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Mathematics (International Study) BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

This course provides an exciting opportunity to study mathematics abroad. You can choose from countries including Australia, Canada and many others. The year abroad enables you to experience a new culture and improve your language skills.

Are you fascinated by abstract concepts such as infinity and symmetry? Do you want to develop your skills in problem solving and analysis? Our BSc Mathematics (International Study) will prepare you for a career in which you can apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt. The course will enable you to enhance and develop your transferable skills in project work, group study and presentations.

 

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Algebra

Mandatory

Year 1

Applied Mathematics

Mandatory

Year 1

Core Mathematics

Mandatory

Year 1

Probability and Statistics 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Complex Analysis

Mandatory

Year 2

Real analysis

Optional

Year 2

Algebra and Number Theory

Optional

Year 2

Classical and Quantum Mechanics

Optional

Year 2

Differential Equations 1

Optional

Year 2

Probability 3

Optional

Year 2

Probability and Statistics 2

Optional

Year 2

Scientific Computation

Optional

Year 2

Statistics 3

Optional

Year 2

Vector Calculus and Electromagnetism

Mandatory

Year 3

Year abroad

Mandatory

Year 4

Mathematics Group Projects

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Quantum Theory

Optional

Year 4

Applied Statistical Modelling

Optional

Year 4

Coding and Cryptography

Optional

Year 4

Communicating Mathematics

Optional

Year 4

Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory

Optional

Year 4

Electromagnetism

Optional

Year 4

Fluid Dynamics

Optional

Year 4

Game Theory

Optional

Year 4

Mathematical Finance

Optional

Year 4

Mathematical Medicine and Biology

Optional

Year 4

Multivariate Analysis

Optional

Year 4

Optimisation

Optional

Year 4

Relativity

Optional

Year 4

Scientific Computation and Numerical Analysis

Optional

Year 4

Statistical Inference

Optional

Year 4

Stochastic Models

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 24 September 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

You will broaden and deepen your knowledge of mathematical ideas and techniques using a wide variety of different methods of study. Teaching is predominantly in-person, supplemented by online methods (such as flipped learning) where appropriate.

In both academia and the wider world of work, mathematics has become a collaborative discipline, and our degree programme takes this into account. As well as more traditional individual study methods, where you work on challenging mathematical problems, you will also collaborate with other students in group problem solving sessions. You will write about your work in reports and present your findings to your study group.

Here’s just some of the changes we have introduced to the degrees to ensure you get the most out of your mathematical learning:

  • Interactive classes
  • Practical applications
  • Assessment by coursework and exams
  • Group project

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Placements
  • Problem classes
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Years one and two

60% of the first and second years are assessed by examination, whilst the remaining marks are gained from coursework, computing assignments and small-scale group projects.

Year four (third year spent abroad)

The fourth year will be assessed using a combination of examinations, coursework, computing assignments, group projects and presentations. The specific combination of learning activities will depend on your choice of modules and will be aligned with the topics covered.

The first year is a qualifying year but does not count towards your final degree classification. Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with your final year worth 67% of your marks.

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is assessed. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will have regular opportunities to give and receive feedback on your progress with your tutor and lecturers.

Overseas study assessment

The overseas placement is competitive and is dependent upon having a sufficiently strong academic record. Students who do not secure an overseas placement will be offered a transfer to the standard BSc Mathematics (subject to normal progression rules).

You can apply for the year abroad during your second year. Places are offered based on academic performance. To be considered, a 60% average in your second year and an appropriate language qualification (if applicable) are required.

The grades from the year abroad do not count towards the final classification, but you are required to pass that year in order to graduate with (International Study) in your degree title.

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Poster presentation
  • Research project
  • Written exam

The majority of modules are worth 10 or 20 credits. You will study modules totalling 120 credits in each year. As a guide one credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work. During the first year, you will typically spend approximately:

  • 15 hours each week in lectures and interactive learning sessions
  • 2 hours each week in mathematical skills workshops
  • 1 hour each week in a tutorial with your personal tutor
  • 1 hour each fortnight in student-led academic mentoring Peer-Assisted Study Support (PASS)

You can attend drop-in sessions each week up to a maximum of two hours and the remaining time will be spent in independent study.

In later years, you are likely to spend up to 15 hours per week in lectures and workshops subject to your module selection.

In your first year you will meet with your personal tutor every week during term time. In small groups of 5-6 students, you'll run through core topics and practice working together in a group to solve problems and communicate mathematics effectively.

All of our modules are delivered by lecturers or professors. PhD students sometimes support problem classes and computing workshops in their areas of expertise. Lectures in the first two years often include at least 200 students but class sizes are much more variable in the third year subject to module selection.

The year abroad is at an English-speaking university or with a European partner institution where you will attend lectures in a foreign language (subject to required language competency achieved beforehand). Language modules can be studied in your second year here in Nottingham (up to 20 credits).

Mathematics is a broad and versatile subject leading to many possible careers. Skilled mathematicians are found in a variety of organisations, in lots of different sectors.

Our graduates are helping to shape the future in many sectors including data analysis, finance and IT. Many work in science, engineering or consultancy, others pursue careers within government departments. Some graduates choose a career in mathematical research.

The knowledge and skills that you will gain during this degree, can typically lead to roles working as:

  • Actuarial analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Financial analyst
  • Junior software consultant
  • Leading aircraft engineering technician
  • Maths teacher
  • Tax consultant
  • Trainee operational meteorologist

Read our alumni profiles for the sort of jobs our graduates go on to do.

Graduate destinations include:

  • Capital One
  • KPMG
  • Deloitte
  • Boots
  • Experian
  • HMRC
  • Office for National Statistics
  • The Met Office

Further study

Each year some students choose to stay at Nottingham and join our lively group of postgraduate research students.

Average starting salary and career progression

86.40% of undergraduates from the School of Mathematical Sciences secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,490.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

 

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Living abroad has been one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve met friends from all over the globe, studied maths and communicated in another language and got to really explore Bordeaux and the surrounding places. I now know I can survive in a foreign country and it’s opened my mind up to so many new possibilities in the future. So my advice for those considering doing Mathematics (International Study) would be to do it and for those who haven’t even considered it - try it, you won’t regret it!

Emily Cowley

Mathematics (International Study) BSc

Course data

Open Day June 2022