Newcastle University

Mathematics BSc Honours
UCAS Code: G100 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

Our three-year Mathematics BSc Honours degree provides a thorough grounding in the ideas and techniques of modern mathematics and statistics.

At the same time, it is sufficiently flexible to allow those who wish to specialise in a particular area the opportunity to do so.

We focus on three core areas:

• Pure mathematics, which involves problems associated with mathematical structures
• Applied mathematics, which investigates theoretical models of real world systems, expressed in the language of differential equations. Such equations are used to model, for example, fluid flow (eg the flow of air over an aircraft wing) and dynamical systems and chaos theory (used to model global and local atmospheric conditions)
• Statistics, which involves finding order where there is, at first sight, only randomness. Statistical techniques are constantly finding new uses, such as in the detection of long-term changes in the environment, the analysis of DNA structure, or in quality assurance

You have the flexibility to tailor the combination of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics content to suit your interests.

There is also some flexibility at each Stage to choose topics from other areas of the University, for example, accounting, music, a foreign language or another science.

Quality and ranking

The quality of the mathematics and statistics study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall student satisfaction score of 92% in the 2013 National Student Survey.

Teaching and assessment

Research in the School of Mathematics and Statistics spans applied mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics. Within these areas, we explore topics such as:

• fluid mechanics
• cosmology and quantum gravity, focusing on the big bang and fundamental physics
• group theory
• applied probability, focusing on stochastic financial modelling
• stochastic systems biology, focusing on understanding genetic networks and cellular systems

Our degrees are taught using a combination of lectures, problem classes, tutorials, practical computer classes, computer-based assessments, data collection and analysis, and drop-in sessions.

We assess your performance in each module through a combination of assignments (many of which take place online) and examinations. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module; more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Flexible degree structure

Studying mathematics and statistics builds on the knowledge you have gained at school/college. Some topics will be familiar and others will be completely new.

All of our mathematics and statistics degrees follow a common core of modules at Stages 1 and 2. These common modules are designed to equip you with the key skills and knowledge that all mathematicians and statisticians need.

They include topics such as:

• analytical geometry
• modelling with differential equations
• foundations of analysis
• vector calculus
• probability
• linear algebra

They constitute a significant proportion of your time in the early Stages of your programme. This provides you with a solid foundation on which to build more specialist knowledge later in your degree, as well as making it relatively easy to transfer between degrees within the School.  

Learning technologies

We have excellent computing facilities and make extensive use of IT to support teaching, preparation and revision, including:

• computer-based exercises with instant review of model solutions
• problem-solving video tutorials
• recording system for video capture of lectures, which you can download and watch again to help with your revision

The School also has a dedicated mathematics and statistics library and reading room that complements the wealth of resources available through the main University Library Service.

School of Mathematics and Statistics

Study at Newcastle and you will become part of the School of Mathematics and Statistics in the Herschel Building. 

We run an induction programme for first-year students including social events to help you to get to know your fellow students and the members of staff who will be teaching you. We also have a ‘buddy scheme’, which begins before you even arrive at the University.

As well as the support of a personal tutor, you will be encouraged to join our extremely active student society, MathSoc. MathSoc organises a range of social events throughout the year to help you get to know people on your course and beyond.

Visit the School's website to take a virtual tour of the Herschel Building, which is on the central campus and a two-minute walk from the city centre.