Course information
Typical offer AAB-ABB
UK fee £9,250
UCAS code G105
International fee £24,500
Institute code L34
Taught by Mathematical Sciences
Course description
Course description
Mathematics is one of the most fascinating and intellectually challenging subjects you can study. The School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science at the University of Leicester is home to an enthusiastic group of mathematicians, both staff and students.
On a Mathematics Degree at the University of Leicester - whether you study for a BSc or MMath - you will come to appreciate the excitement of a subject which is integral to designing new aircraft or providing tomorrow's weather forecast, where graduates can find themselves employed in areas as diverse as high energy physics and economic forecasting.
The first and second years of your degree contain a core of modules on topics drawn from mathematical analysis and linear algebra, aimed at helping you to think rigorously and logically. At the same time there is the opportunity to explore other areas of the subject and develop your interests in areas of pure and applied maths and statistics, including abstract algebra, number theory, analysis, dynamics, differential equations, numerical analysis, mathematical biology, probability theory and linear statistical models.
In the third year and fourth year, you will have a wide choice of option modules, meaning that you can tailor your degree to exactly the structure that you want, reflecting your own interests and your plans for your future career or postgraduate study. Your MMath degree includes a final year research project which is not part of the BSc.
Leicester has a strong international reputation for innovative research in financial mathematics, actuarial sciences, numerical analysis, scientific computing, mathematical biology, dynamical systems, algebra, topology and geometry. This diversity of research expertise is reflected in the wide range of specialist modules we offer – providing you with the opportunity to specialise in areas of mathematics according to your interests and aspirations.
What's the difference?
- The BSc is the regular, three-year Maths degree.
- The MMath (this course) is essentially the BSc with a fourth year on the end that includes a major project. This is the course to take if you are considering continuing your studies with a PhD.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A/AS-levels: AAB-ABB including Maths. Two AS-levels considered in place of one A-level
- EPQ with A-levels: ABB-BBB + EPQ at grade B. A-level subjects to include Maths.
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. Plus A-level Maths at grade A-B. We may consider substantial Level 3 Maths Access credits in place of A-level Maths. Please contact Admissions regarding eligibility
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points including grade 5 in HL Maths.
- BTEC Nationals: Pass Extended Diploma with DDM plus A-level Maths at Grade A-B. Please contact Admissions regarding eligibility
Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.
If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you can apply for:
- International Foundation Year – Engineering and Technology run by the Global Study Centre. This course is for international students whose academic and/or English results fall just below those required for direct entry to year one of the degree.
- Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc run by the School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science. This course is for all students whose academic and/or English results fall just below those required for direct entry to year one of the degree.
Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
Contextual offers
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2024
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
- Year in Industry: your fee will be £1,850 for that year
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- Please note that you will need to buy a Casio FX83GT calculator (approximately £6). This is not included in your tuition fee.
- The first year option module Mathematics and Society includes a trip to Bletchley Park. The travel cost and entrance fee for this trip is included in your tuition fee.
International Students
Starting in 2024
- £24,500 per year
- Year Abroad: £6,125 which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
- Year in Industry: £3,675 which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- Please note that you will need to buy a Casio FX83GT calculator (approximately £6). This is not included in your tuition fee.
- The first year option module Mathematics and Society includes a trip to Bletchley Park. The travel cost and entrance fee for this trip is included in your tuition fee.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Alongside your academic work we recognise that it is also important you gain experience and develop your skills. Employability skills are embedded into our teaching throughout your studies so you will be developing the skills employers are looking for right from the start of your course.
In addition to group work, presentation and communication skills, you will learn a range of the computing and programming skills expected by employers.
The 'Business Applications of Mathematics' module gives you the opportunity to experience application of mathematical theory and mathematical modelling in a business context.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates are equipped for a wide range of careers and have gone into: the financial sector, including accountancy and actuarial work; management; the Civil Service; industry; and teaching (both primary and secondary education)
Careers and Employability Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 4: Quality education
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 14: Life below water
- Goal 15: Life on land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
Core modules
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Then choose one option module from:
- Sets, Relations and Groups
- Business Macroeconomics
- Algorithms, Data Structures and Advanced Programming
- Business and Financial Computing
This is the same as Year 1 of the BSc.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Core modules
- Vector Calculus
- Advanced Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Computing
- Differential Equations
- Algebra
- Investigations in Mathematics
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
- Mathematical Foundations of AI and Machine Learning
- Linear Statistical Models
- Actuarial Modelling 1
- Statistical Distributions and Inference
- Markov Processes
- Actuarial Professional Skills and Employability (only available if you are taking a Year in Industry)
Then choose one option module from:
- Advanced Discrete Mathematics
- Statistical Data Analysis*
- Industrial Applications of Mathematics
- Actuarial Modelling 2**
* to take this module, you must choose Statistical Distributions and Inference from the previous list
** to take this module, you must choose Actuarial Modelling 1 from the previous list
This is the same as Year 2 of the BSc. At the end of Year 2 your performance must meet a set level to continue on the MMath. If this is not the case, you will transfer to the BSc and complete your degree in three years.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year Abroad or in Industry (optional)
Year Abroad or in Industry (optional)
If you want to, you can take a year out between Years 2 and 3, studying at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in four years.
Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
Year in Industry
A year in industry is a great opportunity which can give you first-hand experience of working in a mathematics-related career while also enhancing your employability skills and allowing you to network with people in industry.
You will undertake a programme of training and practical experience that is agreed between the sponsoring company and the University. A member of staff will be individually assigned to you as your industrial placement tutor, who will be in regular contact with you throughout your placement and will visit the sponsoring company.
A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 3
Year 3
Core module
- Complex Analysis
- Industrial Mathematics Project (double module)*
- Mathematics Research Project (double module)*
* only one of Industrial Mathematics Project or Mathematics Research Project can be taken.
Option modules
Choose four option modules from:
- Scientific Computing+
- Financial Mathematics+
- Operational Research
- Curves and Surfaces
- Groups and Symmetry
- Mathematical Modelling
- Topology
- Business Microeconomics*
+ should not be chosen if wishing to take equivalent module in the final year
* not available if Business Microeconomics was taken in year 1
Then choose three option modules (or two if you chose Industrial Mathematics Project above) from:
- Equations of Mathematical Physics+
- Financial Risk
- Generalised Linear Models+
- Number Theory
- Communicating Mathematics
- Data Mining and Neural Networks
- Representation Theory
- Introduction to Functional Data Analysis
- Business Macroeconomics*
+ should not be chosen if wishing to take equivalent module in the final year
* not available if Business Macroeconomics was taken in year 1
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final Year
Final Year
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Scientific Computing+
- Operational Research+
- Groups and Symmetry
- Curves and Surfaces
- Financial Mathematics
- Readings in Mathematics 1
- Mathematical Modelling
- Equations of Mathematical Physics+
- Topology
+ not available if equivalent module taken in year 3
Then choose two option modules from:
- Topics in Mathematical Biology
- Generalised Linear Models+
- Number Theory
- Communicating Mathematics
- Financial Risk
- Computational Partial Differential Equations with Finite Elements
- Data Mining and Neural Networks
- Representation Theory
- Introduction to Functional Data Analysis
+ not available if equivalent module taken in year 3
Plus your Mathematics Project.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Our School operates an Open Door policy, meaning you can access support when you need it.
We have a thriving, student-led Maths Society (SUMS) and Leicester Actuarial Science Society (LASS) which organises social activities and guest lectures throughout the year.
The academic staff in the department have written or edited dozens of books and publish regularly in major national and international journals. Where other people only get to read what our experts think, you will be working directly with them, learning from them in lectures and questioning them in seminars.
Teaching and learning
As well as lectures, your course will involve regular group meetings, run by both staff and other students, where students’ work is discussed. You will gain experience in presenting mathematical arguments to fellow students, which will enhance and develop your presentation and communication skills.
Development of ICT and programming skills is an integral part of all our mathematics degrees. Through a combination of computer labs and dedicated modules, you will learn to use the computational functions in Excel, program in Matlab and VBA and use LaTeX for scientific writing. However, no previous knowledge of computing is needed for any of our degrees.
A typical week for a first or second year student might consist of nine or ten hours of lectures, about four hours of small group working and about three hours of problem classes or computer classes. You will also spend several hours a week on private study: review of lecture material, problem solving, additional reading and preparing for tutorials.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Overall workload
Typical workload hours for Mathematics courses in 2016/17:
Year 1: 31% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 372 hours
- Independent learning: 828 hours
Year 2: 25% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 300 hours
- Independent learning: 900 hours
Year 3: 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
- Independent learning: 948 hours
Final year: 21% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
- Independent learning: 948 hours
While your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules you select, the above information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities for each year of your course.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Mathematics | Qualification MMath | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code G105 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Mathematics with Year in Industry | Qualification MMath | Duration 5 years, full-time | UCAS Code G105 | Availability How to apply |
Data about this course
What I love about my course is that I’m always learning brand new things and always challenged.