Mathematics: University of Birmingham

Courses available

• Mathematics BSc
  UCAS code: G100
• Mathematics BSc/MSci
  UCAS code: G103
• Mathematics with Study in Continental Europe BSc
  UCAS code: G141

Mathematics is the language of science and is fundamental to our understanding of the world. From the dimensions of A4 paper to the pattern of seeds on a sunflower head, from traffic congestion to internet security, and from the design of golf balls to modelling weather systems, mathematics pervades every aspect of life.

Their Single Honours programmes are carefully designed to give you the choice, breadth and depth that will allow you to explore the fascinating world of modern mathematics and teach you to:

• Apply analytical, statistical, and computational skills to formulate and tackle problems
• Think logically, independently and imaginatively
• Use technical language and express complex ideas clearly and accurately

These skills are highly marketable and mathematics graduates are in great demand. So, whether or not you already have a career in mind, a degree in mathematics from Birmingham is an excellent qualification.

The BSc degree, available on the G100, G103 and G141 programmes, gives you a sound mathematical basis in a broad range of subject areas, with plenty of choice in your final year. The MSci in Mathematics, only available via G103, offers greater choice in the final two years. It gives you the chance to explore mathematics in much greater depth and is ideal if you are thinking of a research-based career, that of a professional mathematician or statistician in commerce, industry or academia, or if you just want to learn more mathematics. On the G103 programme you make the choice of the BSc or MSci at the end of your second year.

First year

Your first year is carefully designed to manage the step up from school to university mathematics and to teach the key ideas required in later years of the programme. Alongside core calculus and algebra, other modules develop discrete maths, mechanics, pure maths, statistics and computational maths. You do not need to have studied these subjects before.

If you wish, as a Single Honours student, you can also study a completely different subject, such as a foreign language.

Second year

The second year provides you with some choice but also introduces some of the more advanced areas of mathematics, such as complex analysis, allowing you to develop your particular strengths and interests in the third year. G103 students decide whether to take the BSc or the MSci at the end of Year 2.

Third year

The third year offers you a choice of modules allowing you to specialise in one area of mathematics or cover several different areas. The range on offer is large: from the highly abstract, such as logic, to the highly applicable, such as financial mathematics – so the choice can be hard. BSc students take at least one module involving project work; for those interested in teaching this might involve working in a local school.

Fourth year

In the fourth year of the MSci you can reach the cutting edge of mathematics, choosing dedicated fourth-year modules that reflect staff research interests. Classes are often small and highly interactive. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the MSci is the project, worth one-third of the final-year mark. Here you work individually, guided by a supervisor, on a project of your choice, allowing you to experience the thrill and pleasure of mathematical research.

Year abroad

Fluency in another European language can greatly enhance any qualification. The G141 programme is broadly similar to the G103 BSc, except that you study language modules in the first two years. You spend your third year studying mathematics at one of our partner universities in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal or Spain, under the EU’s Erasmus scheme. Back in Birmingham, your final year corresponds to the third year of the BSc. You do not need to have studied the relevant language before starting the programme.

Intercalated year in Computer Science/professional placement

The intercalated year provides a year’s study in Computer Science, between the second and third years of the standard mathematics degree. It will appeal to students who expect their final career to require a significant amount of computing. It is also possible for you to arrange a professional or industrial placement between your second and third years. In both cases, you should apply for G100 or G103 as usual and contact the Admissions Tutor for further advice.

Teaching and assessment

The typical module is taught by a mixture of lectures and classes, which range from weekly small tutorials with a personal tutor, to larger examples classes with a lecturer and several teaching assistants. Assessment usually involves a mixture of continuous assessment during semesters and a formal examination in the summer. Other modules might involve computer labs or group work. Your University central account allows you access to computers in the department, across campus or from home. The department has several large study areas where students can work together, including the Maths Learning Centre, where drop-in support is also available from postgraduate teaching assistants. All lecturers have office hours when they are available to answer questions.

Career opportunities

Mathematics graduates are in huge demand in a wide range of careers so a degree in mathematics is an excellent qualification whether or not you already know what you want to do. Graduates from Birmingham have gone on to work in areas including accountancy; actuarial science; city fund management; business analysis; police statistics; computer analysis; local government; tennis coaching; defence research; medical research; teaching; management consultancy; national security; and mathematical research.

Entry requirements

• Number of A levels required: 3
• Typical offers: AAA–AAB for G103 and G141; AAB–ABB for G100
• Required subjects and grades: A level Mathematics at grade A; Further Mathematics at A or AS level is not required, but would be advantageous; G141 applicants also require a modern language A level (grade C), AS level (grade B) or GCSE (grade A)
• General Studies: not accepted, but a grade A may be considered if you fail to meet your offer
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34–36 points for G103 and G141; 32–34 points for G100; both including 6 points in Mathematics at HL; SL Further Mathematics is not required but would be advantageous

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Additional information

1. For further general information please visit our Admissions web pages at www.mat.bham.ac.uk/admissions
2. If you would like a copy of our Admissions Brochure please send your name and address to maths@bham.ac.uk
3. They are happy to discuss your individual offer with you.

Contact details

• Admissions Tutor: Dr Chris Good
• Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)121 414 6594
• Email: maths@bham.ac.uk

For general information about open days

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: http://www.undergraduate.bham.ac.uk/visitsopendays/

Main University Switchboard

• Postal address: The University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston
  Birmingham
  B15 2TT
  United Kingdom
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
• Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Admissions

• Email: admissions@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8900
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/admissions_recruitment

Student Recruitment

• Email: schools-liaison@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Website: www.marketing.bham.ac.uk/recruitment

International Relations

• Email: international@bham.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2894
• Website: www.international.bham.ac.uk