Why study this course?
Our Mathematical Sciences (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) explores the modern application of mathematics in different disciplines, including finance, programming, project management and statistics.
This four-year bachelor’s course is suitable if you don’t have traditional qualifications or can’t meet the necessary requirements to enter our standard three-year degree. It has a built-in foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for study at undergraduate level by equipping you with basic skills in mathematics and its applications, such as computer science.
More about this course
The Mathematical Sciences (including foundation year) BSc is very practical and employment focused, providing you with mathematical skills and knowledge that is directly applicable in the workplace.
During your time at the University you’ll be able to take advantage of the academic and pastoral support on offer from your tutors and academic mentors. There will also be opportunities to attend career-related workshops, including those that concentrate on improving your interview skills and adopting best practice in writing job applications.
Your foundation year will be shared with students from other disciplines within the School of Computing and Digital Media, so you’ll get the opportunity to discuss the different applications of mathematics with other students.
In Year 0 (the foundation year) you’ll explore subjects that rely on the application of mathematical knowledge and learn fundamental skills in cyber security, programming and mathematics. You’ll also be introduced to robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). These topics will provide you with a multitude of transferable skills as you’ll get to practise in electrical workshops, explore fundamental theoretical concepts and use a range of mathematical techniques.
During the subsequent three years of your studies you’ll have the same choice of modules and study the same content as students on the Mathematical Sciences BSc (Hons). You’ll also graduate with the same award and title as students on this course.
If, at the end of your foundation year, you’d like to change your specialism to a different subject within the School of Computing and Digital Media, there will be some flexibility to allow you to do this.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) for the purpose of meeting in part the educational requirement for chartered status.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Cyber Security Fundamentals (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things (core, 30 credits)
Mathematics (core, 30 credits)
Programming (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Data Analysis and Financial Mathematics (core, 30 credits)
Logic and Mathematical Techniques (core, 30 credits)
Mathematical Programming (core, 30 credits)
Mathematical Proofs and Structure (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Calculus and Linear Algebra (core, 30 credits)
Differential Equations (core, 15 credits)
Discrete Mathematics and Group Theory (core, 30 credits)
Project Management (core, 15 credits)
Computational Mathematics (option, 30 credits)
Statistical Methods and Modelling Markets (option, 30 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Academic Independent Study (core, 15 credits)
Further Calculus (core, 30 credits)
Mathematical Modelling (core, 30 credits)
Work Related Learning II (core, 15 credits)
Algebra and Analysis (option, 30 credits)
Cryptography and Number Theory (option, 15 credits)
Error Correcting Codes (option, 15 credits)
Financial Modelling and Forecasting (option, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
On graduation you’ll have gained skills that will allow you to work in areas such as mathematical modelling, simulation, data mining, operational research or IT. Alternatively, you could follow in the steps of our graduates who began their careers as analysts and financial advisers.
This course will also prepare you for postgraduate study in mathematics oriented subjects or teaching.
What is a degree with a foundation year?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the perfect route into university if you don’t meet the necessary entry requirements for the standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the three-year course
