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Mathematics and statistics

Use logic and reason to analyse data and provide solutions in a wide range of employment sectors.

As a mathematician or statistician you’ll use your problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills to help businesses in a range of sectors, from finance to government. Your interpretations could be used in anything from clinical trials, to climate predictions, to financial forecasting.

You could end up in a management role, leading a team, or become self-employed as a consultant or financial adviser. You could also go on to further study, teaching or academic research, or work as a data scientist.

The impact you could make
  • Use your mathematical modelling and statistics skills to advise on public sector finances in the Government’s actuary department.
  • Analyse climate change patterns to help predict the next global weather trends.
  • Check quality control standards for clinical drug trials.
What you could study
  • Pure mathematics
  • Applied mathematics
  • Real analysis
  • Statistics
  • Mathematical modelling
  • Probability and data science
  • Differential equations
  • Dynamics and motion
  • Bayesian statistics
  • Medical statistics
  • Stochastic modelling
  • Scientistic computing
  • Machine learning

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

 

Chat to a current mathematics and statistics student

Chat to a current mathematics and statistics student using UniBuddy.

Some conversation starters for you:

  1. Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
  2. Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
  3. Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
  4. Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
  5. Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?

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Example module
“I particularly enjoy statistics and programming as these are the most applicable to the real world.”
Second year mathematics student, Imperial College London
Example assignment
“I liked statistical modelling, a project on melting ice and global warming.”
Second year mathematics student, Queen Mary University of London

Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some mathematics and statistics courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

Maths/Further maths
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Economics
Computer science
Hard skills you'll develop
  • Economics and finance
  • Programming languages
  • Project management
  • Data analysis
  • Statistics
Soft skills you'll develop
  • Communication
  • Management
  • Research
  • Planning
  • Innovation

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying mathematics and statistics. The following information is based on a typical actuary, economist and statistician role.

Available jobs
67,169 vacancies in the past year
5.80% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£43,077
Up to £76,842

What is an… environmental economist?

You may not have heard of an environmental economist, but they use mathematical modelling to analyse environmental policies and look at the most effective environmental solutions, as well as using data to help develop strategies around sustainable resource management. You may need to study a PhD to get a job in this field, but employers are keen to use graduates with skills in maths and statistics.

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study accounting and finance at university or as an apprenticeship.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from mathematics and statistics applicants.

A levels
AAB
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Vocational
BTEC DDD
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative

Second year mathematics student, Newcastle University

What things do you love most about your chosen subject?
Some of the modules are really interesting and it’s a deeper look into elements of maths which you don’t cover in other levels of education, not to mention the range of options it gives you for after uni.
66% of students
are likely to recommend mathematics and statistics, based on their experience of studying so far
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Deadline

    Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.

  2. Where to apply

    You apply directly through the employer.
  3. No limits

    You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
  4. Apply to university and apprenticeships

    There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.

Let’s talk about… finance & accounting apprenticeships

Not sure if a traditional degree is for you? Listen to our new podcast to learn more about studying degree apprenticeships in finance and accounting.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around mathematics and statistics with the following:

  1. Institute of Mathematics and its Applications

    There’s a wealth of information about potential careers in maths on this website – why not start with the profiles page to understand some of the areas you could choose to work in.

      
  2. Royal Statistical Society (RSS)

    Follow the RSS on YouTube to watch videos about all things statistics, from data science to AI. Why not start with one of their leading videos on ‘How can statistics protect us against extreme sea levels resulting from climate change?’.
  3. More or Less

    Listen to this Radio 4 programme which delves into how statistics are used – and sometimes misused – in everyday life. 

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your mathematics and statistics journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
  • Start with why you have a particular interest in maths, including any particular areas you like, such as statistics or algebra. Include what first sparked your passion, and your enthusiasm for exploring this subject further.
  • Can you give evidence through books you’ve read or clubs you’ve joined, like a chess or maths club. Have you been part of any maths competitions too?
  • Show your motivation to apply yourself to this subject as well. What other commitments have you seen through, like studying for a music exam or a black belt in karate? Or when have you successfully solved a tricky problem?
  • Mention other extracurricular hobbies you have that tell admissions tutors more about you as a person, and the other ways in which you’ll contribute to university life. Do you like rowing, squash, weightlifting, coding…?

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