| UCAS code | G103 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Mathematics |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: A*AA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: AAB |
Overview
- Develop your passion for mathematics within this important field of research that is crucial to our understanding of living systems
- See how the complexity of living systems can inspire the development of new mathematical approaches
- Learn from and engage with current research being undertaken within the department
- Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics as meeting the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation
- Optional to take the ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year, allowing you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree
Discover Mathematics at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
18th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for Mathematics graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2025
Study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and China
Supportive department prioritising contact time between students and staff
Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics
18th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for Mathematics graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2025
Study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and China
Supportive department prioritising contact time between students and staff
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | A*AA | GCE AL Maths grade A Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 38/766 | HL6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) |
| BTEC | D*DD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require GCE AL Maths grade A |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: AAB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International Foundation programmes
Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The first year modules introduce you to the main areas of university-level Mathematics, with topics covered including Formal Mathematics and Proof, Analysis, Algebra, Calculus, Modelling, Probability and Statistics. Our Foundations of Mathematics module helps support background knowledge from A level, especially if you did not take Further Mathematics, and several modules help develop computer skills.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH1000 | Foundations | 0 |
| MTH1001 | Mathematical Structures | 30 |
| MTH1002 | Mathematical Methods | 30 |
| MTH1003 | Mathematical Modelling | 30 |
| MTH1004 | Probability, Statistics and Data | 30 |
In your second year you can choose from a number of streams that develop your understanding of Real and Complex Analysis, Abstract and Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematical Modelling and Statistics. Optional modules give you the opportunity to learn about more specialised topics. Up to 30 credits of elective (free choice) modules can be taken, with at most 15 credits outside the disciplines of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. Up to 30 credits of elective (free choice) modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH2003 | Differential Equations | 15 |
| MTH2004 | Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select between 30 and 60 credits: | ||
| MTH2008 | Real Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2009 | Complex Analysis | 15 |
| MTH2010 | Groups, Rings and Fields | 15 |
| MTH2011 | Linear Algebra | 15 |
| Select between 30 and 60 credits: | ||
| MTH2005 | Modelling: Theory and Practice | 30 |
| MTH2006 | Statistical Modelling and Inference | 30 |
| Select up to 30 credits: | ||
| XXXXXXX | Free choice up to 30 credits | 30 |
As you move in to the third year you can choose from many advanced topics directly related to fluid dynamics. You’ll also have the ability to choose from a wide variety of optional modules in advanced mathematics from across the department. Up to 30 credits of elective (free choice) modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH3006 | Mathematical Biology and Ecology | 15 |
| MTH3039 | Computational Nonlinear Dynamics | 15 |
| MTHM036 | Research in Mathematical Sciences | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select between 45 and 75 credits: | ||
| CSC3004 | Health Technology Assessment | 15 |
| MTH3001 | Theory of Weather and Climate | 15 |
| MTH3004 | Number Theory | 15 |
| MTH3007 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 |
| MTH3008 | Partial Differential Equations | 15 |
| MTH3011 | Nonlinear Systems and Control | 15 |
| MTH3013 | Applied Differential Geometry | 15 |
| MTH3019 | Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 |
| MTH3022 | Graphs, Networks and Algorithms | 15 |
| MTH3024 | Stochastic Processes | 15 |
| MTH3026 | Cryptography | 15 |
| MTH3028 | Statistical Inference: Theory and Practice | 15 |
| MTH3030 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 |
| MTH3038 | Galois Theory | 15 |
| MTH3040 | Topology and Metric Spaces | 15 |
| MTH3041 | Bayesian statistics, Philosophy and Practice | 15 |
| MTH3042 | Integral Equations | 15 |
| MTH3044 | Bayesian Data Modelling | 15 |
| MTH3045 | Statistical Computing | 15 |
| MTH3050 | Functional Analysis | 15 |
| You may select up to 30 credits: | ||
| EMP3001 | Commercial and Industrial Experience | 15 |
| XXXXXXX | Free choice up to 30 credits | 30 |
| NSC3009 | Aerosols, Clouds and Climate | 15 |
In your fourth year you’ll take advanced mathematics modules covering various topics including Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine. You’ll also undertake your MSci Project, this includes a substantial research element that will give you the chance to apply the mathematical and computational skills you have developed throughout your degree. There will be a range of potential projects to choose from to suit your interests and optional modules can be chosen to support your project. Up to 30 credits of elective (free choice) modules can be taken from any discipline in the University subject to approval, pre-requisites, timetabling and availability.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTHM040 | MSci Project | 45 |
| NSCM005 | Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select between 30 and 60 credits: | ||
| MTHM001 | Functional Analysis | 15 |
| MTHM004 | Fractal Geometry | 15 |
| MTHM006 | Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing | 15 |
| MTHM009 | Advanced Topics in Mathematical & Computational Biology | 15 |
| MTHM010 | Representation Theory of Finite Groups | 15 |
| MTHM017 | Advanced Topics in Statistics | 15 |
| MTHM018 | Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 |
| MTHM019 | Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | 15 |
| MTHM023 | Modelling the Weather and Climate | 15 |
| MTHM028 | Algebraic Number Theory | 15 |
| MTHM029 | Algebraic Curves | 15 |
| MTHM030 | Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence | 15 |
| MTHM031 | Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows | 15 |
| MTHM033 | Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 |
| MTHM041 | Analytic Number Theory | 15 |
| MTHM045 | Space Weather and Plasmas | 15 |
| MTHM048 | Ergodic Theory | 15 |
| MTHM052 | Mid-Latitude Weather Systems | 15 |
| MTHM062 | Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems | 15 |
| MTHM063 | Uncertainty Quantification | 15 |
| BIOMXXX | Modules in Biosciences | 15 |
| You may select up to 30 credits: | ||
| XXXMXXX | Free choice of level M modules | 30 |
| You may select up to 15 credits: | ||
| XXX3XXX | Free choice of level 3 module | 15 |
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £29,800 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops and tutorials. Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you typically have 12 lectures per week. In the first year there are tutorial classes for each module every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work. Thus in the first year you would typically have around 16 contact hours per week. In the first term, the ‘Foundations’ module helps you with the transition from A level to university mathematics.
Private study and support
In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services and you are encouraged to discuss mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
Project and computer work
There are modules at all levels that involve project work and report writing, and the final year project is a major piece of research and writing that allows you to go into depth for a specific area under the guidance of a member of academic staff. You can choose from wide range of possible project topics each year, or negotiate a topic/title with a member of academic staff. Several of the modules develop skills to use a range of modern computer tools for working with data, programming or symbolic algebra as well as typesetting and presentation.
Elective modules
Once you have mastered the foundations, our mathematics programmes offer in later years a wide range of options within the programme. In addition to the named degrees with study abroad, professional experience and year in industry, you can take optional (called elective) modules from all over the university in later years. These options are subject to your availability, having the appropriate background (pre-requisites) and certain programme constraints.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising internationally-recognised mathematicians, scientists and practitioners active across a wide range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and applications. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest mathematical research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become actively involved in a research project yourself.
Assessment
Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree. This is particularly important in Mathematics where the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses. Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year. Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
Mathematics makes vital contributions to biological research, using sophisticated techniques to extract useful information from genetic data. With the completion of the Human Genome Programme, there is huge potential for advances in research by exploiting the newly-available data. As more and more high-tech companies are set up to exploit applications of this bioinformatics revolution, there are likely to be many career opportunities for graduates of this programme in commercial and academic environments.
Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist mathematical fields and across a broad range of other sectors. We offer a very wide range of opportunities for you to develop the skills employers are looking for.
You’ll be able to meet with local and national employers who regularly visit the university to engage with students, hosting mock interviews, CV workshops, drop-ins and lectures. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more about the day to day activities of their business and recruitment opportunities. Our Careers Service also host a wealth of employer activity, such as Careers Fairs, so you’ll never be short of chances to network with potential employers.
Professional experience
You have the choice to take an optional ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year. This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree programme. Professional experience not only develops your CV but helps you to determine your career aspirations.
Career paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Mathematics but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Accountant
- Actuary
- Analyst Programmer
- Business Analyst
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Data Science Developer
- Investment Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Statistician
- Tax Manager
