BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

Find out what it's like doing a maths degree from some of our maths graduates

It's a modern vocational course which combines mathematics with computing and information systems allowing you to tailor your study programme to suit your own interests and needs.
We've been approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, making you eligible for associate membership and starting your journey towards Chartered Mathematician (C.Math) status.
You'll study in our modern well-equipped computing facilities - take the video tour at www.derby.ac.uk/computing/tour
The optional placement year provides you with valuable work experienceOur friendly and supportive lecturers make learning fun!

About the course

You'll learn the tools and techniques of mathematics, statistics and computing and how to apply them to the solution of real life problems.

Employer links are integral to your learning experience. Industrial support for the Mathematics Group Project enables you to experience working as a professional mathematician on a real complex problem specified by industrial managers. These links provide opportunities for discussion and feedback both on this module and other aspects of your programme of study.

You will be introduced to topics of discrete and computational mathematics that support computing, for example: set theory, logic and matrices. You will learn fundamental theories, concepts and practice of computer programming, developing the skills you need to design, implement and test computer robust and reliable programmes, in which you will use modern mathematical software, such as Matlab and Excel. The computing aspect of the course will encourage precise logical thinking and programming using a mathematical background.

You'll have the option of taking a placement year in your third year, or of continuing straight to the final year. Our students often say that the placement year is the most rewarding part of the course. It's an opportunity to work alongside professionals in your chosen subject area and see at first hand how the knowledge and skills you've learnt are put in to practice. Our Placements Officer will help you find a position and support you throughout the placement period. As more and more employers are now asking for work experience, a CV with placement experience on it will really stand out when you're applying for your first job as a graduate.

A significant component of the final year is a project undertaken as Independent Study. This is a key element of your course and provides a unique opportunity to develop your own particular personal interests and abilities in a fashion that suits you. You'll be guided throughout your project by an Independent Study Supervisor.

If you are working part time while studying - in an appropriate environment such as the application of analytical skills to business or engineering problems, you are encouraged to gain recognition of this learning by including up to three Negotiated Modules in to your programme of study. Contact the Programme Leader for more information.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

Your career

Click here to take a tour of the School of Computing facilities.

Our maths graduates get great jobs. Some have gone on to work with organisations such as the London Stock Exchange, Microsoft and IBM.

Watch graduate interviews and see where your degree could take you.

What our students say

"The course is really interesting with a wide selection of maths, from statistics to pure and computer mathematics. Staff are always friendly and approachable - even if busy! Derby is a friendly, safe city to live in and I would recommend it to anyone."

Alastair Williams

Work placements

There is an optional work placement as part of the course content. Work placements are ideal opportunities for you to apply your knowledge in a business environment, and receive an income for your work. Placement experience will help you with your dissertation, and in the past our students have been offered employment at their placement company upon graduation.

Anything else?

Professsional accreditation

Our Mathematics courses are approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), which means you'll be accepted for associate membership upon graduation. This is the first step to becoming a Chartered Mathematician (C.Math). You'll also be invited to events run by the East Midlands branch of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

External examiners make sure what we are teaching is up to date and relevant on our maths degrees. Here are some of their comments:

'The programmes are very well designed and it is very pleasing to see both new modules and existing modules updated to reflect current practical themes in the subject area. The subject team should be commended for the thought and effort they put into programme design.'

'The programme is coherent and relevant and reflects the benchmark statements for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research. I found the subject material, particularly in modules concerned with Mathematical Modelling and Current Issues in Mathematics, to be innovative and well chosen to stimulate the interest and enthusiasm of the students.'

'A wide range of assessment methods are used across all years, which is entirely appropriate given the nature of the material within the programmes.'

'The excellent use of real industrial problems, particularly in some coursework assignments. [Examination papers] were all appropriate given the module level and content. All assignments included excellent detailed descriptions for students explaining what was required to achieve specific grades.'

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Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

GG41

Fees

This is a classroom based course.

UK/EU students

Full time: £6,995 (each year)
Part time: £875 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).

International students

Full time: £9,700 (each year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.