Mathematics and Statistics - BSc (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time

Modules

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 ‘elective’ 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.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

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

This degree meets the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA),
when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competencies to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master’s degrees.