Dynamics 15 credits
- Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15 credits
- Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World 15 credits
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Numerical Methods 10 credits
- Modern Numerical Methods 15 credits
- Discrete Systems and Integrability 15 credits
- Actuarial Mathematics 1 15 credits
- Actuarial Mathematics 2 15 credits
- Relativity and Cosmology 15 credits
- Mathematical Biology 15 credits
- Evolutionary Modelling 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 2 15 credits
- Linear Regression and Robustness 15 credits
- Statistical Theory 15 credits
- Stochastic Calculus for Finance 15 credits
- Multivariate Analysis 10 credits
- Time Series 10 credits
- Bayesian Statistics 10 credits
- Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
- Assignment in Mathematics (30cr) 30 credits
- Assignment in Mathematics (40cr) 40 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Groups, Symmetry and Galois Theory 20 credits
- Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
- Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
- Advanced Models and Sets 20 credits
- Advanced Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 20 credits
- Metric Spaces and Functional Analysis 20 credits
- Hilbert Spaces and Advanced Fourier Analysis 20 credits
- Models in Actuarial Science 15 credits
- Advanced Hamiltonian Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Linear and Nonlinear Waves 20 credits
- Advanced Hydrodynamic Stability 20 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 20 credits
- Advanced Dynamical Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
- Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Discrete Systems and Integrability 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Biology 20 credits
- Advanced Evolutionary Modelling 20 credits
- Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing 20 credits
- Multivariate and Cluster Analysis 15 credits
- Time Series and Spectral Analysis 15 credits
- Bayesian Statistics and Causality 15 credits
- Generalised Linear and Additive Models 15 credits
- Statistical Computing 15 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the 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.
The School of Mathematics offers 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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA/A*AB including Grade A in Mathematics.
Alternatively, AAB/A*BB including Further Mathematics 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).
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Access to HE Diploma
Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.
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BTEC
BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3/D3/M1 or D2/M1/M1. If further mathematics is being taken we ask for D3/M1/M1 or D2/M1/M2.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H1 in Mathematics, H2 grades in four other subjects, and H3 grade in one further subject in your Irish Leaving Certificate
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level.Typically AAAAB Including grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics
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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.
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
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £21,750 (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. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2021/22 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in summer. When the fee is confirmed, we will publish an update on this website.
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.
The School of Mathematics awards a range of scholarships.
Career opportunities
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. Due to higher level learning you will do on this integrated Masters course, you will also be well-positioned to progress onto a research degree.
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 students 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.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
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 at the Study Abroad website.
Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come. In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that many employers actively seek.
On this course, your year abroad is integrated, meaning it won’t add an additional year to your studies. During your year abroad, you will study mathematics at your host institution.
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.