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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.

   

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

    3 years

    full-time

    ECTS: 184.5 – 185.5

    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

     

      Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
    Lectures, seminars and similar 330 hours 300 hours 240 hours
    Independent study 1,170 hours 1,200 hours 1,260 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

      Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
    Coursework 20% 15% 19%
    Practical
    Written 80% 85% 81%
    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

       

    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

       

    • Linear Algebra and Numerical Analysis
    • Analysis 2
    • Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations
    • Group Research Project
    • Partial Differential Equations in Action

    Optional modules

        

    You choose three modules from below.

    • Groups and Rings
    • Lebesgue Measure and Integration
    • Probability for Statistics
    • Statistical Modelling 1
    • Network Science
    • Principles of Programming
    Year 3

    A large selection of optional modules is available, and you will choose eight or nine, including modules specifically required for your stream of study. The number of modules you take depends on the number of credits awarded to each module.

       

    Required modules

     

    You will need to choose five ‘required modules’ in total to graduate with an Applied Mathematics/Mathematical Physics degree.

    • Advanced Topics in Partial Differential Equations
    • Applied Complex Analysis
    • Asymptotic Methods
    • Bifurcation Theory
    • Computational Linear Algebra
    • Computational Partial Differential Equations
    • Dynamical Systems
    • Dynamics of Games and Learning
    • Finite Elements: Numerical Analysis and Implementation
    • Fluid Dynamics 1
    • Fluid Dynamics 2
    • Function Spaces and Applications
    • Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
    • Mathematical Biology
    • Mathematical Finance: An Introduction to Option Pricing
    • Mathematics Research Project
    • Methods for Data Science
    • Numerical Solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations
    • Quantum Mechanics 1
    • Quantum Mechanics 2
    • Scientific Computing
    • Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
    • Tensor Calculus and General Relativity
    • Theory of Complex Systems

     

    Optional modules

     

    Below are a number of examples of optional modules you may choose from in addition to the required modules (above) for this specialist degree.

    • Algebra 3
    • Algebraic Combinatorics
    • Algebraic Number Theory
    • Algebraic Topology
    • Applied Probability
    • Communicating Mathematics
    • Consumer Credit Risk Modelling
    • Functional Analysis
    • Galois Theory
    • Geometric Complex Analysis
    • Group Representation Theory
    • Group Theory
    • Groups and Rings
    • High Performance Computing
    • Lebesgue Measure and Integration
    • Markov Processes
    • Mathematical Logic
    • Mathematics of Business and Economics
    • Network Science
    • Number Theory
    • Principles of Programming
    • Probability for Statistics
    • Probability Theory
    • Statistical Modelling 1
    • Statistical Modelling 2
    • Statistical Theory
    • Stochastic Simulation
    • Survival Models
    • Time Series Analysis

    Entry requirements

           

    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

        

    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)

         

    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

        

    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

        

    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: 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

        

    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

        

    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

        

    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

       

    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: 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: 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

      

    The BSc Mathematics with Applied Mathematics/Mathematical Physics  by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year. 

    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

      

    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
    • 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