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Mathematics is important to the modern world. All quantitative science, including both physical and social sciences, is based on it. It provides the theoretical framework for physical science, statistics and data analysis as well as computer science. Our programmes reflect this diversity and the excitement generated by new discoveries within mathematics.
Overview
The programmes share a common core of Mathematics at Stage 1, and then move on to cover abstract, analytical and computational techniques that give you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as non-linear differential equations, computational algebra and geometry, financial mathematics, forecasting, design and analysis of experiments, inference and stochastic processes.
Independent rankings
Mathematics at Kent was ranked 19th for course satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2017.
For graduate prospects, Mathematics was ranked 19th in The Complete University Guide 2017. Of Mathematics and Statistics students who graduated from Kent in 2015, 92% were in work or further study within six months (DLHE).
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching amounts to approximately 16 hours of lectures and classes per week. Modules that involve programming or working with computer software packages usually include practical sessions.
The majority of Stage 1 modules are assessed by end-of-year examinations. Many Stage 2 and 3 modules include coursework which normally counts for 20% of the final assessment. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree result.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- equip students with the technical appreciation, skills and knowledge appropriate to a degree in mathematics and statistics
- develop students’ facilities of rigorous reasoning and precise expression
- develop students’ abilities to formulate and solve mathematical problems
- encourage an appreciation of recent developments in mathematics and statistics and of the links between theory and practical applications
- provide students with a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems
- provide students with an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work
- ensure students are competent in the use of information technology and are familiar with computers and the relevant software
- provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in mathematics and statistics, engage in research at some level, and develop communication and personal skills
- provide successful students with eligibility for certain exemptions from examinations of the Royal Statistical Society
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the core principles of calculus, algebra, mathematical methods, discrete mathematics, analysis and linear algebra
- statistics in the areas of probability and inference
- information technology as relevant to mathematicians
- methods and techniques of mathematics and statistics
- the role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning.
Intellectual skills
You develop your intellectual skills in the following areas:
- the ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of mathematics and statistics
- the calculation and manipulation of the material written within the programme
- the ability to apply a range of concepts and principles in various contexts
- the ability to use logical argument
- the ability to solve mathematical and statistical problems by various methods
- the relevant computer skills
- the ability to work independently.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:
- the ability to demonstrate knowledge of key mathematical and statistical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems
- the ability to comprehend problems, abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in symbolic form so as to facilitate their analysis and solution
- the use of computational and more general IT facilities as an aid to mathematical and statistical processes
- the presentation of mathematical and statistical arguments and conclusions with clarity and accuracy.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following areas:
- problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
- communication skills
- numeracy and computational skills
- information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including through online computer searches
- information technology skills such as word-processing, spreadsheet use and internet communication
- time-management and organisational skills, as shown by the ability to plan and implement effective modes of working
- study skills needed for continuing professional development.
Careers
Through your studies, you acquire many transferable skills, including the ability to deal with challenging ideas, to think critically, to write well and to present your ideas clearly, all of which are considered essential by graduate employers.
Recent graduates have gone into careers in medical statistics, the pharmaceutical industry, the aerospace industry, software development, teaching, actuarial work, Civil Service statistics, chartered accountancy, the oil industry and postgraduate research.
Professional recognition
Graduates of this course can apply for Graduate Statistician Status awarded by the Royal Statistical Society. This is the first step to becoming a Chartered Statistician.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | AAB including Mathematics grade A (not Use of Mathematics). Either General Studies or Critical Thinking (but not both) can be accepted against the requirements. |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 17 points at HL with Mathematics 6 at HL |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science offers a foundation year.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.