Program Overview

BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with a Placement year is a technical course which will develop your digital and mathematical skills, and enable you to gain an insight into industry.

The modern world is increasingly reliant on computers and digital information, and this degree will provide you with skills highly prized by a vast range of employers. You be given a thorough grounding in computer science, backed up by an in-depth knowledge of mathematics. Furthermore, you can gain valuable industry experience through a year-long paid placement. The split between the two subjects is roughly two-thirds mathematics and one-third computer science.

In mathematics you will study areas such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis. In the second year you will also take a skills module, which is aimed at improving your transferable skills and enhancing your employability.

As mathematics can be a challenging subject, you will be given plenty of support to help you get the most of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In computer science, explore the essential skills for computer scientists, such as programming, software design, computer systems, networking and operations, web technology and computer security. Get to grips with several programming languages including C++, Java and Python.

In the final year of the degree you can develop your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The vast majority of modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as data mining, cryptography, virtual reality or number theory. During this year you will also carry out a project on a mathematical topic and produce a report and presentation on it.

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.

Placement
Between your second and final year you will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting around 12 months. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad.

You could take on a wide variety of roles such as statistician, business analyst, actuarial intern and radiation protection scientist. You will also have the chance to work for a range of national and international organisations such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP or the NHS.

You will be given advice and support for finding the ideal placement, as well for writing a CV and improving your interview skills, by our dedicated placements officer.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.