Mathematics

Whether it's the thrill of problem-solving or the elegance of theory, studying mathematics at Plymouth hones your creative and analytical thinking – skills highly valued by employers, making graduates well-equipped for diverse careers.

Research-informed teaching
Learn from research-active staff who apply mathematical methods to real-world challenges. Access to the High Performance Computer supports advanced research, especially in your final year.

Career-ready skills
Gain in-demand abilities like problem-solving, coding and communication. A paid placement year boosts employability – many students secure multiple job offers before graduating.

Supportive community
Enjoy a close-knit academic environment with small tutorials, approachable lecturers, student-led learning sessions and an active Maths Society.

This course is for you if...

• you want to sharpen your problem-solving skills and learn to think logically and creatively

• you look to gain skills and knowledge of mathematical software that employers value

• you're eager to gain hands-on experience and industry exposure during your studies

• you enjoy being part of a close-knit, supportive and collaborative community.

Course Modules

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid mathematical foundation that underpins everything in our mathematics degrees. You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll master Python programming, one of the most in-demand skills in industry today, opening doors to cutting-edge careers in data science, finance, and technology. You will develop mathematical knowledge in calculus, matrices, and probability, and discover how computational mathematics can reveal powerful new insights from complex data.

You’ll also explore the deeper beauty of mathematics through analysis, the theory behind calculus, and group theory, where you’ll understand patterns and symmetries in the world around us, from crystals to cryptography.

Throughout the course, you will benefit from direct support from expert lecturers in small, friendly group sessions designed to give you a truly personalised experience. By the end of your first year, you’ll not only be primed for success on the course but you’ll have the freedom to tailor your journey, with the flexibility to switch to one of our other exciting specialist mathematics degrees as your passions evolve.

Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll take your mathematical learning to the next level; tackling advanced topics that equip you with the tools and mindset of a professional mathematician. You won’t just deepen your knowledge; you’ll sharpen your employability skills. In our case studies from industry module, you’ll apply mathematics to genuine business challenges, mastering operational research – the mathematics of decision making in business.

You will be taught Monte Carlo methods which are industry-standard techniques used to solve intricate logistical problems, the same tools used in finance, engineering, and supply chain optimisation around the world.

By the end of your second year, you won’t just have a deep understanding of key mathematical concepts, you’ll have a cutting-edge toolkit of modern problem-solving skills that employers are searching for. You’ll be well on your way to becoming a highly sought-after mathematician, ready to shape industries and solve tomorrow’s toughest challenges.

Optional placement year
Our placement year is your chance to step into the real world and make an immediate impact. You’ll apply your mathematical expertise within a professional context, from industry and research to healthcare, government and beyond. Whether you’re optimising business strategies, driving innovation in tech, or contributing to life-changing research, you’ll see first-hand how powerful and versatile your skills really are.

Not only will you gain invaluable experience and confidence, but many of our placement students secure graduate roles as a direct result of their year in industry. In addition to the skills and experiences you will gain, placement salaries are typically around £20,000.

When you return to Plymouth, you’ll come back energised and inspired, with a clear vision of how mathematics shapes the world and a renewed drive to excel in your final year.

Final year
In your final year, you will choose from a range of modules spanning pure and applied mathematics, operational research, theoretical physics and data science, allowing you to shape your degree around what excites you most.

A standout feature of the final year is your project work – whether it’s a research-driven individual project under the guidance of a mathematics expert, a dynamic industry placement, a school-based experience, or a collaborative case study in a small team.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree, you’ll have a portfolio of advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and real-world problem-solving skills that make you stand out. Your next adventure may be a professional graduate job, or further study of the rich world of mathematics. Whatever you want, you will be exceptionally well placed for future success.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Mathematics and its Applications, Institute of