MSci Mathematics
Course Overview
Overview
Mathematics at Northampton to present a wide range of mathematical ideas in a way that develops your critical and intellectual abilities.
The Department is home to several Fellows of the Royal Society and international prize winners, and our degrees are built around our research expertise in four core areas:
- Pure Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics
- Mathematical Finance
- Statistics
You will cover both topics that are a direct continuation of those at A-level and those that introduce you to new ways of thinking, such as the logical structure of arguments, the proper definition of mathematical objects, the design of sophisticated mathematical models, and the legitimacy of computations.
All of our courses follow the same core curriculum for the first two years, covering key areas of mathematics such as algebra, differential equations, and probability and statistics.
In your final year you can choose from over 50 optional modules, many of which are linked to our cutting edge research, allowing you to specialise in the areas of maths that interest you most.
Our BSc Mathematics (G100) degree gives you the broadest choice of optional modules on a three-year BSc programme, enabling you to graduate with a broad understanding of mathematical theory and application.
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Transfer between courses
Successful candidates will receive one offer for one course from the Department, so you should apply to just one. There is no advantage in applying to multiple courses within Mathematics.
The high level of shared content in the first two years means it is usually possible to transfer between any of our maths coursesduring this time (within stated restrictions) however, transfer onto the Year Abroad course must normally be done in your first year.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your Tier 4 visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Duration
4 years
full-time
ECTS: 254.5 – 255.5
Careers
The logical and analytical skills developed through a degree in mathematics are highly valued by a wide range of employers. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in industry, government and education, as well as international banking, computing, business, law and accountancy.
The MSci programmes in particular prepare you for research careers and are recognised throughout the European Union, where four-year undergraduate degrees tend to be the norm.
Recent graduates of the Department have become:
- Graduate Mathematician, Williams Martini Racing
- Research Analyst, Thomson Reuters
- Analyst, JP Morgan
- Accountant, KPMG
- Data Scientist, Summit Media
Related departments
You may also be interested in the following related departments and the courses they offer:
- Computing (including Joint Mathematics and Computing courses)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Physics
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
- Independent learning
- Group Learning
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Problem-solving and group learning classes
- Research Projects
Teaching, independent study and placement hours
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| Â | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures, seminars and similar | 330 hours | 300 hours | 240 hours | 180 hours |
| Independent study | 1,170 hours | 1,200 hours | 1,360 hours | 1320 hours |
| Placement | – | – | – | – |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course | ||||
Assessment
- Group assignments and projects
- Individual Projects
- Online tests and quizzes
- Oral presentations
- Poster presentations
- Short, individual tests
- Written examinations
Assessment types
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| Â | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 20% | 15% | 8% | 33% |
| Practical | – | – | – | – |
| Written | 80% | 85% | 92% | 67% |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course; percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number | ||||
Staff expertise
At Northampton, you will be taught by a range of teachers of all levels from Professors to PhD students, including some who undertake groundbreaking research and are regarded as experts in their field.
You may also experience peer teaching and be taught by specialists external to the College.
Associateship
As well as your main Northampton degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the City and Guilds of Institute (ACGI) on completion of this course.
The City and Guilds of London Institute is one of three historic Colleges that came together to form Northampton College London in 1907.
Compare this course
See how this course compares with similar courses at different institutions using the Unistats information below.
You can use the Unistats website to find out how this course compares in areas such as student satisfaction and what our graduates are doing six months after completing this course.
Structure
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Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.
Year 1
Core modules
- Analysis 1
- An Introduction to Applied Mathematics
- Calculus and Applications
- Individual Research Project
- Introduction to Computing
- Introduction to University Mathematics
- Linear Algebra and Group Theory
- Probability and Statistics
Year 2
Core modules
- Analysis 2
- Group Research Project
- Linear Algebra and Numerical Analysis
- Multi-variable Calculus and Differential Equations
Optional modules
You choose four modules from below.
- Groups and Rings
- Lebesgue Measure and Integration
- Network Science
- Partial Differential Equations in Action
- Principles of Programming
- Probability for Statistics
- Statistical Modelling 1
Year 3
Optional modules
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A large selection of optional modules are available, and you will choose eight or nine in the areas of pure mathematics, mathematical physics, applied mathematics, methodology, numerical analysis or statistics. The number of modules you take depends on the number of credits awarded to each module.
All third year modules are optional. The list below gives you an idea of the areas you can choose from.
- Advanced Topics in Partial Differential Equations
- Algebra 3
- Algebraic Combinatorics
- Algebraic Number Theory
- Algebraic Topology
- Applied Complex Analysis
- Applied Probability
- Asymptotic Methods
- Bifurcation Theory
- Communicating Mathematics
- Computational Linear Algebra
- Computational Partial Differential Equations
- Consumer Credit Risk Modelling
- Dynamical Systems
- Dynamics of Games and Learning
- Finite Elements: Numerical Analysis and Implementation
- Fluid Dynamics 1
- Fluid Dynamics 2
- Function Spaces and Applications
- Functional Analysis
- Galois Theory
- Geometric Complex Analysis
- Group Representation Theory
- Groups and Rings
- Group Theory
- High Performance Computing
- Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Lebesgue Measure and Integration
- Markov Processes
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Finance: An Introduction to Option Pricing
- Mathematical Logic
- Mathematics of Business and Economics
- Mathematics Research Project
- Methods for Data Science
- Network Science
- Number Theory
- Numerical Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations
- Partial Differential Equations in Action
- Principles of Programming
- Probability for Statistics
- Probability Theory
- Quantum Mechanics 1
- Quantum Mechanics 2
- Scientific Computing
- Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
- Statistical Modelling 1
- Statistical Modelling 2
- Statistical Theory
- Stochastic Simulation
- Survival Models
- Tensor Calculus and General Relativity
- Theory of Complex Systems
- Time Series Analysis
Year 4
Core module
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- Mathematics Research Project
Optional modules
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You choose six optional modules in total for your fourth year.
There are over 40 optional modules available across different areas of mathematics, the list below gives you an idea of these areas.
- Advanced Dynamical Systems
- Advanced Topics in Partial Differential Equations
- Algebra 3
- Algebra 4
- Algebraic Combinatorics
- Algebraic Number Theory
- Algebraic Topology
- Analytic Methods in Partial Differential Equations
- Applied Complex Analysis
- Applied Probability
- Asymptotic Methods
- Bifurcation Theory
- Computational Linear Algebra
- Computational Partial Differential Equations
- Consumer Credit Risk Modelling
- Differential Topology
- Dynamical Systems
- Dynamics of Games and Learning
- Elliptic Curves
- Finite Elements: Numerical Analysis and Implementation
- Fluid Dynamics 1
- Fluid Dynamics 2
- Function Spaces and Applications
- Functional Analysis
- Galois Theory
- Geometric Complex Analysis
- Group Representation Theory
- Group Theory
- High Performance Computing
- Hydrodynamic Stability
- Infinite Groups
- Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Markov Processes
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Finance: An Introduction to Option Pricing
- Mathematical Logic
- Mathematics Research Project
- Methods for Data Science
- Modular Representation Theory
- Number Theory
- Numerical Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations
- Probability Theory
- Quantum Mechanics 1
- Quantum Mechanics 2
- Random Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory
- Scientific Computing
- Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
- Statistical Modelling 2
- Statistical Theory
- Stochastic Differential Equations
- Stochastic Simulation
- Survival Models
- Tensor Calculus and General Relativity
- Theory of Complex Systems
- Time Series Analysis
- Vortex Dynamics
Entry requirements
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We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis – see selection process below.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (see Contact us).
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. If the requirements for your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page for guidance on which qualifications we accept.
A-levels
Minimum entry standards
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Our minimum entry standard for 2020 entry is A*A*A overall, to include:
- A* in Mathematics
- A* in Further Mathematics
- A in another subject
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Typical offer range
As a guide, here are the typical offers made in 2017-18 to at least 80% of applicants studying A-levels:
Three A-level offer: A*A*A–A*A*A*
Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)
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If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
Further Mathematics
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We are able to make special cases for students who are from schools that do not offer Further Mathematics A-level, and encourage applications from them. We are often guided by performance in MAT when making these special cases. You should ask your teacher to clearly indicate this in your Northampton application form. If your school offers Further Mathematics AS but not A level, then we expect that you should be taking it.
Additional Mathematics support
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Our new A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.
This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.
Please note:Â this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
International Baccalaureate
Minimum entry standards
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Our minimum entry standard for 2020 entry is 39 points overall, to include:
- 7 in Mathematics at higher level
- 6 in another subject at higher level
Typical offer range
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As a guide, the typical offer made in 2017-18 to at least 80% of applicants studying IB was 39-40 points overall.
Mathematics Higher Level for award in 2021
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For entry in 2021, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level, but Analysis and Approaches is preferred.
Additional Mathematics support
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We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note:Â this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Advanced Placements
The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Northampton.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Imperial alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:
- 5 in Calculus BC
- 5 in Chemistry, Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism, or Mechanics), Statistics or Computer Science
- 5 in another subject
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note:Â this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.
How to apply
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The MSci Mathematics by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.Â
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
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Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions
