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 2023/24 are as follows:
£9,250 (UK)
£21,300 (International)
Further fee information

With our BSc Mathematics challenge yourself as you study a wide range of subject areas, developing your critical thinking and independent learning skills. As you progress, you'll discover how mathematics is an integral part of our everyday lives.

During your studies at Birmingham, you'll learn to apply analytical, statistical and computational skills to formulate, analyse and solve mathematical problems - and crucially, effectively communicate your solution. You'll leave equipped with highly sought after skills, easily standing out in a highly competitive job market and ready to confidently take on your chosen career.

Why study Mathematics BSc at Birmingham?

  • Combine personal development with career planning

We know that your personal development is as important as your academic studies, and we have created a specially curated programme to take you through your time with us and beyond. As well as supporting your learning and individual goals from the moment you arrive, we'll equip you with the skills and qualities you need for a successful career journey.

  • Discover an unrivalled learning experience

To enhance your studies, you'll enjoy weekly tutorials in small groups with your personal tutor for the first two years of your degree. Meanwhile, our Mathematics Learning Centre offers you the perfect space for independent or group learning.

  • Benefit from our links with industry

Forging a close connection with industry can help your career soar. We have strong links with a wide range of high profile companies, including Apple, BMI, General Electric, Masternaut, and Thermofisher Scientific.

  • Wide choice of modules available

The choice of modules from your third year are very broad, ranging from the highly abstract to the highly applicable. Modules in year four are reflective of staff research interests and classes are often small and highly interactive. You can therefore specialise in the areas of Mathematics that interest you.

  • Option to do a year in Computer Science

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.

  • Extra-curricular activities

University life is about much more than simply learning. Our student society MathSoc runs regular events and trips, helping you to settle into the School and enjoy the social side of student life. You'll also be able to attend plenty of informal events run by the School, so you can get to know the staff and your fellow students better.

I like the fact that our course is so varied, providing breadth not only in the choice of modules on offer but in the teaching methods too. I have particularly enjoyed our more industry-related modules, such as Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving and Maths in Industry. These modules have allowed me to apply the mathematics I study in lectures to tackle industry-related problems and develop transferable skills.

Olivia Westwood, BSc Mathematics student

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.

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 2023. 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 2023/24

  • £9,250 - UK
  • £21,300 - 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.

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 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.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, 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.

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

Successful mathematicians are independent thinkers, and all of your studies will be geared towards encouraging you to learn, discover, explore and analyse for yourself, guided by our expert lecturers. Via a combination of lectures, tutorials and support classes, you'll be introduced to a range of subjects and ideas, problem-solving and analytical techniques, with regular assessment and feedback.

Our Mathematical Modelling and Problem Solving (MMPS) and Maths in Industry (MI) - highly praised by employers - offer the opportunity for group work solving real-world problems and presenting your findings, a great way of developing skills to take from your studies to the workplace.

All modules are linked to Canvas - a virtual learning environment for lecture notes, additional learning units, self-tests and supplementary interactive information.

Support

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham. During your first year, we want you to have a smooth transition into university. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are any particular areas where you need support.

Personal Tutors

You will be assigned your own 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.

Wellbeing Officers

Alongside your personal tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.

Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The Centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) will provide guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.

How will you be assessed 

Developing your skills as a rounded mathematician means a variety of learning and assessment methods. On your course, 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.

Contact Hours

Modules are either worth 10 or 20 credits, and you will take modules totalling 120 credits each year. For each 10 credits of Maths modules you will have 22 hours of lectures.

  • First year:  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.
  • Second and third year:  5 hours of example classes for every 10 credits of module. You will also attend a weekly meeting with your personal tutor.

Studying Mathematics at Birmingham will give you the inspiration and tools to take your talents into any number of exciting careers, or to enhance them with further academic study. You'll leave equipped with problem-solving, statistical and strategic skills, taking your studies effortlessly from the classroom into your chosen career or to the next stage of your learning

Typical careers

Our graduates can be found in roles as diverse as:

  • Accountant
  • Actuary
  • Management Consultant
  • Banker
  • IT

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

...the Maths Department in particular, felt really homely and I really connected with the people there. It felt like a proper nice community, so that's why I chose Birmingham

Ed Wong, BSc Mathematics

Developing your career

An internship can complement your studies perfectly, giving you practical, real-world insights into the world of work in your chosen field. You can apply for the Work Experience Bursary Scheme, the Birmingham Undergraduate Internship Programme or one of our successful mentoring schemes.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

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

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

Culture and collections

Schools, institutes and departments

Services and facilities