Mathematics

BA (Hons) Combined / BSc (Hons) Single or Combined

There are many good reasons to study Mathematics. The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications says, for example: 'The subject area of mathematics is very broad and its use underpins much of science, engineering and technology and increasingly in finance and commerce. Career opportunities are available through industry, business, the private and public sectors, with large employers and in small organisations.'

Campus Chester
Course BA (Hons) Combined / BSc (Hons) Single or Combined
Length 3 Years Full-time
Start date September 2012

We maintain a balance that involves traditional forms of study, such as lectures, problem-solving classes and workshops alongside projects and special investigations, and more innovative methods of learning Mathematics. The development of new modes of Mathematics study is a core activity for the department. 

Some programmes are supported by the use of the most up-to-date computer facilities available. To some extent, BA and BSc Combined Honours students may be able to exercise choice in the way their own study package is made up.


Why study Mathematics at Chester?

You will follow a clearly defined pathway that combines the study of pure mathematics, applicable mathematics, statistical theory and methods, and operational research. Mathematicians need to be competent in the use of computers, and we ensure that this competence is developed through appropriate modules at each level of study.

Our Mathematics degree has been carefully designed to maximise your enjoyment of your mathematical study, while preparing you carefully, at each stage in your course, for work at the next level. Mathematics can be studied as a Single Honours degree or as part of a Combined Honours degree programme.

Single Honours

The Single Honours degree programme in Mathematics has been specifically designed for students who wish to study Mathematics as a single subject. Students applying for the Single Honours degree programme should be those who are ready to commit themselves to the study of Mathematics from the outset.

Combined Honours

The Combined Honours degree programme in Mathematics provides an ideal opportunity for all those who enjoy Mathematics to study the subject as part of their BA or BSc Combined Honours degree. Students come to Chester with different mathematical backgrounds, and our flexible course can be tailored to suit your needs. Students find that Mathematics combines naturally with many of the other subjects on offer at Chester.


Features:

The Department of Mathematics is a small, friendly department, rated 'excellent' by the Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in its most recent subject review. We actively encourage a high level of student involvement in the teaching and learning process. We believe that making the study of Mathematics enjoyable is an essential ingredient in the success of all our students. In their report, subject reviewers identified 14 positive features of our Mathematics provision. Among them were:

  • The design and content of the curricula
  • The widening of access
  • The progressive development of transferable skills, particularly the contribution of the Work Based Learning module
  • The well designed teaching, learning and assessment strategy
  • The high quality of teaching and learning sessions observed
  • The quality of feedback from assessments to students
  • The overall progression and completion rates
  • The considerable added-value achieved with students with non-standard entry qualifications
  • The employment record of successful students
  • The overall student support and guidance system
  • The excellent relationships between staff and students
  • The overall level of physical resources available, particularly the library and the departmental computing facilities
  • The level of staff development undertaken and the involvement in research by staff

We find that enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to work hard invariably leads to success on the degree and excellent employability. Our Mathematics graduates are usually keenly sought-after by employers.

Programme Structure:

Students follow modules that include the following subject areas:

Level 4 (Year 1)

  • Pure Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods
  • Probability Theory and Statistics I

Level 5 (Year 2)

  • Linear Algebra and Numerical Linear Algebra
  • Computing
  • Analysis
  • Probability Theory and Statistics II
  • Complex Algebra

Level 6 (Year 3)

  • Linear Algebra
  • Numerical Linear Algebra
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Real and Complex Methods
  • Delay Differential Equations
  • Integral Equations
  • Quality Control
  • Operational Research: Networks and Graph Theory

Please note: modules may be subject to change.

Course Combinations:

Archaeology
German
Biology
Health Sciences
Business
Information Systems Management
Computer Science
Management
Education Studies
Natural Hazard Management
English
Psychology
Fine Art
Spanish
Forensic Biology
Sport and Exercise Sciences
French
Theology and Religious Studies
Geography
 

Assessment will be through a combination of coursework and examination. For many of our modules the weighting is 25% coursework, 75% examination.

Typical career destinations for Chester's Mathematics Graduates include:

  • Accountancy
  • Actuarial work
  • Education (Schools and Further Education)
  • Commerce and industry
  • Management and Administration
  • Financial Services
  • Postgraduate study
  • Research
  • IT and computing
  • Retail
  • Vocational training

Students who have studied Mathematics with us have been very successful in finding employment in a wide variety of commercial and industrial environments and in the teaching profession. Work in IT and computing, management, accountancy and other financial areas are common choices. A number of graduates also embark upon higher degree study, research or vocational training. Our recent graduates have been particularly successful, with well over 90% in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Mathematics (Single Honours)

 

UCAS points:
A minimum of 240-280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels, including a grade C in Mathematics
BTEC:
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile plus GCE A Level Mathematics
Irish/Scottish Highers:
B in 4 subjects, including Mathematics
International Baccalaureate:
26 points, including 4 in an appropriate Mathematics course
QAA:
QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma (must have Mathematics at Level 3), Open College Units or Open University Credits
OCR: OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus GCE A level Mathematics
Extra Information:

The Advanced Diploma: acceptable in combination with GCE A Level Mathematics

Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer 

 

Mathematics (Combined Honours)

 

UCAS points:
A minimum of 240-280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels, including a grade C in Mathematics
BTEC:
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate: merit/distinction profile plus GCE A Level Mathematics
Irish/Scottish Highers:
B in 4 subjects, including Mathematics
International Baccalaureate:
26 points, including 4 in an appropriate Mathematics subject
QAA:
QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma (must have Mathematics at Level 3), Open College Units or Open University Credits
OCR: OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus GCE A level in Mathematics
Extra Information:

Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer

The Advanced Diploma: acceptable in combination with GCE A Level Mathematics