Pure Mathematics with a Year in Industry

Mathematics underpins all contemporary science, business and technology, creatively applying the ideas of pure mathematics. Our three-year BSc degree in Pure Mathematics is a highly regarded programme that welcomes students from around the world.

Throughout your studies you will cover the fundamental mathematical concepts of real and complex analysis, geometry, and linear, abstract and categorical algebra, allowing you to focus on pure aspects of the subject.

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics who have expertise in a range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, and you will study in bespoke teaching spaces, designed by, and for, mathematicians.

You will master the ideas and logic of mathematics and their applications, with strong analytical skills, logical reasoning, data handling and quantitative thinking, building a highly desirable set of graduate attributes that will set you apart in the employment marketplace.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience, and a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Geometry: Mathematics, Logic and Communication; Introduction to Modelling and Simulation; Introduction to Analysis; Foundations of Algebra; Introductory Linear Algebra; Mechanics and Dynamics; Introduction to Biomathematics; and Probability and Statistics.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Differential Equations; Probability Theory; Multi-variable analysis; Metric spaces and measure theory; Vector Spaces; Groups and Rings; Professional Development and Career Planning; Mathematical Modelling: Theory and Practice; Credibility, Liability and Ruin; Game Theory and Optimization; and Statistical Data Analysis.

The third year of this 4-year course with a Year in Industry will be spent on placement. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team, ranging from CV advice through to mock interviews.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Applied Algebra: Coding Theory; Higher Algebra; Differential Geometry; Complex Analysis; Partial Differential Equations; Cashflows and Interest Rates; Financial Mathematics in Discrete Time; Markov Processes and Applications; Machine Learning; Assurance and annuity; Financial Mathematics in Continuous Time; Risk and Survival Models; Biomathematics; and Teaching Mathematics via a School Placement. You will also undertake a project.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.