About this course
Apply your maths skills to the social sciences, and help solve complex problems. Combine mathematics, statistics, operational research and economics, and learn how to use them in varied contexts. You'll learn how to use statistical and mathematical models and gain the analytical and quantitative skills that employers look for.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take. Please see the programme specification for the most up-to-date module lists.
Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) is a broad, business-oriented mathematics degree. It's ideal if you're thinking of a career as a professional mathematician, researcher, statistician or economist.
Our 3-year programme will give you a foundation in the main areas of mathematics, such as:
-
algebra
-
calculus
-
differential equations
Operational research modules will show you how to use maths to model and solve practical problems. Statistics modules explain how to analyse uncertain data.
Within economics you’ll learn how to create models of the complex interactions in an economic system.
This course will develop your abilities in:
-
problem-solving
-
logical argument
-
deductive reasoning
-
abstraction
-
generalisation
As part of this course you can:
-
choose from a range of optional modules to follow your interests
-
discover a range of mathematical techniques, such as graphical networks, cost models, decision processes and statistical modelling
-
solve real-world problems using mathematics and other skills
-
use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
-
explore mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'
We'll teach you through a combination of lectures and workshops. Our staff are leading researchers in fields like game theory, healthcare modelling and experiment 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
AAA or AABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
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 AAB 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:
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A) and grade A in the EPQ
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including in Higher Level and 6 points at Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (preferred mathematics module)
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 A)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accepted 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
A-levels
AAA or AABB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
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 AAB 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:
AAB 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:
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 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 A)
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A-level Mathematics
We do not accepted 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.
You'll study a wide range of modules from:
-
mathematics
-
operational research
-
statistics
-
economics
-
business
The course has a flexible structure, so you can focus on one of these areas or develop your skills in many.
In the first 2 years you'll learn foundational concepts and practical aspects of statistics. The third year gives you a wider variety of options to choose from.
You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you customise your course.
Year 1 overview
You'll cover maths fundamentals, such as linear algebra and calculus, and discover statistics and operational research.
While you may already be familiar with calculus, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the underlying ideas.
Linear algebra teaches you how to accurately use vectors and matrices.
Alongside these topics, you'll study both micro and macroeconomics, and begin your journey into business and finance.
Year 2 overview
You’ll continue to study core topics from mathematics, such as differential equations. You'll also learn more about statistics, including statistical distributions and modelling.
Modules will cover:
-
econometrics
-
operational research
-
resource and time management in complex, multi-task projects
-
game theory
Optional modules allow you to follow a specific interest. For example, you can choose to study financial mathematics and learn how:
-
compound interest theory applies to mortgages and loans
-
securities are evaluated
-
investment projects are appraised
Year 3 overview
In your final year, you’ll learn about the mathematical programming techniques of convex optimisation and integer programming.
You’ll complete a project, choosing from:
-
Maths and your Future: working in small teams to analyse data and apply your mathematical learning to a real-life problem
-
Mathematical Investigation and Communication: applying your modelling and computation skills, your knowledge of game theory, or your economic skills
You'll also choose from a range of optional modules. These include topics such as:
-
Galois theory
-
simulation and queues
-
Hilbert spaces
-
marketing analysis
-
project management
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
Year 4
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
Thanos Avramidis is the course leader.
Careers
Employability is an essential part of our maths courses. We'll ensure you are equipped for a successful postgraduate career or to continue your studies.
Our graduates have gone on to work as:
-
actuaries
-
operations research analyst
-
statisticians
-
programmers
-
software developers
-
accountants
-
business analysts
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 can take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
The University’s Excel Internship Programme can help you find a paid work placement during the Easter or summer vacation.
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: GL12
- 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