Mathematics and Philosophy BSc

Course overview

This degree combines a broad education in mathematics with substantial studies in philosophy. The mathematics side of the course provides options from a wide range of topics, ranging from algebra and number theory in pure mathematics to the theory of relativity in applied mathematics to mathematical finance in statistics. The philosophy side includes formal logic and analytical reasoning. Overall, the course provides a blend of skills that is useful in a wide range of careers. No previous knowledge of philoshophy is assumed.

Year one 

Two-thirds of the first year is devoted to mathematics. You will study core mathematics with modules in Analytical and Computational Foundations, Calculus and Linear Mathematics, as well as modules in Pure Mathematics. The remaining third of the first year is comprised of four modules from the School of Philosophy: Self, Mind and Body; Elementary Logic; Locke: Appearance and Reality; and Reason and Argument.

Year two

Your time is equally divided between both disciplines with modules chosen from a wide range of options.

Year three 

As in year two, your time is equally divided between both disciplines with modules chosen from a wide range of options.

More information 

See also the Department of Philosophy.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAA-A*AB, including A in mathematics at A level and at least one of
(i) A grades in modules C3 and C4 of A level mathematics or
(ii) A in AS level further mathematics or
(iii) A in A level further mathematics.

IB: 37 overall, including 6 in mathematics or 36 overall, including 7 in mathematics.

English language requirements 

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 87 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see alternative qualifications page

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Analytical and Computational Foundations
• Calculus
• Elementary Logic
• Foundations of Pure Mathematics
• Linear Mathematics
• Reasoning and Argument: an Introduction to Philosophical Method
• Self, Mind and Body
  

Typical year-two modules

• Algebra and Number Theory
• Complex Functions
• Epistemology
• Mathematical Analysis
• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of Mind
• Political Philosophy
• Professional Skills for Mathematicians
• The Nature of Meaning

Typical year-three modules

• Coding and Cryptography
• Distributive Justice
• Game Theory
• Linear Analysis
• Marx
• Modelling Chaos and Disorder
• Naming and Necessity
• Number Theory
• Personal Identity
• Reality, Representation and Truth

Skills and careers

The School has a specialised careers programme to help you develop your CV and start planning for your future career. 

Mathematics is a wide-ranging and versatile subject and the list of careers open to you as a mathematics graduate is extensive. Some graduates make specific use of mathematics while others use the more general skills they have gained, such as analysis and problem solving, high-level numeracy and a capacity to learn independently.

Our graduates are in high demand from prospective employers and have been well received into a broad range of careers in commerce, industry, the professions and government. The University of Nottingham is one of a small number of leading universities whose graduates are targeted for recruitment by various top companies. Our graduates have been well received in a broad spectrum of careers which include:

• commerce
• engineering
• financial services
• government
• industry
• information technology
• science

Postgraduate research

Rather than directly entering the employment market upon graduating, you might decide to continue your studies at higher-degree level. Postgraduate areas of study include:

• business studies
• computer science
• education
• engineering
• finance
• mathematics
• statistics

Each year some of our best students choose to stay at Nottingham and join our lively group of postgraduate research students in the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Our three divisions – Applied, Pure and Statistics – each offer a large number of diverse and interesting research projects, in the research areas described earlier and many others.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the School of Mathematical Sciences was £23,420.45.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.