(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Mathematics (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
BSC G102
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.
Admission criteria
- A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics or Statistics in place of A-level Mathematics.
- BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels and only in conjunction with A-level Maths. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
- Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
- IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5.
- IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
- QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions. The Access to HE Diploma is only acceptable in conjunction with A-level Mathematics
- T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. T-levels are only acceptable in conjunction with A-level Mathematics
Contextual Offers:
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:
- Applicants from underrepresented groups
- Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
- Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
- Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus
Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.
For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
English language shelf-life
Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Pending English language qualifications
You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.
If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk
.
Requirements for second and final year entry
Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Prof Stephen Langdon
Professor
Brunel University London
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy.
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research.
To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of producing a logical argument.
To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of mathematics.
To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
To develop the students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity.
To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop independent study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development.
- The third year is spent abroad, typically in the mathematics programme of a US University such as Utah State University (Salt Lake City, Utah) or California State University, Chico but students can choose from a wide variety of countries provided that there is a suitable course on offer and that any language requirements are met. The purpose of this year is to broaden the student's University experience through undertaking a year of mathematics study at the associated campus. The purpose of the formal study would be to add variety to the student's mathematical experience.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.
A2: Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in mathematical proof of results in algebra, analysis, and discrete mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of the power and potential pitfalls of computer use and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems. An appreciation of the importance of assumptions.
A101: Experience of education in mathematics in the year abroad.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A4.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks and material available online.
In some modules, understanding is enhanced through the production of a written report.
Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1 - A4), laboratories (A3, A4) and assignments (A1 - A4).
The 3rd year of this 4 year course is spent abroad (A101).
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also, in some modules through marked coursework, laboratory reports, statistical assignments, project reports and oral examinations.
Regular problem sheets provide formative assessment in most modules.
A101 is demonstrated by successful completion of the year spent abroad.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Identify an appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical problem.
B2: Analyse a given mathematical problem and select the most appropriate tools for its solution.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, assignments and project work.
B1 and B2 are developed through exercises supported by classes.
B1 and B2 are all-important aspects of the projects that constitute a part of some modules, and the optional final year project.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
C: Practical skills
C1: Use computational tools and packages.
C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
Learning methods
The practical skills of mathematics are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of modules for which they are relevant.
C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the course.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports and oral examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively, both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas.
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems.
D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly.
D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.
D5: Organise activity and manage time in the course of study.
Learning methods
D1 is practised throughout the course in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises, and (in some modules) writing reports or projects.
D1 and D2 are developed in group and individual project work.
D2 is developed through the use of computer packages in a number of modules.
D3 - D5 are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the course.
Assessment methods
D1 is assessed through examinations, coursework and oral examinations.
D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D3 - D5 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of MA829 and MA830 includes specific allocations of credit for the quality of presentations (D1 and D2).