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:
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develop your abilities in problem-solving, accurate calculation and logical argument
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be able to choose options from other subjects as well as specialise in actuarial and financial mathematics, operational research or statistics
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use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
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use mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package R
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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.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Mathematics (minimum gradeA)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers 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:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (preferred mathematics module) at Higher Level Mathematics
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accept BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Mathematics (minimum gradeA)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers 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:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accept BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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foreign languages
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the sciences
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economics
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management
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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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Peter Kropholler is the course leader.
Careers
Employability is an essential part of our maths courses, ensuring you are equipped for a successful postgraduate career or further study. You will be able to take an optional ‘Maths and your Future’ module designed to boost your professional skills.
You’ll graduate with transferable skills that will qualify you to work in a range of fields and industries.
Our bachelor's in mathematics graduates have gone on to work as:
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programmers
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software developers
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actuaries
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economists
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statisticians
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accountants
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business analysts
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financial analysts
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financial managers
The University’s Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. 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.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. 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 that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre 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 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
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000