What is Joint Honours?
A Joint Honours degree gives you the opportunity to study two subjects as one degree. This type of degree will broaden your skill set and enhance your career prospects.
You can combine any two subjects as long as they’re in different zones, find out what you can combine this subject with.
Mathematical skills are invaluable in many professions today. Taking Mathematics as part of a Joint Honours degree will set you apart as a versatile graduate, capable of applying your knowledge to real-world problems.
- Mathematics has been ranked in the Top 30 in the Guardian University Guide 2019
- Combine Mathematics with another subject to reflect your interests and ambitions – anything from Accounting to English, Economics to Sport and Exercise Studies
- Develop transferable skills in problem-solving, communication and IT
- Explore the use of mathematics within the modern world of business, including working on projects set by industry
- Join a well-regarded course: results from the latest National Student Survey showed an overall satisfaction rate of 94%, with the quality of mathematics teaching and academic support rated particularly highly
- Be inspired by the exciting projects undertaken by our staff – such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are collaborating with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research
- Enjoy excellent career prospects – 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)
If you would like a powerful mix of skills to advance your career, a Joint Honours degree featuring Mathematics could be an excellent route for you.
Broaden your career scope
Joint Honours is the perfect choice if you do not want to specialise in just one area: it may be that you enjoy two of your A-level subjects equally and want to continue studying both. This type of degree enables you to keep your career options open and stand out from the crowd as a multi-skilled graduate.
You can study Mathematics as either a joint or major element of your degree, building a course which is tailor-made for you. Our students have combined Mathematics with subjects ranging from Accounting and Business Management to History and Architectural Design.
Skills to take you far
The Mathematics Joint Honours pathways equip you with knowledge and understanding of key concepts in both mathematics and operational research. In particular, you will explore the use of mathematics within the modern world of business.
You will develop skills in analytical problem-solving, communication and IT, working both independently and as a member of a team. Our friendly and supportive 'drop-in' mathematics clinics are a valuable source of help and guidance.
Employer partnerships
We have strong industry links which means that you can work with locally-based international companies, applying your knowledge to practical real-life situations.
You will study modules such as:
Stage one
- Analysis and Algebra
- Mathematical Software
- Calculus
Stage two
- Mathematical Methods
- Operational Research
- Mathematical Group Project
- Linear Algebra
- Mathematical Modelling
Stage three
- Research Methods and Independent Studies in Mathematics (double module)
- Optimisation Techniques
- Graph Theory and Applications
- Modelling with Differential Equations
- Non-linear Systems Dynamics
Please note that modules may change as we develop our courses to suit the needs of industry.
A particular characteristic of Mathematics at Derby is its established tradition of industry-informed teaching. A good example of this is the Mathematical Group Project, where a real problem is set by industry and you work in groups to come up with a range of solutions.
There is also a weekly drop-in clinic for students to receive one-to-one help and support from dedicated and understanding staff.
You will have the option to undertake a work placement during your study – an ideal opportunity for you to apply your knowledge in a business environment while receiving an income.
How you are assessed
You will be assessed through a mixture of coursework projects and examinations.
September 2018 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 96-128* (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 |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
*The UCAS Points required for entry will depend on the subjects you choose to combine. The subject with the higher entry requirements will determine your offer.
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.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 112* (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 |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - DMM
- Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
For joint honours degree entry you will need to choose two subjects. The entry criteria here is for this subject only. Your offer will be based on the higher entry criteria from the two subjects you choose to do. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
*The UCAS Points required for entry will depend on the subjects you choose to combine. The subject with the higher entry requirements will determine your offer.
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.
A Joint Honours degree in Mathematics will open up a wide range of career opportunities to you. Our graduates have gone on to work in companies such as Network Rail, Microsoft, Rolls-Royce PLC and for the London Stock Exchange. Many go into teaching and lecturing, while others continue their studies through postgraduate research and masters courses.
Three years or four years with optional placement year
Target six years, four and a half years at 80 credits per year, maximum time allowed is eight years
You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.
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.
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.
