Mathematics

Methods of teaching and learning on the BSc Mathematics include lectures, tutorials, problem classes, computer practicals, homework problems, written and oral presentations, and individual projects.

For most modules you will attend two lectures a week. Mathematical questions are set in lectures and may form the topic of discussion in tutorials or problem classes. The best way to learn maths is to work through problems, so in addition to independent study we recommend collaborative working with other students.

Your final-year project is organised around weekly small-group or individual meetings with lecturers. You are free to choose the remaining modules from a wide range of options, one of which is a teaching module in which you study how pupils learn in school.

Assessment

Most of your modules are assessed by end-of-year examinations. 

In your final year you also complete a project which is worth one-third of your final-year marks, it includes a written project report, a poster and a short presentation on your chosen topic.

A level offer – A*A*A including A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics or A*AA including A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics test.

Contextual offer – A*A*C including A*A* in Maths and Further Maths, or A*AB including A*A in Maths and Further Maths either way round, or A*AC including A*A in Maths and Further Maths either way round and a suitable score in an accepted mathematics test.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*D*D – D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 776 including  a 7 in Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) or 766 in higher level subjects, including a 7 in Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches)

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note our offers consist of:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We strongly encourage applicants to sit the University’s Admissions Test (*) if it is available to them, as we give a high weighting in our selection process to evidence of ability in Mathematics.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, although we advise you to make sure that you take steps to maintain your level of mathematical expertise.

The University uses a national Admission Test in Mathematics (TMUA), in conjunction with the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT). Test results will be sent by the CAAT directly to students at the end of November, and all information concerning the Test (including whether it was taken at all) will be provided to us by the applicants on an entirely voluntarily basis: suitable performance will entitle the applicant to the reduced A*AA offer. Taking part in the TMUA can therefore only increase the chances of receiving an offer. More information can be found on the Mathematics Department website, on the CAAT website and in most schools nationwide. (Schools that currently administer STEP and MAT will be automatically registered).

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only; fees for subsequent years will be confirmed not less than 3 months before the start of the academic year to which the increase is intended to apply and will be published on the Finance webpages.

In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of;

1. 6%, or,
2. the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

As well as developing you academically, a Durham University degree will equip you with a range of practical skills including critical thinking, an analytical approach and ability to reason with information, alongside experience in building relationships and leading teams.

A significant number of our students progress to higher level study following their degree. Some remain within their academic field of interest and pursue higher level research, notably at Durham but also other prestigious institutions. Others take a different route and pursue postgraduate programmes or employment in areas from statistics and financial management to conservation and teaching.

Some of the high-profile employers our graduates have gone on to work for include Royal London, Deloitte, CERN, Morgan Stanley and Ocado.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 91% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 91% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £30,500.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Are you a natural problem-solver? If you relish the challenge of tackling complex problems, then Mathematical Sciences at Durham could be your perfect match.

Mathematical Sciences offers a high-quality education that is taught by subject specialists, informed by the latest research and delivered in a stimulating academic environment. Using distinctive and creative methods, we do all we can to incorporate relevant aspects of the Department’s world-leading research into the undergraduate curriculum.

We offer a range of degrees which give you a choice from a wide spectrum of pure mathematics, applied mathematics (including mathematical physics) and statistics.

The overall aim is to develop you as a member of the community of professional mathematicians. Degrees combine theoretical learning with practicals and mini projects, enabling you to develop your capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning, which will equip you with the skills to meet a variety of challenges in the workplace. We seek to develop both the generic and subject-specific skills you need to pursue a range of careers, and to further develop your skills we offer the opportunity to spend a year studying overseas or working in industry.

For more information visit our department pages.

Rankings

• 11th in The Complete University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Mathematical Sciences department pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).

Facilities

The Department lies in the heart of the University on the Upper Mountjoy campus near to the University library and the science and engineering departments. We share our purpose-built £40 million new building with Computer Sciences given the natural synergy between the subjects. It is also home to several supercomputers, keeping our education at the forefront of innovation.

The building provides cutting-edge learning, teaching and study areas, with plenty of space for group work to deepen the Durham experience and enhance the staff-student relationship.

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