Skip navigation

Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Study Abroad)

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 1 October 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Mathematics powers Artificial Intelligence (AI) and underpins the systems that shape our world. From models that predict climate change and track diseases to social media algorithms and generative AI like ChatGPT, mathematics is at the heart of every major innovation. Graduate talent is needed to drive these advancements, and this degree provides you with the analytical, problem-solving and reasoning skills to make an impact in a wide range of sectors.

You will build a strong mathematical foundation, just as you would in a traditional maths degree, whilst also gaining theoretical understanding and hands-on experience of AI, machine learning and real-world modelling.

Working on projects inspired by government and industry, you’ll tackle challenges like predicting floods, stopping infection spread and preventing cyber attacks.

With a degree in Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS), you will have the tools to forge a successful career in technologies that will dictate our futures.

Broaden your horizons

Enrich your university experience with a year overseas at one of our partner universities. In Year 3, head out to start your adventure and immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic community. We’ll support you all the way!

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Study Abroad) degree begins by building upon your understanding of mathematical methods and concepts through a mix of lectures and workshops. You will explore a wide range of topics, from differential equations, multivariate calculus for AI and data science, probability and statistics to logic, proofs and theorems. In addition, you will study mathematical modelling and programming, learning the principles of scientific computing and gaining experience working with the R and Python programming languages. You will also learn to apply one of the most fundamental tools in modern AI research, the deep neural network, to real world datasets.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve deeper into a range of specialist optional modules and core concepts in linear algebra and probability. You will learn to translate contemporary issues into mathematical problems, and using multivariate calculus and mathematical analysis, you will gain an understanding of the algorithms that have revolutionised machine learning and AI. These tools, along with statistical methods, will help you investigate more advanced mathematical models and their solutions.

To further develop your skills, there is the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world problems through exciting, industry-inspired projects, where you’ll work both independently and as part of a team.

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferrable skills, such as data analysis, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, all of which make you highly desirable to future employers. These skills are honed by working in collaboration with fellow students, ruminating on theories before testing them out, delivering presentations and communicating your research results.

We hope you find your year overseas personally enriching. Our students often tell us that they return feeling more confident, self-assured and with a broader perspective to take into job interviews.

Build your portfolio

Throughout your degree you will develop a portfolio showcasing how you’ve applied mathematical, machine learning and AI techniques to real-world problems. With support from your academic tutor, the document will evolve as you learn how to highlight your skill set, providing you with a powerful tool to show employers.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G1I6
Institution code:
L14
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

This should include Mathematics grade A or Further Mathematics grade A. The overall offer grades will be lowered to AAB for applicants who achieve both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at grades AA.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to have evidence that you had the equivalent of A level Mathematics grade A.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 36

36 overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

considered alongside A level Mathematics grade A on a case-by-case basis

T Level

Only considered alongside A level Mathematics grade A

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

Scottish Higher

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact our Admissions team for more information.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Please visit our website for more details.

You can find full details of our entry requirements and the application process on our website. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with at least 5.5 in each element
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2169 overall with at least 162 in each element
Cambridge English ProficiencyLevel C1169 overall with at least 162 in each element
PTE Academic50with at least 42 in each element
TOEFL (iBT)77with at least 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 17 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing. For tests taken after 21 January 2026, we require 4 overall with at least 4 in each element.
Trinity ISEMeritISE II with a minimum of Merit in each element

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements/undergraduate-english-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Lancaster, we are committed to widening access to higher education for all. As part of this we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, taking into account exceptional circumstances and potential as much as we can. We run a Contextual Offer Scheme which incorporates a reduced grade offer for applicants that meet our eligibility criteria. For more information on the scheme, and other widening participation activity such as the Lancaster Access Programme, please visit our website.

Learn more on the Lancaster University website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. If your qualification is not listed here, please see our website for more information, or contact our Admissions team for advice. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/entry-requirements/undergraduate-qualifications/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For information about fees and funding please visit www.lancaster.ac.uk/fees.

Like this page