BSc, 4 years, UCAS: G140
Typical A level offer: At least CC, including Mathematics
Subject overview
Why mathematics?
Mathematics is core to most modern-day science, technology and business. When you turn on a computer or use a mobile phone, you are using sophisticated technology that mathematics has played a fundamental role in developing. Unravelling the human genome or modelling the financial markets relies on mathematics.
As well as playing a major role in the physical and life sciences, and in such disciplines as economics and psychology, mathematics has its own attraction and beauty. Mathematics is flourishing: more research has been published in the last 20 years than in the previous 200, and celebrated mathematical problems that had defeated strenuous attempts to settle them have recently been solved.
The breadth and relevance of mathematics leads to a wide choice of potential careers. Employers value the numeracy, clarity of thought and capacity for logical argument that the study of mathematics develops, so a degree in mathematics will give you great flexibility in career choice.
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Why mathematics at Sussex?
Mathematics at Sussex was ranked in the top 10 for academic support in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS) and overall we were ranked in the top 20 in the UK in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012 and in the top 30 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 90 per cent of our mathematics research and 97 per cent of our mathematics publications were rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 50 per cent of our research and 64 per cent of our publications were rated as internationally excellent or higher.
83 per cent of Mathematics graduates were in work or further study, or both, within six months of graduating (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2011).
The Department of Mathematics awards prizes for the best student results each year, including £1,000 for the best final-year student.
You will find that our Department is a warm, supportive and enjoyable place to study, with staff who have a genuine concern for their students.
Our teaching is informed by current research and understanding and we update our courses to reflect the latest developments in the field of mathematics.
MMath or BSc?
The MMath courses are aimed at students who have a strong interest in pursuing a deeper study of mathematics and who wish to use it extensively in careers where advanced mathematical skills are important, such as mathematical modelling in finance or industry, advanced-level teaching or postgraduate research.
Applicants unsure about whether to do an MMath or a BSc are strongly advised to opt initially for the MMath course. If your eventual A level grades meet the offer level for a BSc but not an MMath we will automatically offer you a place on the BSc course. Students on the MMath course can opt to transfer to the BSc at the end of the second year.
Stuart's employer perspective
‘1st Central Insurance Management is a successful, rapidly expanding insurance services company looking to add high-calibre graduates to our team. Our location in Haywards Heath makes us a logical choice for University of Sussex graduates looking to stay in the area after their studies. In fact, half of our current graduates in the Motor team studied at Sussex.
‘While further business training is necessary for all new starters, Sussex graduates come to us very well equipped, already familiar with analysis, probability and statistics as well as linear statistical models.
‘To date, our Sussex graduates have contributed to a wide variety of successful projects including detailed analysis of our competitive position in the market, the creation of quasi-random groupings for accurate A/B testing, and the discovery of factors that predict the likelihood of insurance fraud.’
Stuart MacIntyre
Motor Manager,
1st Central Insurance Management
Programme content
The standard A level offer is CC, including A level Mathematics at grade C, but other post-GCSE qualifications may be sufficient.
This course is ideal if you want to pursue a degree in mathematics, but your qualifications do not meet the entry requirements for a three-year course. The final honours degree is equivalent to a standard three-year BSc (Hons) degree.
In the foundation year, you develop your basic mathematical skills and understanding. You take modules on calculus, geometry and algebra, including concepts of proof and logical argument. Throughout the year you will be introduced to many mathematical applications from statistics, mechanics and computer science.
On satisfactory completion of the foundation year, you may transfer to any BSc mathematics degree.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2014 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
Core content
Year 1
You take modules on topics such as calculus • introduction to pure mathematics • geometry • analysis • mathematical modelling • linear algebra • numerical analysis. You also work on a project on mathematics in everyday life
Year 2
You take modules on topics such as an introduction to probability • calculus of several variables • complex analysis • differential equations • further analysis • further numerical analysis • group theory • probability and statistics
Year 3
You choose from a range of options including topics such as an introduction to mathematical biology • financial mathematics • functional analysis • linear statistical models • medical statistics • partial differential equations • probability models • ring theory
How will I learn?
We recognise that new students have a range of mathematical backgrounds and that the transition from A level to university-level study can be challenging, so we have designed our first-term modules to ease this. Although university modes of teaching place more emphasis on independent learning, you will have access to a wide range of support from tutors.
Teaching and learning are by a combination of lectures, workshops, lab sessions and independent study. All modules are supported by small-group teaching in which you can discuss topics raised in lectures. We emphasise the ‘doing’ of mathematics as it cannot be passively learnt. Our workshops are designed to support the solution of exercises and problems.
Most modules consist of regular lectures, supported by classes for smaller groups. You receive regular feedback on your work from your tutor. If you need further help, all tutors and lecturers have weekly office hours when you can drop in for advice, individually or in groups. Most of the lecture notes, problem sheets and background material are available on the Department’s website.
Upon arrival at Sussex you will be assigned an academic advisor for the period of your study. They also operate office hours and in the first year they will see you weekly. This will help you settle in quickly and offers a great opportunity to work through any academic problems.
For more information, visit Studying at Sussex.
Also refer to Department of Mathematics: Teaching methods and Department of Mathematics: Study abroad at Sussex.
What will I achieve?
- excellent training in problem-solving skills
- understanding of the structures and techniques of mathematics, including methods of proof and logical arguments
- written and oral communication skills
- organisational and time-management skills
- an ability to make effective use of information and to evaluate numerical data
- IT skills and computer literacy through computational and mathematical projects
- you will learn to manage your personal professional career development in preparation for further study, or the world of work.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Decision Mathematics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 0
This module will cover some basic ideas of decision maths, probability and statistics, with an emphasis on applications in management. We will cover algorithms such as critical path analysis and linear programming. There will be a discussion of probability, looking at simple discrete and continuous distributions, and an introduction to statistics, covering descriptive statistics, regression and time series.
Foundation Mathematics
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 0
This module covers the mathematics required for progression to year 1 of courses in physics, engineering or mathematics. You cover algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus (differential and integral), vectors, complex numbers and series. Including:
- Algebra: algebraic relationships. Equalities and inequalities. Remainder and factor theorems. Factorisation. Quadratic equations. Partial fractions. Indices and logarithms.
- Geometry and trigonometry: revision of some Euclidean geometry. Cartesian coordinates and straight lines. Inequalities and regions. Basic trigonometry. Trigonometric relationships. Compound angles.
- Calculus 1: (differentiation) basic differentiation. The product and quotient rule. Function of a function. Differentiation of parametric forms and implicit functions. Second order differentiation and turning points.
- Calculus 2: (Integration) basic integration. Standard integrals, integration by inspection, by substitution, by parts, using partial fractions. Definite integrals. Solution of first order differential equations by separation of variables.
- Coordinate geometry 2: polar coordinates.
- Vectors: addition and subtraction. Decomposition and resolution. Scalar and vector products.
- Complex numbers: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Complex roots of quadratic equations. The Argand diagram.
- Series and approximations: permutations and combinations. Arithmetic and geometric progressions. Binomial theorem. Maclaurin's and Taylor's theorem.
Further Mathematics
60 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 0
This module develops essential elements of mathematics, concentrating on the fundamentals of algebra, calculus and geometry. The module is broadly equivalent to an A-level Further Mathematics course concentrating on these elements.
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
- A level
Typical offer: At least CC, including Mathematics
Specific entry requirements: A levels must include Mathematics with at least grade C
- International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 28
Specific entry requirements: Normally including Higher Level Mathematics with at least grade 4
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
- Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: CCCCC
Specific entry requirements: Highers must include Mathematics, grade C
For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £13,0003
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2015
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 12 June 2015
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,622.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2014)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 12 June 2015
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust for Undergraduate Study (2014)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 1 March 2014
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust are offering bursaries to Undergraduate students following an undergraduate degree courses in any subject.
Careers and profiles
This course prepares you for employment in fields such as software development, actuarial work, financial consultancy, accountancy, business research and development, teaching, academia and the civil service. All of our courses give you a high-level qualification for further training in mathematics.
Recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including: actuary at MetLife • assistant accountant at World Archipelago • audit trainee at BDO LLP UK • credit underwriter at Citigroup • graduate trainee for aerospace and defence at Cobham plc • pricing analyst at RSA Insurance Group plc • assistant analytics manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland • associate tutor at the University of Sussex • health economics consultant at the University of York • risk control analyst at Total Gas & Power • supply chain manager at Unipart Group • technology analyst at J P Morgan • digital marketing consultant at DC Storm • junior financial advisor at Barclays • audit associate at Ernst & Young • claims graduate trainee at Lloyds of London • development analyst at Axa PPP healthcare • fraud analyst at American Express • futures trader at Trading Tower Group Ltd • accountant at KPMG.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Also refer to Department of Mathematics: Career opportunities and Department of Mathematics: Student perspectives.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Charlie's career perspective
‘I chose Sussex because of the warm, friendly atmosphere I experienced when I came along to an Open Day.
‘Alongside my degree, I was also a student representative and president of the maths society which I set up. This involved organising many socials along the way, and I really enjoyed proving that maths isn’t just for geeks!
‘I’m now working in a large secondary school, earning my teaching qualification on the job as part of the Graduate Teaching Programme. The organisational and communication skills I gained at Sussex have proved really valuable. I’ve always wanted to teach A level Maths, and I’m looking forward to inspiring the next generation of mathematicians.’
Charlie Refoy
Graduate Teaching Programme Teacher, Brighton & Hove
Florence's career perspective
‘Mathematics at Sussex is such an exciting subject. The huge variety of topics on offer, from cryptography and coding to medical statistics and mathematical biology, enabled me to tailor my degree to my chosen career path. Gaining experience writing reports, giving presentations and completing group projects developed my skills and strengthened the key attributes employers look for in graduates.
‘Following my degree I gained a place on the Risk Assurance Graduate Programme at PricewaterhouseCoopers where I’m studying towards my ACA qualification. Studying for a professional qualification while training on the job is hard work, but my time at Sussex prepared me well. I’ve been able to put my analytical and numerical skills and my love for mathematics to practical use and I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge of working in such a stimulating role.’
Florence Hannon
Risk Assurance Graduate Programme, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Contact our School
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences brings together two outstanding and progressive departments - Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. It capitalises on the synergy between these subjects to deliver new and challenging opportunities for its students and faculty.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact:
Department of Mathematics,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QH, UK
E ug.admissions@mps.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 877345
F +44 (0)1273 678097
Department of Mathematics
Visit us
Sussex Open Day
Saturday 5 October 2013
Open Days offer you the chance to speak one to one with our world-leading academic staff, find out more about our courses, tour specialist facilities, explore campus, visit student accommodation, and much more. Booking is required. Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Campus tours
Not able to attend one of our Open Days? Then book on to one of our weekly guided campus tours.
Mature-student information session
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Jonathan's staff perspective
‘Sussex provides world-leading teaching and excellent academic facilities, with a vibrant student life in a fantastic location. All of this meant that I left Sussex with a unique set of experiences and a degree that has prepared me for my future.
‘Joining Student Recruitment Services at the University has enabled me to share my experiences of Sussex with others. Coming to an Open Day gives you the opportunity to meet our research-active academics and our current students, while exploring our beautiful campus. But don’t worry if you can’t make an Open Day, there’s plenty of other opportunities to visit Sussex. Check out our Visit us and Open Days pages or our Facebook page to find out more.
‘I’ve loved every moment of my time at Sussex – these have been the best years of my life.’
Jonathan Bridges
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services