Program Overview

Develop core skills and knowledge, and tailor your learning to the areas of maths you’re most passionate about, with our flexible BSc Mathematics with Placement Year degree.

If you'd like to learn alongside enthusiastic, like-minded mathematicians, play to your strengths with a wide range of modules, and align your studies with your career aspirations, this could be the ideal course for you.

Choose BSc Mathematics at the University of Reading

• The University of Reading is in the top 100 in the world for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, by Subject).
• 98% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
• Your degree will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master's degrees).

Your first two years will cover the main aspects of mathematics and develop your knowledge in areas such as:

• algebra
• analysis
• calculus
• differential equations.

The second year features a skills module, designed to improve your transferable skills and enhance your employability. You'll explore topics such as mathematical computing, communication and teamwork.

You'll also have the option to select modules from outside our Department. For example, you could opt for the Science of Climate Change module led by the Department of Meteorology, or learn a language through the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP).

In the final year of your degree, you'll focus your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The majority of modules in this year are optional, and include subjects from pure and applied mathematics or statistics, including:

• Number theory
• Cryptography
• Mathematical biology
• Numerical analysis
• Multivariate data analysis.

You will also undertake a project on a mathematical or statistical topic, culminating in a report and presentation.

Throughout your degree, we'll extend your skills, knowledge and resilience and play to your strengths, tailoring your degree to suit developing career aspirations.