Joe's perspective
'Studying Mathematics at Sussex has been fascinating. From the very first term we were delving deep into so many different areas, from the most fundamental pure and abstract areas, to much more applied topics. In our third year were able to choose what we studied, which opened up a world of variety, whilst still giving the option to specialise around a particular area. We even had the option to choose a module from another school, allowing us to further broaden our knowledge and skill set.
The workshops, where we worked on the problems set for us by the lecturers, were possibly the best resource the University could have given me. Being able to ask a postgraduate for one-to-one help on any questions I had about the course material was extremely helpful.
In addition to study, I was also able to join in with a couple of societies, and have helped to put on an art exhibition, run martial arts classes and many other things. These allowed a good counterbalance to the academic and logical maths course I chose'
Joe Eyles
Mathematics MMath student
Laura's perspective
'Sussex is a brilliant university to study maths at. I believe the greatest aspect of my degree is that the lecturers are really enthusiastic. They have a good knowledge of their fields and always communicate it well. Even if you do find the material hard to understand at first, there is always someone to turn to for help, whether that be students, lecturers or workshop leaders.
This oasis of academia is situated in one of the best locations I could imagine; where else would you find the combination of a large town, a beautiful walking district and a famous beach?
I am taking a combined honours degree which is 75 per cent maths and 25 per cent economics. These two subjects combine really well, especially as I am focusing on the more mathematical economics modules and it helps me to see real life applications of some high level maths'
Laura Fischer
Mathematics BSc with Economics student
Mary's perspective
'I have been amazed at the level of support and help given by lecturers since arriving at Sussex. The course has been challenging and lecturers have been extremely supportive, approachable and always available to talk and help. They acknowledge that students need help and do their possible best to make time to attend to the students.
Maths workshops are great. Students get plenty of informal help and PhD students are always on hand to explain things. During my first year I also enjoyed regular power sessions where second and third year students gave regular support.
I love life at Sussex and am involved in many social activities. There are many events organised within the department itself and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.'
Mary Oreyelu
Mathematics BSc student
Marianne's perspective
'I am a Business Associate for Clydesdale Bank, having joined the bank after graduating in 2005. I work in corporate banking dealing with trading businesses with a minimum turnover of £1m or lending requirement of £250-500k upwards. We also have private banking specialists who deal with high net worth individuals.
'I work, supporting two business partners, in a financial solutions centre, where specialists in various fields of finance work together. I have found the analytical skills I acquired during my Maths degree very important in my job as a part of the lending decision relies on being able to analyse financial statements and identify risks.
'Like many people, I probably enjoyed the social aspect most about Sussex. The campus is in a beautiful setting and living on it for the first year felt like I was part of a community. I also received great support from the lecturers at Sussex, in the form of workshops and office hours, and found them all to be really approachable if I needed clarification on something we had studied.'
Marianne Thompson
BSc Mathematics graduate 2005
Ravneek's perspective
'During my final year at Sussex, students were given the flexibility as to which modules to study, including Finance related subjects. As I have always had an interest in finance I opted for the finance modules. Taking on these modules confirmed I wanted to pursue a career in the finance industry.
'Since July 2008 I have been working for a Fund Management company in London where I am currently undertaking Fund Administration and Client Reporting. However since I have been here I have also had the opportunity to get an insight into other areas of the company such as Analyst, Fund Management, Risk Management, and Marketing. I found that coming from a quantitative background enhanced the chances of my employers taking me onboard.
'Soon I hope to take on the IMC (Investment Managers Certificate) in order to open more doors and progress to the next stage of my career in Finance.'
Ravneek Sangera
BSc Mathematics graduate 2008