About this course

Mathematicians are in demand across industry, finance, science and the arts, bringing analytical skills and problem-solving strategies to a range of issues. This maths degree is our most flexible course within mathematics, making you highly employable. Core areas include pure and applied mathematics, statistics and operational research. You can add options from other areas such as economics, sciences or languages.

The core of the course is based on our BSc mathematics degree and covers the foundations of algebra, calculus, number theory and statistics. You’ll investigate the applications of mathematics in a variety of contexts and use mathematical and statistical models.

As part of this course you’ll:

develop your abilities in problem-solving, accurate calculation and logical argument
be able to choose options from other subjects as well as specialise in actuarial and financial mathematics, operational research or statistics
use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package R
be able to take a minor subject to broaden your studies

You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, by leading researchers in fields, such as group theory, the mathematics of nature and experimental design.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA or AABB including Mathematics (grade A)

A-levels additional information

If a STEP paper is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (grade A). We accept either of the two STEP papers. For more details about STEP see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Mathematics (grade A) and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation also considered)

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics

We do not accept BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics.

We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

AAA or AABB including Mathematics (grade A)

A-levels additional information

If a STEP paper is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (grade A). We accept either of the two STEP papers. For more details about STEP see the Admissions Testing Service Website.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Mathematics (grade A) and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation also considered)

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics

We do not accept BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics.

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics.

We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This highly flexible programme allows you to study a wide range of modern mathematical ideas from pure and applied mathematics, statistics and operational research. You can broaden your degree by choosing modules from a wide range of areas, including:

foreign languages
the sciences
economics
management
philosophy

You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

In your first year, you'll cover the fundamentals such as linear algebra. You'll discover linear maps on vector spaces, which are the foundation for a large area of mathematics and form the basic language of the physical sciences. You'll also study calculus, which will provide a bridge between A level mathematics and university mathematics. You'll look at number theory and get an introduction to probability and statistics.

You can choose from various optional modules. For example, you can study operational research and mathematical computing. This module looks at how to solve practical problems in different contexts and how computer programming can solve types of mathematical problems.

Year 2 overview

Compulsory modules include partial differential equations and analysis.

You can choose from a wide range of optional modules. For example, you can study financial mathematics, where you'll learn how compound interest theory applies to mortgages and commercial loans, how securities are valuated, and how investment projects are appraised.

Year 3 overview

In your third year, you will do an individual and group research project.

You can also specialise in an area that interests you by choosing optional modules such as number theory, graph theory or mathematical experiments.

There are also options for you to study how to communicate and teach maths, or learn more about mathematical modelling. This includes a study of systems like financial markets, information theory, and machine learning and networks. You'll be able to broaden your studies by including modules from other areas, for example, you can do a module about criminal justice.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Linear Algebra I

Linear maps on vector spaces are the basis for a large area of mathematics, in particular linear equations and linear differential equations, which form the basic language of the physical sciences. This module restricts itself to the vector space R^n to ...

Linear Algebra II

Building on the intuitive understanding and calculation techniques from Linear Algebra I, this module introduces the concepts of vector spaces and linear maps in an abstract, axiomatic way. In particular, matrices are revisited as the representation of a ...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Dynamics and Relativity

This module is designed to introduce students to central elements of applied mathematics. It assumes no prior knowledge of particular applications, but assumes a working understanding of basic vector algebra and simple differential equations. The module p...

Foundations of Microeconomics

This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...

Number Theory

The aim of this module is to introduce students to some of the basic ideas of number theory, and to use this as a context in which to discuss the development of mathematics through examples, conjectures, theorems, proofs and applications. The module will ...

Principles of Macroeconomics

This module provides an introduction to macroeconomics – the study of the economy as a whole. Combined with Foundations/Principles of Microeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic modules. We begin by discus...

Principles of Microeconomics

This module will provide an introduction to microeconomic analysis, the detailed analysis of individuals and groups within the economy. Combined with Principles of Macroeconomics this module will provide an appropriate foundation for subsequent economic m...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
essays
individual and group projects
teamwork
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

69%

Written exam

31%

Coursework

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Antony Overstall is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Communication
Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Education,

Engineering,

Finance,

Banking,

Accountancy,

Government,

Insurance,

IT,

Business consultancy,

Marketing,

Market research,

Health,

Oil,

Nuclear,

Research,

Space science,

Astronomy.

Careers directly related to this course:

Actuary
Actuarial analyst
Chartered accountant
Data analyst
Data scientist
Investment analyst
Research scientist (maths)
Secondary school teacher
Software engineer
Statistician

Wider career opportunities:

Academic researcher
Financial manager
Financial trader
Game designer
Machine learning engineer
Management consultant
Meteorologist
Operational researcher
Quantity surveyor

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Mathematical Sciences graduates*:

Actuarial analyst
Data analyst
Data engineer
Actuary
Business analyst
Audit associate
Finance analyst
Maths teacher
Trainee accountant
Web analytics developer

Job prospects for BSc Mathematical Sciences graduates

£33.5k

Average professional salary

88%

In a skilled profession or further study

95%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £25,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: G120
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Mathematical Sciences (BSc) is a course in the Mathematical sciences subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

m

MMath

Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics

p

MPhys

Mathematical Sciences (BSc)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area