Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2026
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Course overview
Delve into the worlds of mathematics and computer science, gaining valuable real-world experience in a professional setting. Our joint honours Msci Mathematics and Computer Science with Industrial Year will prepare you for an advanced career in our digital world.
You’ll explore statistics and computer systems, programming and security while studying in a supportive and fun community. Discover how to apply analytical, statistical, computational and programming skills to formulate and tackle problems. Take advantage of the invaluable opportunity of working with a company or institution and take your studies to a higher level with the final year research project.
Why Study Mathematics at Birmingham?
My passion for mathematics and keen interest in technology made this course particularly appealing. Moreover, the inclusion of an industrial year was a significant factor in my decision-making process. I was eager to gain practical, real-world experience that I knew would complement the theoretical knowledge offered during my academic study. The opportunity to apply what I learned in a professional setting was invaluable to me, as I aimed to not only understand the concepts theoretically but also see their practical applications.
Course structure
Join our five year full-time MSci programme comprising of taught and optional modules including a research skills project in year 4 and a substantial research project in year 5 on a topic that interests you. You'll be assessed using a combination of exams, class tests, coursework and research projects.
Year 1
Year 1
You will acquire a comprehensive introduction to several foundational topics in mathematics and computer science.
All students take the same modules in Year 1 covering key topics in mathematics (foundations of calculus, linear algebra, probability) and computer science (algorithms and object-oriented programming).
We place a strong emphasis on supporting the transition from mathematics at school to university.
Year 2
Year 2
You will build upon the foundations provided in Year 1 to obtain a more sophisticated toolkit. This will include core modules in mathematics (combinatorics and complex analysis) and computer science (databases and functional programming).
You will also begin to choose optional modules in mathematics.
Year 3
Year 3
Year in industry
In your third year you will go on industrial placement, working for a company or other appropriate institution, developing your computer and mathematical skills in the workplace setting.
Year 4
Year 4
Building upon Years 1 and 2, you will explore advanced and specialised topics. Your path here is highly customisable: you can choose the emphasis between the two subjects and from about 30 modules between the two schools.
Additionally you will take a project in either Mathematics or Computer Science on a topic that interests you.
Year 5
Year 5
You will have the opportunity to study advanced topics from across mathematics and computer science, often closely connected to active areas of research.
You will choose four modules from an even broader choice of modules than in Year 4.
You will also undertake a substantial research/software project working 1:1 with a member of staff from either the School of Mathematics or the School of Computer Science.
Course highlights
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities.
Combine personal development with career planning
National Student Survey
We are committed to providing the high-quality teaching, learning and support. Our strong results in the most recent NSS (2025) show that our students are happy with their experience. We have been ranked Top 2 in the Russell Group for four of the themes:
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 2 ‘Learning opportunities’
- 1st in the Russell Group for Theme 3 ‘Assessment and feedback’
- 2nd in the Russell Group for Theme 4 ‘Academic support’
- 2nd in the Russell Group for Theme 6 ‘Learning resources’
Step up to university level maths, then dive into the more advanced areas. Our expert academics will guide you to become an independent and self-motivated mathematician and computer scientist. Learn to solve complex problems and communicate technical content. Spending a year working in industry will help you apply that knowledge, develop key professional skills and build your networks. Then you can specialise in advanced topics that interest you ready for higher level graduate roles in industry or academia.
- Spend a year working within industry and obtain valuable hands-on experience
- Study the most powerful and exciting ideas from across Mathematics and develop an understanding of the many real-world applications
- Benefit from our links with industry including Jaguar Land Rover, Caterpillar, IBM
- Take advantage of our supportive learning experience
- Participate in extra-curricular activities with student societies
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, you'll learn from active researchers in mathematics and computer science through lectures, tutorials, and diverse module choices.
Lecture
Tutorial
Projects
Workshop
1:1 Supervision
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material
- Actively participate in workshops through practical exercises which promote hands-on learning
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through practical assignments that will challenge you to tackle real-life issues independently
- Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning which gives you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs
Assessment
Developing your skills as a rounded mathematician means a variety of learning and assessment methods. You will take exams and class tests, plus carry out coursework and research projects.
We'll give you regular feedback and assessment, helping you to build on your existing skills. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed for that particular module.
You will receive feedback on each assessment within 15 working days, so that you can learn from, and build on, what you have done. You will be given generic feedback on any exams that you take and can have longer conversations about your performance with your personal tutor.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
You will take modules totalling 120 credits each year. Year 1 is exclusively compulsory modules. Years 2, 4 and 5 are a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You'll spend Year 3 working within industry.
Year 1
Year 1
2026/27
Core modules
Year 2
Year 2
2027/28
Core module
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | 20 |
| Functional Programming | 20 |
| Software Engineering | 20 |
Optional modules
Choose 60 credits of options, you are expected to take Groups, Rings and Fields.
Examples of optional modules:
Year 3
Year 3
2028/29
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Industrial Placement | 120 |
Year 4
Year 4
2029/30
Core modules
Select either a project in Computer Science or Mathematics.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Science Project | 40 |
| Mathematical Project | 40 |
Optional modules
Select 80 credits of options
The objective is to allow you to have a 40/80, 60/60 or 80/40 split in module choices between Mathematics/Computer Science. Subject to you completing at least 20 credits of taught modules from either School.
Mathematics Modules
Computer Science Modules
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Cryptography | 20 |
| Advanced Networking | 20 |
| Algorithms and Complexity | 20 |
| Computer Vision and Imaging | 20 |
| Computer-Aided Verification | 20 |
| Dependable and Distributed Systems | 20 |
| Evolutionary Computation | 20 |
| High Performance Computing | 20 |
| Human-Computer Interaction | 20 |
| Intelligent Data Analysis | 20 |
| Intelligent Interactive Systems | 20 |
| Intelligent Robotics | 20 |
| Intelligent Software Engineering | 20 |
| Machine Learning | 20 |
| Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing | 20 |
| Natural Language Processing | 20 |
| Neural Computation | 20 |
| Programming Language Principles, Design, and Implementation | 20 |
| Security of Real-World Systems | 20 |
| Teaching Computer Science in Schools | 20 |
Year 5
Year 5
2030/31
Core modules
Choose 40 credits from the following. If the project in Computer Science was taken in year 3, then the project in Mathematics in year 4 must be taken.
If the project in Mathematics was taken in year 3, then similarly the project in Computer Science in year 4 must be taken.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project in Mathematical Science | 40 |
| Project in Computer Science | 40 |
Optional modules
Select 80 credits of options. The objective is to allow students to have a 40/80, 60/60 or 80/40 split in module choices between Mathematics/Computer Science subject to all students completing at least 20 credits of taught modules from either School.
Mathematics modules
- Advanced Topics in Mathematics - 40 credits
- Advanced Topics in Mathematics - 20 credits
- Topics in Applied Mathematics - 20 credits
- Nonlinear Waves - 20 credits
- Applied Mathematical Analysis - 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Biology - 20 credits
- Advanced Management Mathematics - 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Finance - 20 credits
- Stochastic Processes - 20 credits
- Bayesian Inference and Computation - 20 credits
- Computational Statistics - 20 credits
Computer Science modules
- Mobile & Ubiquitous Computing (Extended) - 20 credits
- Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended) - 20 credits
- Advanced Networking (Extended) - 20 credits
- Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) - 20 credits
- Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended) - 20 credits
- Intelligent Robotics (Extended) - 20 credits
- Human-Computer Interaction (Extended) - 20 credits
- Programming Language Principles, Design, and Implementation (Extended) - 20 credits
- Security of Real-World Systems (Extended) - 20 credits
- Neural Computation (Extended) - 20 credits
- Secure Software and Hardware Systems - 20 credits
- Advanced Functional Programming (Extended) - 20 credits
- Algorithms and Complexity (Extended) - 20 credits
- Evolutionary Computation (Extended) - 20 credits
- Intelligent Interactive Systems (Extended) - 20 credits
- Natural Language Processing (Extended) - 20 credits
- Dependable and Distributed Systems (Extended) - 20 credits
- Intelligent Data Analysis - 20 credits
- Machine Learning - 20 credits
- Advanced Cryptography (Extended)
- Game Theory (Extended) - 20 credits
- High Performance Computing (Extended) - 20 credits
- Intelligent Software Engineering (Extended) - 20 credits
Teaching staff
Dr Eoin Long
Admissions Tutor
Staff profile for Dr Eoin Long, School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
A*AA to include A-level grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
- IB
7,6,6 at Higher Level, including a 6 in Mathematics, with a minimum of 32 points overall.
- BTEC
only considered when combined with other qualifications.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics or Further Mathematics grade A.
For students taking other qualifications we may make alternate offers. For instance we do not require the STEP examinations but if you are taking a STEP paper and achieve a grade 2 or better we will reduce your offer to AAA including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
For students taking an EPQ and achieving a grade A we will reduce your offer to AAA including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
General Studies is not accepted, but a grade A may be considered if you fail to meet your offer.
Foundation Year
Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:
- UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
- international students
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
AAB to include an A in Maths or Further Maths.
- Contextual Offer
AAA to include an A in Maths or Further Maths.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
The UCAS code for this course is GG41
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Career opportunities
Our course offers specialised training in Mathematics and Computer Science, equipping you with the problem-solving, statistical, and strategic skills needed to thrive in various industries or pursue further academic study. There is strong demand for this combined skillset and you can expect to pursue careers in a wide range of sectors.
Our Mathematics and Computer Science graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors such as Information Technology, Computer Software, Education Management, Online Media and Financial Services. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as EY, Cheil UK, Metricell, Vodafone and Deloitte.
After my second year during the summer I completed an Actuary internship with Barnett Waddingham. I found out about the opportunity by attending the Mathematics careers fair organised annually by the department, where companies both big and small who are looking to recruit University of Birmingham’s Mathematics graduates come to talk to students about the programmes they have to offer. Whilst on this internship I completed many of the jobs a trainee Actuary would do in their first year of work, gaining an insight into this type of work and developing the skills required to pursue a career in actuarial science. Completing the Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving and Maths in Industry modules as part of my degree prepared me very well for my internship. The problem solving and teamwork skills developed in these modules helped me both when applying for this internship as I had lots of examples to draw upon at interview, as well as when completing the tasks on my internship, as I was able to approach difficult tasks and present my ideas with more confidence. As a result of this internship I have been offered a trainee Actuary role after I graduate.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Upcoming events
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from our students, past and present.