BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science

UCAS code: GG41

Start date: September

Course length: Full time: three years, or four with optional placement year, also available part time.

Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

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.

Exemptions

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.

Stage one

You will study these modules:

• Patterns of Problem Solving
• Analysis and Algebra
• Programming 1
• Programming 2
• Subjects in Computer Science
• Calculus

Stage two

You will study these modules:

• Networks and Security
• Databases
• Mathematical Group Project
• Mathematical Methods
• Application Development
• Operational Research

Stage three - Optional placement year

Final stage

You will study this module:

• Research Methods  and Independent Studies in Mathematics - double module

Three options from:

• Process Modelling
• Modelling with Differential Equations
• Mathematical Programming Techniques
• Optimisation Techniques  

And one option from:

• Crytography and Coding
• Systems Programming

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

You'll need A level Maths or equivalent.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a classroom based course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £7,700 (each year)

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

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.

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.

"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