Our Foundation Year course has been designed to give you access to a degree in mathematics without having to meet our traditional entry requirements. Whether you’re looking for a career change or don’t have the standard A levels needed to go straight into a BSc, your application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

Your Foundation Year will focus on the essential concepts, techniques and knowledge you’ll need to study mathematics at a higher level. Complete it successfully and you’ll be accepted onto our full BSc Mathematics degree programme. 

Our expert academics are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. All of our lecturers are active internationally-recognised researchers who conduct world-leading work and incorporate it into their teaching. Over 87% of our mathematical sciences research outputs were judged internationally excellent or world-leading (REF 2014). 

ABOUT

Mathematics is one of the most fundamental and important academic disciplines. So we believe it’s crucial that higher mathematics education is available to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of it – whether you’re a mature student looking for a career change or to get deeper into a lifelong passion, or someone leaving education without the A levels you needs to go straight into a degree. 

During your Foundation Year you will focus on the essential concepts, techniques and knowledge you’ll need to progress onto studying mathematics at a higher level – including basic algebra, notation, vectors trigonometry, and calculus. You will also take optional introductory modules in computing, chemistry and/or physics. On successfully completing the Foundation Year you can join our full BSc Mathematics degree. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

Depending on your academic results, you may be able to transfer onto our MMath Master of Mathematics, BSc Mathematics (with Education), or our BSc Mathematics with a Year in Industry, at the end of year 1 of the degree course.

AFTER THE COURSE

Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year you will go straight on to the remaining years of the programme. Or you can change to one of the other degree programmes in the School of Mathematics. 

Study with us and you’ll graduate with a deep understanding of mathematics – and great career prospects. The experience of previous students suggests that completing a substantial dissertation project is viewed very positively by potential employers. 

There are many professions that are traditionally associated with mathematics, such as accountancy, banking and finance, statistics and data analysis, and secondary or higher education. However, there are many others in which logical thought and problem-solving are important. These include information technology, engineering, logistics and distribution, central or local government, as well as other business areas. Many of our graduates also choose to continue their studies by going on to a higher degree. The School of Mathematics works together with the University’s Careers Service to offer support to students at every stage of their course, from finding paid or voluntary work opportunities and choosing a career, through to applying for graduate jobs. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Recent graduates have gone on to become: 

• Data scientist 

• Secondary school teacher 

• Cyber security consultant 

• Mathematical modeller in industry 

• Accountant 

• Actuary