Mathematics (BSc)

GCSE requirements

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

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Foundation year for Engineering, Physics, Maths and Geophysics

If you don’t have the right qualifications for direct entry into this course, you may still be able to enrol by taking our Foundation Year. This intensive, one-year course will give you the background skills and knowledge to enter into any undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or geophysics.

Contact us if you have a question about what qualifications you have or might need.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

You'll cover key topics like linear algebra and calculus. While calculus may already be familiar, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the underlying ideas, before moving on to extend these ideas into higher dimensions. Linear algebra begins with the algebra of vectors and matrices, before delving into more rigorous and abstract concepts, such as groups and fields.

You'll also get a taste of different areas of mathematics, such as:

• number theory

• probability and statistics

• dynamics

• operational research

This allows you to gain experience, before deciding what to do next.

Year 2

Key modules continue to build your foundational knowledge. These include the rigour of analysis and the techniques of partial differential equations and Fourier theory.

You'll also get a choice of modules to allow you to pursue a specific interest.

Options include:

• Group Theory: this is one of the great simplifying and unifying ideas in modern mathematics. Group theory encodes symmetries algebraically.

• Fluid Dynamics: you’ll apply the techniques you’ve learned from complex numbers and multivariable calculus to model airflow over a wing or water flow through a propeller.

You can also choose options from financial mathematics. These cover how securities are evaluated, and how investment projects are appraised. You could learn about modelling of random processes though Markov chains and stochastic differential equations.

Year 3

From pure mathematics you could study:

• Galois theory

• number theory

• infinite dimensional spaces

• algebraic invariants of a shape

Or, you could apply your statistical knowledge to the design of experiments or to simulating statistical events. In applied mathematics you could:

• model black holes and cosmology

• model epidemics and biochemical reactions

• learn about Laplace and Fourier transforms

• study solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation

You could also choose from topics in optimisation, actuarial mathematics or modern applications of mathematics such as machine learning and social networks.

You’ll also carry out a project, choosing from:

• Maths and your Future: working in small teams to analyse data and apply your mathematical learning to a problem that has been raised by a local or national employer.

• Mathematical Investigation and Communication: learning independently about new areas of mathematics or applying your skills of modelling and computation.

• Communicating and Teaching Mathematics: acting as an ambassador for mathematics in schools and gaining classroom experience.

Support for your studies

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

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

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

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £17,560 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Approved Calculators
• Software Licenses
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Stationery
• Textbooks

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.