BSc
Mathematics BSc (Hons)
This BSc offers the opportunity to study a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics and statistics, developing your analytic and problem-solving skills and preparing you for a career in a wide variety of sectors.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
G100
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*A*A
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 30,000 per year
Overview
Mathematics is all around us. From accounting to architecture, engineering to software development, mathematics plays a central role in our data-driven world. The study of maths develops the analytical, critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers and form the basis for a wide range of careers. When you choose maths you’ll be taught by a team of mathematicians with a passion for sharing the beauty of mathematics and a wealth of experience in research across the spectrum of pure and applied mathematics and statistics. And with many of the teaching team actively involved at the forefront of research, the degree is designed to link learning to research in distinctive and creative ways. The BSc Mathematics is housed in a brand-new facility, purpose-built to meet the learning, teaching and study needs of students from the Department. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
G100
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
A*A*A
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 9,535 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 30,000 per year
What you'll study
The first year of the course begins with a broad-based introduction to pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability and provides a sound foundation for in-depth study in subsequent years. As you move into the second year the structure offers more flexibility, enabling you to shape your degree around one specific area or continue developing your skills across a wide range of subjects. During the final year the range of optional modules expands further with a choice of around 20 different areas. The degree culminates in a project that gives you the opportunity to investigate a mathematical topic of interest in depth.
Core modules
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Analysis
aims to provide an understanding of real and complex number systems, and to develop rigorously the calculus of functions of a single variable from basic principles.
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Calculus
builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics, beginning with functions of a single variable and moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Fourier Series and Fourier transforms.
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Dynamics
develops an understanding of elementary classical Newtonian dynamics as well as an ability to formulate and solve basic problems in dynamics.
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Linear Algebra
presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops the geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods in preparation for more challenging material later in the course.
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Probability
introduces mathematics ideas on probability in preparation for more demanding material later in the course. The module presents a mathematical subject of key importance to the real-world (applied) that is based on rigorous mathematical foundations (pure).
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Programming
is taught via lectures and practical sessions that introduce basic principles and basic competence in computer programming. You will also study control structures; floating point arithmetic; and lists, strings and introduction to objects.
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Statistics
introduces frequentist and Bayesian statistics and demonstrates the relevance of these principles and procedures to real problems. This module lays the foundations for all subsequent study of statistics.
Core modules
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Analysis in Many Variables
provides an understanding of calculus in more than one dimension, together with an understanding of, and facility with, the methods of vector calculus. It also explores the application of these ideas to a range of forms of integration and to solutions of a range of classical partial differential equations.
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Complex Analysis
introduces the theory of complex analysis through the study of complex differentiation; conformal mappings; metric spaces; series and uniform convergence; contour integrals and calculus of residues; and applications.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: AlgebraMathematical PhysicsNumerical AnalysisStatistical InferenceData Science and Statistical ComputingElementary Number TheoryGeometric TopologyMarkov ChainsMathematical ModellingProbabilitySpecial Relativity and ElectromagnetismStatistical Modelling.
Core modules
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Project
In the final-year Project you will investigate a mathematical topic of interest and then produce a written report and give a short presentation. The project develops your research and communication skills which are important for future employment or postgraduate studies.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included: AnalysisCryptography and CodesDifferential GeometryFluid MechanicsGalois TheoryGeometry of Mathematical PhysicsMathematical BiologyOperations ResearchPartial Differential EquationsQuantum MechanicsSolitonsTopology.
Learning
Methods of teaching and learning on the BSc Mathematics include lectures, tutorials, problem classes, computer practicals, homework problems, written and oral presentations, and individual projects. For most modules you will attend two lectures a week. Mathematical questions are set in lectures and may form the topic of discussion in tutorials or problem classes. The best way to learn maths is to work through problems, so in addition to independent study we recommend collaborative working with other students. Your final-year project is organised around weekly small-group or individual meetings with lecturers. You are free to choose the remaining modules from a wide range of options, one of which is a teaching module in which you study how pupils learn in school.Assessment
Most of your modules are assessed by end-of-year examinations. In your final year you also complete a project which is worth one-third of your final-year marks, it includes a written project report, a poster and a short presentation on your chosen topic.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
9,535 per year
International / EU Students
30,000 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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Mathematical Sciences offers a high-quality education that is taught by subject specialists, informed by the latest research and delivered in a stimulating academic environment. Using distinctive and creative methods, we do all we can to incorporate relevant aspects of the Department’s world-leading research into the undergraduate curriculum. We offer a range of degrees which give you a choice from a wide spectrum of pure mathematics, applied mathematics (including mathematical physics) and statistics. The overall aim is to develop you as a member of the community of professional mathematicians. Degrees combine theoretical learning with practicals and mini projects, enabling you to develop your capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning, which will equip you with the skills to meet a variety of challenges in the workplace. We seek to develop both the generic and subject-specific skills you need to pursue a range of careers, and to further develop your skills we offer the opportunity to spend a year studying overseas or working in industry. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
The Department lies in the heart of the University on the Upper Mountjoy campus near to the University library and the science and engineering departments. We share our purpose-built £40 million new building with Computer Sciences given the natural synergy between the subjects. It is also home to several supercomputers, keeping our education at the forefront of innovation. The building provides cutting-edge learning, teaching and study areas, with plenty of space for group work to deepen the Durham experience and enhance the staff-student relationship.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those students who graduated in 2021-22
87%
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
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