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.

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.

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).

Facilities

Group of students at work around a table in the maths student centre.

Maths study and social spaces

Work through maths problems individually or in groups in our dedicated maths student centre. Give a presentation, or grab a coffee while you complete an assignment.

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.

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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

RQF 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.

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 and/or physics 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

RQF 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.

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 and/or physics 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

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. Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.

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

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:

First Year Mathematics Workshop

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 ...

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...

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

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...

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:

30%

Scheduled learning & teaching

70%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

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

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

72%

Written exam

28%

Coursework

Academic support

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

Course leader

Athanasios Avramidis 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,

Research,

Not-for-profits/charities.

Careers directly related to this course:

Actuarial analyst
Actuary
Data analyst
Data scientist
Financial risk analyst
Investment analyst
Market researcher
Operational researcher
Statistician
Economist

Wider career opportunities:

Business analyst
Chartered accountant
Economist
Financial manager
Financial trader
Insurance underwriter
Machine learning engineer
Research scientist
Marketing executive
University lecturer

Example job titles of Southampton BSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics graduates*:

Actuarial analyst
Data scientist
University lecturer
Finance analyst
Policy advisor
Researcher
Statistician
Technical consultant
Research associate
Data analyst

Job prospects for BSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics 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.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

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 £24,200.

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 £36,200 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: GL12
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

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