Mathematics BSc

Start date
September
Duration
3 years
UCAS code
G100
Course Type
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2020/21 are as follows:
£9,250 (UK/EU)
£18,420 (International)
Further information

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With our BSc Mathematics programme you can challenge yourself and study a broad range of subject areas, learning from our world-leading experts. In small group tutorials we will encourage you to think critically and independently, helping you become a successful mathematician.

The analytical and problem-solving skills you will learn will help you stand out in a highly competitive job market with our recent graduates securing positions in finance, management, computing and many other sectors including teaching and healthcare.

Our Mathematics BSc programme will help you learn to apply analytical, statistical and computational skills to formulate and tackle problems. We will support you to think logically, independently and imaginatively, equipping you to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

In your first year, we will help you to make the step up to university level study and give you a sound mathematical basis in a broad range of subject areas. Alongside core calculus and algebra, other modules develop discrete mathematics, mechanics, pure mathematics, statistics and computational mathematics.

The second year of your BSc Mathematics will introduce you to more advanced areas allowing you to develop particular interests. In your third year, you will have a broad range of modules to choose from. 

Why study Mathematics BSc at Birmingham?

  • Choice of modules allows you to specialise in areas that interest you
  • Weekly small group tutorials mean you can work closely with academic staff and other students
  • Use of the Mathematics Learning Resource Centre provides you with a learning environment where you can work independently, in groups, or with help from postgraduate students
  • You will be supported in your study with opportunities to discuss problems with lecturers, drop-in study sessions and peer-led support classes
  • The flexibility of the programmes means that you can decide to take a placement year or study abroad year once you are a student here even if you did not apply for one of these programmes originally. You can also decide to transfer on to the four-year MSci programme (dependent on academic performance) if you would like to explore topics in mathematics in more depth
  • If you are interested in Computer Science you can choose to study this subject for a year between your second and third year of your Mathematics degree and achieve a degree in Mathematics with an intercalated year in Computer Science. Students from non-computing disciplines will gain in-depth knowledge of computing and enhance their work-based skills. 
Mathematics undergraduate programmes brochure (pdf 1.8 MB)

Study Mathematics here at Birmingham and you will acquire a broad range of skills, such as logical thinking and problem solving. These will help you in your academic life and as you progress in your future career. At Birmingham, you will be taught by academics who are global experts in their fields. You will benefit from their varied research interests, which will influence the programmes they teach.

Professor Paul Flavell, Head of School

Modules

Year 1

Your first year is carefully designed to manage the step up from school to university mathematics, focusing on the key ideas you will need later in the programme. 

Year 2

As well as having some choice of modules, you’ll now be introduced to some of the more advanced areas of mathematics, such as complex analysis, allowing you to develop your particular strengths and interests in your final year. All modules 20 credits.

Core modules

Optional modules

Choose 40 credits of options. Example optional modules:

Year 3

You’ll now be able to specialise in one area of mathematics or cover several different areas. The range of modules to choose from is very wide, you take at least one module involving project work.

Core modules

Optional modules

Choose 100 credits, subject to timetabling restrictions and necessary pre-requisites. All modules 20 credits, examples of optional modules are listed below.

Semester 1

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Annual tuition fees 2020/21

  • £9,250 - UK/EU
  • £18,420 - International

Visit our  tuition fees page for more information.

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

 

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

 

For students applying for the 2020/21 academic year

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website.

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code G100.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View advice on how to apply for undergraduate courses.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
AAA

Our standard offer is AAA including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. 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 AAB including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

For students taking an EPQ and achieving a grade A we will reduce your offer to AAB including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

The University makes contextual offers for students from widening participation backgrounds. We also participate in the Access to Birmingham (A2B) and Inspired@Birmingham schemes for attending one of partner institutions in the West Midlands.

General Studies is not accepted, but a grade A may be considered if you fail to meet your offer.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics, with a minimum of 32 points overall.

BTEC

Only considered when combined with other qualifications.

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements. We are happy to discuss your individual offer with you.

Foundation Year

Are you a UK/EU student and would like to study for one of our degrees but lack the entry qualifications we require? 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.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications, please contact the admissions tutor for more information.

  

Standard English language requirements apply, learn more about international entry requirements.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

Our academic staff will guide and challenge you through your studies. You will benefit from the rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience here at Birmingham. Find out more about our  staff and their areas of interest.

How you will learn

You will learn from world-leading experts who will encourage you to become an independent thinker, a vital part of becoming a successful mathematician.

We will assign you a personal tutor who will support your academic progress, help you develop transferable skills and handle any welfare concerns. In your first two years you will have a weekly meeting with your personal tutor in small groups of around 6-7 students. You will also meet once a term on an individual basis. In your third year you will meet with your tutor once a term although they will still be available for you to meet with more regularly if you require.

We offer all students a range of learning opportunities including:

  • Lectures to introduce subjects and ideas
  • Small group tutorials to solve mathematical problems and discuss material from lectures
  • Support classes to check your learning with experienced mathematicians
  • Opportunities for group work when working on the Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving (MMPS) and Maths in Industry (MI) modules in the first and second years. You?ll be given real-world problems to solve in groups using different mathematical skills and techniques, and you?ll also be challenged to explain your solutions to an audience which includes representatives from industry, who do not have a mathematical background. These modules are highly praised by employers and help to develop skills which will be useful in the world of work
  • Computer labs using computer algebra packages to solve problems, using programming languages to model mathematical situations or computer assessment systems to test your learning
  • All modules are linked to Canvas - a virtual learning environment for lecture notes, additional learning units, self-tests and supplementary interactive information

Feedback

You receive regular feedback in all of your modules through marked work, model answers, tutorials, examples classes and supervisions. 

Less formal, more independent study is a vital part of becoming a mathematician. We encourage students to work together and have several popular study areas in and around the School where you can work with friends or individually.

Assessment 

Assessment varies across modules and can include:

  • Examinations - usually taken at the end of each semester in which the module is taught
  • Coursework - this could be continuous or at the end of the module, and is assessed in a variety of ways
  • Class tests - some lecturers set regular class tests which could be written tests, group presentations or computer-based tests providing instant feedback
  • Research projects are assessed by, for example, interim reports, a final written report and oral presentations

At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed for that particular programme of study. 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.

Contact Hours

First year

You will take modules that total 120 credits. Modules are worth either 10 or 20 credits. For each 10 credits of maths modules you will have 22 hours of lectures. On top of the lectures you will also have 10 additional hours of support classes per term, 20 hours of computer labs per term, and a weekly one hour personal tutorial meeting per term. There are also lots of opportunities for you to get extra support, for instance by attending the peer-assisted study sessions or visiting lecturers during their office hours

Second year

As in the first year you will take a selection of 10 and 20 credit modules that add up to 120 credits. For each 10 credit of modules you receive 22 hours of lectures. In addition you will have 5 hours of examples classes for every 10 credits of module. You will attend a weekly meeting with your personal tutor.

Third year

You will have many options to choose from and again your total credits will equal 120. You will receive 22 hours of lectures for every 10 credits of modules. You also get  5 hours of examples classes for every 10 credits of module

All Maths lecturers have a minimum of 1.5 office hours per week. You are encouraged to visit lecturers in their offices during these times to discuss the lectures and classes you’ve taken and receive additional support should you require it

All modules are divided between two teaching semesters. Examinations take place at the end of each semester.

Our degrees in Mathematics will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need for a huge range of careers or further academic study. Where logical thinking, problem solving and statistical or strategic knowledge are required, being one of our graduates will put you ahead.

91% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation (DHLE 2016/17)

Whatever you plan to do when you graduate, we have a comprehensive support package to help you prepare including specialist careers guidance, exclusive work experience opportunities and global internships. Our  Careers Network offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities:

  • Frequent careers advice drop-in sessions in the School, so you can always get help and advice when you need it.
  • An annual Maths Careers Fair, where you can meet employers specifically interested in mathematics graduates.
  • Regular Careers Skills Workshops run by employers or the College employability team to guide you through your career planning and give you an advantage in the application process for graduate positions and internships.
  • A fortnightly careers e-newsletter, including vacancies suited to maths students, with application deadlines and a calendar of careers events likely to be of interest to you as a maths student.

We have a range of industrial partners who work with our students including E.ON, Caterpillar, Jaguar Land Rover, the Office for National Statistics, R&A, FDM Group, Barnett Waddingham and Malvern Instruments. 

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.

Hannah Smithson, Third Year, BSc Mathematics

Careers Network

We provide a wealth of opportunities to develop your career. From your first day at Birmingham to after you graduate, the Careers Network  is here to help you identify and achieve your individual career aspirations through its wide range of services.

Our dedicated careers team brings you information, advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Careers advisers offer one-to-one advice appointments where you can discuss your career plans and explore your options. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning  Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

Internships

Our multi-award-winning work experience team has dedicated internship officers to help find the right work experience for you. Make the most of these opportunities and apply for our Work Experience Bursary Scheme, the Birmingham Undergraduate Internship Programme or one of our successful mentoring schemes. 

The video below talks to students, staff and employers about their internship experience:

Check your eligibilityStudent lifeAccommodation