FAQ
Below are the answers to some questions we are asked regularly.
Is it better to do a three or four year course?
Some of our degree courses run in three- or four-year versions. Three-year courses aim to provide you with a broad mathematical education and allow you to study a wide range of topics. Four-year courses allow you greater opportunity for specialisation and self-reliance, as well as giving you experience of research methods. The final choice is made towards the end of the second year. When a subject combination is offered both as a three-year BSc and as a four-year MMath/MSci, transfer between them is straightforward
in the first two years. We treat applicants to both versions in the same way during the admissions process so there is no need to worry if you are unsure at this stage which option is best for you.
Do I need to have a Further Mathematics A-level?
We recognise that not every school/college offers Further Mathematics, so we certainly do not insist on it. It just means that when you start your university career, those who have done Further Mathematics will find life a little easier for the first few months; you will be learning new things while they are revisiting familiar topics. But we teach from a common base so we do not assume you know things you have never learned. If you would like to take Further Mathematics but your school does not support it, you should consider the
Further Mathematics Network .
Is Further Mathematics AS-level a good idea?
It is not essential but it will help you to decide whether you really want to do mathematics at university. If you do take Further Mathematics, we will normally ask for a grade ‘A’ in our offer (although we may then, where possible, compensate by asking for a lower grade in another subject). An exception can be made if your school or college has not been able to fully support Further Mathematics, so that you have been largely or partly self-taught. If your further mathematics has been largely/partly self-taught, you and your referee should make this clear on your UCAS form, so that we can make an informed decision.
What qualifications do you accept?
We accept all A-levels with the exception of General Studies and Critical Thinking. The university generally accepts all A-level equivalent qualifications including the Baccalaureate (Welsh, International and European), vocational qualifications (which may not appear in your offer if you are doing it alongside more traditional subjects), Scottish Highers, Advanced GNVQ’S, Irish Leaving Certificate and BTEC National Diploma.
What will the offer be?
In terms of A-levels, for most of our courses it will be either AAB or AAA, usually in your three most relevant A-levels. These will usually include Further Mathematics (AS or A2) if you are doing it (but you should let us know if there is not a taught course in Further Mathematics at your school/college, so that we can make proper allowance). If you are doing AS Further Mathematics, then we ask for this as an `extra’ to your three A-levels; to compensate for this extra difficulty, we may lower the grade on your third A-level.
I’m thinking of taking a gap year, Does this matter?
No, we will consider you in our usual way, and you will get the same offer. A year out can be very good for personal development, but it is also a year when mathematics can get rusty. So it depends on you, on your social and financial circumstances, and on what you intend to do in the gap year.
What happens if I miss the grades asked for?
If you don’t meet the offer, a lot will depend on other factors. The University will tell us how many applicants who miss their grades we can take; this varies from year to year. Our first consideration is always whether we think you will do well on our course, as well as looking at your performance in subjects other than those in your offer, and at the other qualities shown in your personal statement. We have usually been allowed to admit students for whom we have been able to make a strong case.
Should I ring you on results day?
There is no need to call us if you have made the grades, we will get in touch with you in due course.
If you have missed your grades, then contact us as by then we will almost certainly have made our final decision. If your exams have been affected by personal circumstances (illness, bereavement etc) then you need to tell us before your results are known rather than after.
How much work do I have to do?
In a typical week, you should expect to have around 12 hours of lectures, and 5 or 6 hours in other directed teaching, such as tutorials. You should spend about the same time in private study, eg in the Library, and doing coursework and revision. In total, think of "student" as being quite similar in workload to a job elsewhere (but more flexible).
How is the work assessed?
Most of the assessment is based on traditional exams at the end of each module. But other styles of assessment,including essays and projects are used frequently.
I haven’t done any mechanics/statistics/complex numbers, does that matter?
No. If a topic is not required for A-level Mathematics, then it is not required by us either.
Is there a book list?
There is no booklist. You will be told by the lecturer which, if any, books are recommended, normally during the first lecture of each module. Our advice is not to buy books before lectures start, however, you may find it helpful to bring along any A-level Mathematics textbooks you have as well as having a look over your A-level Mathematics notes.
Can I take modules from other schools in the University?
Yes, although the precise details vary between courses. As a guide, at least one sixth of every course can be taken outside of the School of Mathematics if desired.
Do you accept applications from mature students?
Yes. Our principal criterion is whether or not we think you can thrive on our course. It is important to remember that many Access and Foundation courses are not suitable as an entrance qualification. They are mainly intended for students wanting mathematics to help them qualify for a course in another subject, such as physics and engineering.
Borderline candidates are usually called for interview before an offer is made.
Is there a chance to study abroad?
Yes, students are able to study abroad if interested. Full details are on our
study abroad pages .
