BSc(Hons) Mathematics (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
Page last updated 12 May 2023
Introduction
Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), this course will enable you to become proficient in advanced mathematical and statistical concepts, and to explore their real-world applications.
Accreditations and partnerships:
Why study mathematics?
Mathematics is at the root of many of humanity's proudest achievements. It supports innovation and progress in science, engineering, technology, finance and economics.
For some mathematicians, solving a complex problem is a goal in itself. But Mathematics is also a practical subject that has many real-life applications.
We use mathematics to model and predict outcomes, from community health to the length of queues in communication networks. And because of the increasing availability and potential of large data sets, graduate mathematicians are in high demand across a variety of industries.
Why UWE Bristol?
Develop a strong foundation in advanced mathematical and statistical concepts and methods. Apply these to assess and to solve scheduling, decision-making, simulation and modelling problems across industry, finance and healthcare.
Specialise your programme by choosing from optional subjects, including mathematical statistics, education practice, and coding theory.
Draw inspiration from a teaching team who love their subject. Our lecturers represent a range of backgrounds and experiences, and they use a variety of teaching styles to bring your learning to life.
Learn to process and evaluate data using industry-standard mathematical and statistical software in our well-equipped computer labs.
Attend regular presentations from visiting professionals to inform your career choices and industry knowledge. You can take modules involving work-based learning in a school environment to see if teaching is right for you, or gain valuable experience on a placement year.
Our BSc(Hons) Mathematics is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
Where can it take me?
When you graduate, a broad range of careers and postgraduate study will be available to you. Destinations include scientific research, business and finance, the civil service, management and teaching.
Past graduates have found work with the Office for Students, Amazon, the Office for National Statistics, Bank of Ireland and the Ministry of Defence.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year zero (foundation year)
You will study:
- Foundation Group Project
- Foundation Mathematical Investigations
- Foundation Mathematical Structures
- Foundation Mathematics: Algebra and Calculus
- Foundation Mechanics
- Foundation Statistics.
You'll usually need to pass your foundation year before going into year one.
Year one
You will study:
- Calculus and Numerical Techniques
- Mathematical Structures
- Statistical Investigations
- The Professional Mathematical Scientist 1.
Year two
You will study:
- Calculus and Numerical Analysis
- Graphs, Algebra and Algorithms
- Statistical Applications
- The Professional Mathematical Scientist 2.
Plus, one optional module from:
- Markov Chains
- Vector Calculus.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the four year sandwich course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.
You'll complete a placement learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
Final Year
You will study:
- Applications of Computational Mathematics
- Mathematical Sciences Project or Mathematics Education Project.
Plus, four optional modules from:
- Clustering and Classification
- Dynamical Systems
- Financial Mathematics
- Networks
- Number Theory and Cryptography
- Statistical Practice.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.
Learning and Teaching
Learn through lectures, tutorials, PC lab workshops, flipped-class sessions, group work exercises, seminars and practice-based learning.
Attend talks from industry practitioners and gain insight into real-world practices, challenges and issues.
Visit our espressoMaths drop-by station for daily support and advice on an informal, one-to-one basis.
Regular MathsArcade sessions are a forum for students and staff to meet and discuss issues arising from particular modules, from the course as a whole, and from mathematics in general.
Exhibit your ideas to friends, family, media and potential employers at our annual degree show.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 27% | 73% | 0% |
| 1 | 27% | 73% | 0% |
| 2 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 3 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
*calculated from compulsory and option module choices (where applicable) each year
Assessment
You can expect to be assessed through a mix of exams and coursework.
You'll also be assessed through written and oral presentations of case studies and project work. Some modules also use online e-tests as a part of their assessment process.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 50% | 44% | 6% |
| 1 | 75% | 25% | 0% |
| 2 | 63% | 37% | 0% |
| 3 | 62% | 38% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Professional accreditation
BSc(Hons) Mathematics is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). The course will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.
Placements
Students who get work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
If you study on the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.
Regional organisations such as the Office of National Statistics (ONS), Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and TSB Bank often provide work placements for our students.
Your placement will show you how to apply theory, analyse large datasets and use industry software.
Hear from our students about their placement experiences.
Get help to find your placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.
Study facilities
Study in modern facilities and access excellent resources throughout your course.
Conduct group work or individual study in our Mathematics Resource Centre, a dedicated space for mathematics and statistics students.
Analyse data, run simulations and solve problems using industry-standard software in our computer labs.
Discuss subject and course-related issues and ideas with students and staff at MathsArcade sessions.
A mix of traditional and hands-on learning environments helps you quickly take on essential knowledge and skills, standing you in good stead for your professional career.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Careers
Careers / Further study
Choose from a range of careers, including planning and other public sector services, financial services, management or teaching.
If you want to teach secondary school mathematics, this degree provides a good foundation for a postgraduate teaching qualification.
You could go into research in mathematics, but also computing, medicine, ecology or meteorology.
Past students have gone into careers as analysts, statisticians, actuaries and teachers.
Hear from our alumni about career paths in Mathematics and Statistics.
Read about what being a statistician involves.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
See also:
Prospects - what being a statistician involves
UWE Bristol - graduate vacancy sources and occupational information
Fees
Indicative Additional Costs
Full-time; sandwich course
Supplementary fee information
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 80
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language and Grade B/5 or above in Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Mathematics or MMath Mathematics.
International Applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644