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BSc (Hons) Mathematics

The building blocks for everyday life

Year of entry: 2024/25

UCAS code

G100

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)

Typical offer

AAA-AAB (full entry requirements)

Start date

September 2024 (semester dates)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£23,700 per year

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Discover York

in the Russell Group for 'Assessment and feedback'

of institutions included in the National Student Survey 2023 for mathematics

in the Russell Group for 'Teaching on my course'

of institutions included in the National Student Survey 2023 for mathematics

Mathematics underpins all modern science and technology, and mathematicians are in high demand across a variety of fields.

University maths is about studying patterns in numbers, geometry and many other abstract concepts. It's also about applying those concepts in practical problem solving.

With a BSc in Mathematics from York, you can develop valuable skills for careers ranging from finance and IT to weather forecasting and engineering.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). Successfully completing your degree fulfils part of the educational requirement for chartered status.

Outstanding research

100% of departmental research outputs rated the highest 3* and 4* in the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021)

Dedicated study space

A productive environment, equipped with blackboards, for individual and group projects, as well as events led by our student-run Maths Society.

Top 20 UK research department

according to the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (2021)

Course content

You'll study a mixture of core and option modules. As you progress through your course you'll have more flexibility to study the topics which interest you.

Option modules are grouped into pathways, which lead to more advanced modules in subsequent years. You don't have to take modules from just one pathway, and in some cases you will need to select from more than one.

  • Pure Mathematics develops abstract concepts and techniques in analysis, algebra, geometry and number theory.
  • Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics focuses on mathematics inspired by problems arising in the natural sciences.
  • Probability, Statistics and Mathematical Finance applies maths to the analysis of data and the modelling of random processes such as can occur in financial markets.

The first two years of the BSc MathematicsBSc Mathematics (with a year abroad) and MMath Mathematics are identical. You can switch between courses after you begin your studies, subject to satisfactory academic progress.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

We also offer BSc Mathematics (with a year abroad).

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

In Year 1, you'll study a number of core modules which will give you a firm foundation across all areas of mathematics. They provide a platform for specialisation later in the degree.

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

In Year 2, your time will be shared between core modules, and option modules in two of three possible specialisms.

Core modules

Option modules

You'll choose two streams and study both modules in each:

Pure Mathematics stream
Applied Mathematics stream
Probability and Statistics stream

Year 3

The main focus of your final year is your individual project. Alongside your project, you will choose from a range of option modules.

Core module

Option modules

The specialisms you choose during your second year will affect which options are open to you. You will take four option modules concerning areas of mathematics which coincide with the Department's research interests, from either the Cross-Stream options or either of the streams you took in Year 2. The precise nature of these modules may change, but the topics currently include:

Cross-stream: Integral Transforms & Complex Methods; Statistical Pattern Recognition; Communicating Mathematics in Education; Cryptography; Operations Research; Numerical Analysis

Pure Mathematics stream: Groups, Actions & Galois Theory; Measure and Integration; Topology; Differential Geometry; Number Theory

Applied Mathematics stream: Mathematical modelling: nonlinearity, uncertainty, & computational methods; Partial Differential Equations; Quantum Theory & Quantum Information; Classical and Biological Fluid Dynamics; Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology & Evolution; Quantum Mechanics; Electromagnetism & Special Relativity

Statistics and Mathematical Finance stream: Generalised Linear Models; Decision Theory & Bayesian Statistics; Mathematical Finance in Discrete Time; Mathematical Finance in Continuous Time; Multivariate Data Analysis; Time Series

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Use the language of mathematics and confidently identify those problems that can be analysed or resolved by standard mathematical techniques. This includes the ability to apply those techniques successfully in the appropriate context.
  • Recognise when an unfamiliar problem is open to mathematical investigation, and be able to adapt and/or synthesise a range of mathematical approaches (including abstraction or numerical approximation) to investigate the problem.
  • Use logical reasoning as a basis for the critical analysis of ideas or statements which have a mathematical nature, and be able to justify the mathematical principles they choose for such a critique.
  • Conduct a study into a specialised area, by researching material from a variety of sources, and synthesise this material into a well-organized and coherent account.
  • Communicate complex mathematical ideas clearly in writing, at a level appropriate for the intended audience, and also be able to provide an effective summary of these ideas for non-specialists.
  • Create mathematical documents, presentations and computer programmes by accurately and efficiently using a range of digital technologies.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £23,700

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You'll spend around a quarter of your time in scheduled teaching. You time will be split between large group teaching and smaller classes to focus on specific problems and concepts. 

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. You'll be introduced to a huge range of new concepts, meaning you'll have to spend time outside of your classes consolidating your knowledge. 

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures11 hours per week
Seminars2-3 hours per week
Tutorials0-1 hours per week
Problem classes1 hour per week
Practicals0-1 hours per week
Optional activities3 hours

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Mathematics on Campus West. You'll also be taught in a variety of locations across Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Your assessments will mainly be examinations and regular coursework. In your final year, you'll do an individual project that combines a final report, poster presentation and short written assignments.

You’ll submit summative work, which counts towards your final degree score, and formative work, which doesn’t count towards your final grade but gives you the chance to practice techniques and identify areas to improve. We’ll provide detailed feedback on the work you submit, supporting you to develop your academic skills.

Types of assessment

  • Seminars are fortnightly small group sessions. Your course leader will set some work to be prepared and marked in advance of the session. Often this work is in the form of problems to be solved based on the material covered in lectures.
  • Closed exams take place within a set time limit (usually a few hours) under set conditions in the presence of invigilators.
  • Presentations are an assessment of how well you can present your ideas or your argument to your coursemates and tutors. Sometimes, you might be asked to lead a seminar or a lecture.

You need to pass your first year to continue your degree, but your marks won't count towards your final grade; we recognise that students are beginning to develop over the course of their degree.

Careers and skills

A degree in mathematics helps you to harness the logic and problem solving skills needed to communicate complex ideas. These skills will be invaluable in whichever career path you choose to take.

Mathematical skills are invaluable in fields with obvious numerical components, but they are also readily transferable. Whatever the sector, mathematicians can help people to construct and analyse arguments, and to make good decisions.

During the course of your degree you'll have the chance to take part in the York Strengths programme which can help build your confidence, support your personal development and prepare you for the job market. 

The Department also organizes an annual careers fair tailored specifically to maths students and the employers looking for them. With a flexible choice of modules available, you'll be able to tailor your degree to suit your own career aspirations.

Career opportunities

Many careers rely on logic and problem solving. A degree in mathematics helps you harness those skills to communicate complex ideas which is an asset for any career.

Previous graduates have gone on to succeed in a wide range of careers including:

  • Software developer
  • Actuarial analyst
  • Trainee accountant
  • Teacher
  • Data scientist
  • Gaming analyst

Transferable skills

You'll gain a huge range of skills that will help you to succeed no matter what career path you follow:

  • Logical and analytical thinking
  • Critical reading and thinking
  • Pattern recognition
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Communication skills
  • Practical problem solving
The Department offers an impressively comprehensive array of modules covering a wide range of mathematical topics ... York graduates are well placed in the job market and justifiably confident upon entry into postgraduate study.
Ekkehard Kopp
Emeritus Professor, University of Hull
External Examiner

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels
  • AAA including A in Mathematics
  • AAB including A in Mathematics and A in Further Mathematics
  • AAB including A in Mathematics and A in Further Mathematics at AS level
Cambridge Pre-U D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics
European Baccalaureate 85% overall, with 85% in Mathematics
International Baccalaureate 36 points overall, including 6 in Mathematics at Higher Level (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)
T levels We are currently not accepting T Levels for this course unless an additional A Level (or equivalent qualification) in Mathematics has been taken.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - A in Mathematics plus Scottish Highers - BBBB

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
International foundation programme Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ We recognise the value of this qualification although it will not be included as a condition of entry. It may be taken into consideration when you receive your results.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 169, with a minimum of 162 in each component
Oxford ELLT 6, with a minimum of 5 in each component
Duolingo 105, minimum 95 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 25/50 in each component
KITE 426 Main Flight score with 396 in each component
Skills for English B2: Pass with Merit overall, with Pass in each component
PTE Academic 55, with a minimum of 51 in each component
TOEFL 79 overall, with a minimum of 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing
Trinity ISE III Pass in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

If we make you an offer, we'll invite you to visit the Department between November and April. You can meet our current students and staff, and have a one-to-one conversation with a member of academic staff.

We will offer you an interview if you present with a strong school performance and application. The interview is not part of your offer and you do not need to attend, but if you do, your offer could be reduced by one A level grade (or equivalent).

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Professor Kasia Rejzner, Dr Graeme Wilkin and Heather Cork

Learn more

Department of Mathematics

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