BSc in
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics University of Portsmouth
Introduction
Mathematics and statistics underpin processes that keep society functioning. Clinical trials analysing life-threatening illnesses, supermarkets managing their product buying and distribution, and insurance companies assessing their exposure to risks all use sophisticated statistical models.
You'll build the analytical abilities you need to make sense of the vast amount of data available to organisations so they can make faster, smarter decisions. You'll discover how to apply mathematical models to the study of biology and infectious diseases and model operational research solutions to areas such as planning, scheduling, forecasting and supply chain management.
At the end of the course, you'll have taken the first steps towards becoming a Chartered Mathematician and be set for a career in industries such as government research, finance, healthcare and marketing.
Course highlights
- Develop your knowledge of fundamental topics such as mathematical models, statistical theory and methods, operational research and quantitative supply chain management.
- Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as mathematics for finance, astrophysics, cosmology, financial derivative pricing and decision modelling.
- Learn to use industry-standard mathematical, statistical and operational research software.
- Apply your skills on optional work placements in the community, such as assisting math teachers in local schools.
- Learn from renowned researchers such as Dr Jamie Foster, who's calculated the formula to the perfect cup of coffee by modelling the brewing process – an efficient solution that could reduce waste and make the process more sustainable.
- Investigate theories alongside the University's mathematicians — 95% of our research in Mathematics was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent and we're ranked top among modern UK universities for overall performance and research environment.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mathematics and Its Applications (IMA).
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
You may be able to partly or fully fund the costs of your study with a bursary or scholarship. You can use these alongside student loans, and you don't have to pay them back.
Whether you can get a scholarship or bursary depends on your circumstances. So they aren't available to everyone.
These are the scholarships and bursaries we currently offer to home (UK) students. You may also be eligible for some of these scholarships and bursaries if you have refugee status or are seeking asylum.
- The University of Portsmouth Bursary – £750 a year
- Care Leavers Bursary – £1,750 a year
- Stand Alone Bursary – £1,000 a year
- Young Carers Bursary – £500 a year
- Unite Scholarship – a free place in halls
- Greenwich Hospital Bursary – £3,000 a year
- Sport Scholarship
- NHS Learning Support Fund – at least £5,000 a year
- Best Begins Scholarship – £5,000
- Portsmouth Football Club Partnership Scholarship – £3,000 a year towards course fees
- Sanctuary Scholarship
- Sanctuary Language Bursary
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Calculus I – 20 credits
- Computational Mathematics – 20 credits
- Linear Algebra – 20 credits
- Math Tutorial Level 4 – 0 credits
- Mathematical Foundations – 20 credits
- Mathematical Models – 20 credits
- Statistical Theory and Methods I – 20 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Applications of Mathematics and Graduate Skills – 20 credits
- Calculus II – 20 credits
- Operational Research – 20 credits
- Statistical Theory and Methods II – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Algebraic Structures and Discrete Mathematics – 20 credits
- Mathematics for Finance – 20 credits
- Mechanics and Dynamics – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Numerical Analysis – 20 credits
- Real and Complex Analysis – 20 credits
- Universe: Planetary Systems, Stars and Galaxies – 20 credits
Placement year (optional)
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Previous students have been on placement with household names, including:
- IBM
- L’Oréal
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Transport for London
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Quantitative Supply Chain Management – 20 credits
- Statistical Learning – 20 credits
- Statistics Methods in Health Research and Social Science – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Abstract Algebra – 20 credits
- Advanced Decision Modelling – 20 credits
- Financial Derivative Pricing – 20 credits
- Introduction to General Relativity and Cosmology – 20 credits
- Modern Astrophysics 1 – 20 credits
- Nonlinear Dynamics – 20 credits
- Partial Differential Equations and Their Applications – 20 credits
- Project – 20 credits
- Projects in Mathematics – 20 credits
- Stochastic Processes – 20 credits
- Undergraduate Ambassador – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
- logistics intern
- data analyst
- business intern
Potential destinations
They've completed placements at organisations including:
- Office for National Statistics
- Rolls Royce
- BMW
Career Opportunities
A degree in mathematics shows that you have the ability to think analytically and conveys the intellectual maturity that many employers look for when they hire staff.
The demand for mathematics graduates is increasing too. The Council for the Mathematical Sciences predicts more than 7 million people in the UK will need mathematical science skills in 2030 – an increase of 900,000 compared to 2009. The statistics skills you develop will also be in demand – the UK Government has listed statisticians working in bioinformatics and informatics on their 'skills shortage list'.
You'll graduate with the skills and understanding to work in many related areas, including:
- mathematical modelling
- marketing
- manufacturing
- government research
- retail management
- the police and armed services
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research
- Eddie Stobart Logistics
- Lloyds Banking
- Babcock International Group
- Tata Consultancy Services
What jobs can you do with mathematics with statistics degree?
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- data scientist
- trainee accountant
- business analyst
- teacher
- medical statistician
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Other graduates have continued their studies at the postgraduate level and set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Facilities
English Language Requirements
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