Develop your knowledge of mathematical methods and techniques, applying your skills to real industrial problems. Our BSc (Hons) Mathematics will give you a head start in a range of careers from business and finance to engineering and teaching.
- Mathematics has been ranked in the Top 30 in The Guardian University Guide 2019
- Choose a course approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, (IMA): this means you will be eligible for associate membership and can take your first steps towards Chartered Mathematician (C.Math) status
- Gain valuable practical experience by taking an optional industrial placement year
- Draw on our partnerships with locally-based international companies, so you can link your learning to real-life scenarios
- Build your skills in analytical problem-solving, communication, IT and teamworking
- Get involved in far-reaching projects such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are collaborating with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research
- Boost your employability – we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016)
With its focus on the real-world applications of mathematics, this course is challenging, rewarding and opens doors to a wide range of career choices. While maths is one of the oldest subjects to study, it is constantly charting exciting new directions.
A relevant and contemporary course
This BSc (Hons) degree will develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in mathematics, statistics and operational research. You will also explore how mathematics can be applied to the modern world of business.
You will build vital transferable skills in analytical problem-solving, communication, IT and working both independently and as part of a team.
An independent study project will form a significant part of your final year. This provides a unique opportunity for you to pursue your personal interests and you will be guided throughout your project by an Independent Study Supervisor.
Draw on our industry partnerships
Employer links will be integral to your learning experience on the BSc (Hons) Mathematics. In particular, the industrial support we have generated for the Mathematics Group Project gives you insights into working as a professional mathematician on a genuine complex problem specified by industrial managers.
Such partnerships not only provide opportunities for discussion and feedback about the Group Project but also feed into other aspects of your study programme.
Spend an optional year in industry
We offer you the chance to undertake an optional work placement year. This is often regarded by our alumni as the most rewarding part of their course.
You will work with professionals in your chosen subject area and see at first hand how the knowledge and skills you are learning at the University are put into practice.
We offer wide-ranging support with internships and placements to help students enhance their employability while studying and to progress into graduate roles. As more and more employers are now expecting new recruits to have work experience, a placement on your CV will help you to stand out when applying for your first graduate job. For more information, please contact the Careers and Employment Service.
We take pride in the fact that our students have secured placements with prestigious companies such as IBM, Network Rail, Experian, Bosch, Pattonair, IQ Plus and Cable Detection.
Professional accreditation
Our Mathematics courses are approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), which means that you will be accepted for associate membership on graduation. This represents your first step towards becoming a Chartered Mathematician (C.Math). You will also be invited to events run by the East Midlands branch of the Institute.
Study abroad opportunities
You can broaden your horizons by making the most of the opportunities offered through Erasmus Plus, a European scheme providing mobility for students and staff in higher education.
You could consider studying for a semester or taking a placement abroad with one of our selected Erasmus+ partners. These include universities such as UBB Cluj and UAB University of Alba Iulia in Romania; Bogazici University in Turkey; the University of Maribor in Slovenia; or the University of Piraeus and the University of Macedonia in Greece.
You could also attend lectures delivered by visiting staff from institutions which are linked to Derby through Erasmus Plus.
Manzal and Chandni went to Romania as part of an Erasmus placement, studying in Alba Iulia and working a placement at a company called IPEC, the leading ceramics supplier for IKEA. At university, they worked on data analysis and mathematical models, and would then go to IPEC to develop an automatic design and correction of new ceramics colours for the production line. They both gained a whole host of skills during their time there and outside of studying and working, they visited a variety of cities and took part in an array of activities, including paragliding! They also gained friends from different countries and learnt about different cultures, cuisines and languages.
“The traineeship was only two months long but it was a life changing experience. We would recommend that all students try the opportunity of studying abroad. As someone once told us, “money fills pockets, adventures fill souls”. Manzal Mohammad, BSc (Hons) Mathematics
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.
Negotiated modules
If you are working part time while studying – in an appropriate area such as the application of analytical skills to business or engineering problems – you are encouraged to gain recognition for this learning by including up to three negotiated modules in your programme of study. Contact the Programme Leader for more information.
A negotiated module is individually planned and structured between you, your tutor and your programme leader. Online support and the Learning Through Work (LTW) framework enables work-based learning to be evidenced, so there is the potential for it to be recognised and accredited towards an award.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed through a mixture of examinations and coursework, including computational simulations, online tests, oral presentations, portfolio work and written reports.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 120 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | At least a C in Maths at A-level (or equivalent qualification) |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| IELTS | 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area) |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - DDM
- Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Mathematics prepares you for a successful and satisfying academic career or for a non-academic career in areas such as industry, finance and business. Many employers value the problem-solving and independent thinking skills that mathematics graduates can offer, together with their analytical and numeric competence.
Recent graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles and organisations, including the London Stock Exchange, the Police and the Civil Service.
After graduating, you will be accepted for associate membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Mathematician.
Many of our BSc (Hons) Mathematics graduates enter the teaching profession, frequently enjoying rapid promotion. You can choose to continue your studies with a postgraduate course in education (PGCE) if you want to go into teaching.
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.
Contact us Contact us Three years or four years with placement year
Download programme specification
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, state-of-the-art 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.
Included in your fees
- Specialist Computing labs
- Access to software and equipment
- Access to free software from major software vendors such as SAS, Microsoft, Adobe , MATLAB and VMWare - some are available for student download
- Registration and travel to Careers Fairs
- Free IMA eStudent membership
- Industry speakers
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Independent Study dissertations are submitted electronically and as two bound printed copies. In that case, printing and binding expenses are covered by the student approx. £10 printing and binding
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Not required but useful: personal computer and or tablet computer approx. £200 upwards depending on specification
- Scientific calculator such as Casio FX85 series approx. £10
- Text books approx. £20
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.
