Mathematics
BSc (Hons)

The highlights

• Choose which pathway best suits you before you apply: our BSc (Hons) Mathematics pathway or our BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Computing) pathway
• You will develop your knowledge of mathematical methods and techniques and get the chance to apply these to real problems through projects and placements
• You will benefit from new digital learning technologies, for example there is bespoke course material developed in partnership with the Canadian technology company Vretta
• You can choose to study or work abroad as part of this degree, and take a placement year  
• Follow in the footsteps of our high-flying graduates who have gone on to work for organisations such as the London Stock Exchange, Microsoft and IBM

A mathematics degree that opens doors

With its focus on the real-world applications of mathematics, this degree is challenging, rewarding and opens doors to a wide range of career choices, from business and finance to engineering and teaching.

While mathematics is one of the oldest subjects to study, it underpins so many of the world's new and emerging fields — from big data and artificial intelligence, to clean energy or personalised medicine. Mathematics has also played a vital role in the fight against Covid-19. From data models that predict infection numbers to calculating 'R': mathematics has been central to the science that has guided governments.

If you are excited by the idea of using mathematics to make a positive impact on the world, this BSc (Hons) degree could be for you. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in mathematics, statistics and operational research, and encourage you to explore how mathematics can be applied to solve modern problems, particularly in business. Practical projects, including those set by external organisations, are a key feature of this course. You will also build vital transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, digital skills, teamwork and networking.

Mathematics - your questions answered

In the below video, Senior Lecturer, Dr Nicholas Korpelainen, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Mathematics at the University of Derby. 

About the pathways

When you apply for this degree, you will need to choose a particular pathway — either the broader BSc (Hons) Mathematics or the BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Computing).

BSc (Hons) Mathematics

On this pathway, you'll dive deeper into both theoretical and applicable areas of mathematics such as mathematical modelling, linear algebra and statistics. During your final year you will undertake a research-based independent study and get to explore an area of mathematics that particularly interests you. For instance, recent studies have focused on topics such as natural language processing for identifying online pharmacies, variations of n-dimensional noughts and crosses, and mathematical modelling of traffic flow.  

This pathway is also accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), which is a quality mark for mathematics degrees. It means that when you graduate from this degree, you will be accepted for associate membership of IMA, which is your first step towards becoming a Chartered Mathematician (C.Math). IMA membership brings a number of other career benefits, including access to networking events.

BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Computing)

This pathway is a compelling combination of mathematics, computing and information systems. You will have the chance to spend around one half of your study time on mathematics, and the other half on computing. We will introduce you to the topics of discrete and computational mathematics that support computing, such as set theory, logic and matrices. You will also learn the fundamental theories, concepts and practices of computer programming.

This will ensure you develop the skills you need to design, implement and test computer-robust and reliable programmes using the latest software, databases and programming languages. The computing aspect of the course encourages precise logical thinking and programming using mathematical principles.

During your final year you can choose to complete either a traditional research-based independent study, or a more practical project to create, test and evaluate an innovative solution in computing.

Your teaching team

Dr Ovidiu Bagdasar: Ovidiu has been Placement Tutor for Mathematics students since 2012 and is the International Recruitment Tutor for Mathematics programmes and MSc Big Data. He is also Outreach Coordinator for Mathematics, selecting and training students for outreach activities.

Dr Lee Barnby: Lee is an associate professor with a range of teaching and research responsibilities across Mathematics and Computing. He teachs on several undergraduate modules, including supervising final year student projects and also Masters courses. His research background is in experimental high energy nuclear physics, which involves smashing together nuclei at very high energies to recreate, on a much smaller scale, the conditions in the first few microseconds after the big bang.

Richard Conniss: Richard is a Lecturer in Mathematics and teaches on a variety of modules including Optimisation Techniques, Mathematical Software, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods and Independent Studies.

Dr Nicholas Korpelainen: Nicholas is Programme Leader for the BSc Mathematics programme and Module Leader for Patterns of Problem Solving, Statistical Methods 1, Metric and Topological Spaces and Graph Theory and Applications. He is the moderator for the Mathematics facebook group and Microsoft Teams group, Maths@Derby, and organiser of a semesterly Mathematics Quiz.

Professor Peter Larcombe: In 2013, Peter became the first ever Professor of Mathematics at the University of Derby, having been appointed Reader in 2010. As well and teaching and pursuing research interests, he undertakes the role of Academic Representative at the University of Derby for the IMA (Institute of Mathematics and its Applications), of which he has been a longstanding member.

Meet professional mathematicians

Our links with industry will support your learning throughout. For example, in the year two module, Mathematics Group Project, you will experience what it's like to work as a professional mathematician on a real problem set by an employer. 

You will also have other opportunities to meet and hear from leading industry figures, which will improve your understanding of professional issues and career options, as well as extending your network.

Spend an optional year in industry

We offer you the chance to take a year's work placement between years two and three of your course. Our students often say this is the most rewarding part of their course and it will certainly boost your employment prospects after graduation — increasingly, employers are looking for graduates with work experience.

Previous students have secured placements with prestigious companies such as IBM, Network Rail, Experian, Bosch, Pattonair, IQ Plus and Cable Detection. 

There are also other opportunities to take up shorter internships and placements, and we'll encourage and support you to do this.

Join the Maths Society

The University of Derby Maths Society is run by Mathematics students and is a great way for you to gain additional skills throughout your degree, get creative and work in collaboration with students in the community. Alongside the usual activities of a society, they also write blogs, offer software tutorials, and create videos where they chat with fellow students about their projects and interview professionals in the industry, such as Dr Neira Chamberlain from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). Their Maths Café offers support to students across the University who have mathematical questions.

Study abroad

You can choose to study abroad for a semester or take a work placement overseas. We have partner universities in Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Greece and elsewhere.

Link the learning to your job

If you are already working in an area closely linked to what you are studying, we encourage you to gain recognition for this experience. You can do this by including up to three 'negotiated modules' in your degree. A negotiated module is one that has been individually planned and structured by you, your tutor and your programme leader. As long as your work-based learning can be evidenced, there is the potential for it to be recognised, accredited and therefore count towards your BSc. Contact us to find out more.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

We use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• lectures, sometimes delivered by visiting speakers
• tutorials
• individual and group projects
• weekly drop-in clinics for one-to-one support

How you are assessed

You will be assessed through a mixture of exams and coursework, including:

• computational simulations
• online tests
• oral presentations
• portfolio work
• written reports

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2023/24

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

After graduating from our BSc (Hons) Mathematics or BSc (Hons) Mathematics (Computing), you will have advanced analytical and numerical skills and also be great at problem-solving and logical thinking. These abilities are valued by employers and could lead on to careers in:

• finance and banking
• data science and data analysis
• software engineering
• mathematical research
• innovation in teaching and digital learning technologies

If you graduate from the Computing pathway, you'll find you are suited to other jobs too, such as computer programmer, network technician, systems architect or systems engineer.

Some of our mathematics graduates have gone on to work for organisations like the London Stock Exchange, the Police, the Civil Service, Microsoft and IBM.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Software including MATLAB, R, Maple, Vretta, Teams, Office365

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Mathematics (with pathways) with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)