Mathematics - BSc (Hons)
From modelling fluid flows to interpreting medical trials, our research active staff will guide you through a carefully crafted curriculum - arming you with a skill set flexible enough to pursue a wide variety of careers.
Year of entry
- 2024
Course type
- Single Honours
UCAS code
- G100
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Mathematics at Keele University?
Course overview
Mathematics can be related to almost every aspect of the world we live in. This is why our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of the discipline, so you can apply these principles to the real world.
Year one
The first year of the programme will carefully explore the core areas of mathematics, including calculus, algebra. Furthermore particular attention will be given to making sure you have a solid foundation in mathematical methods and techniques. We will train you to think logically, construct rigorous proofs, introduce useful mathematical structures and think in abstract terms. You will also have the flexibility to choose an optional module in an area suited to your interests.
Year two
Your understanding of the core areas of mathematics are built upon in years two and three with streams of modules in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. To help develop the skills employers are looking for, you will also learn the programming language Python and understand how mathematics is used in a professional environment.
Year three
In year three you will have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your personal interests by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules. This is a great way to apply your mathematical skills, problem solving prowess and logical thinking to fascinating advanced topics like fluid mechanics, mathematical biology, cryptography and financial mathematics. You may also choose to work on a final year project where you can unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired throughout your studies to a particular topic or problem in mathematics or statistics.
Teaching related module
If you are interested in entering the teaching profession after graduation, you may have the opportunity to study our teaching related module in your third year of studies. This will provide you with the principles of the teaching of mathematics linked to current educational practice (includes time spent in school on work placement), subject to availability.
Gain work experience
We understand the importance of producing graduates ready for the workplace or further study. Paid or voluntary experience in your area of interest will not only demonstrate your commitment and passion, but will also enable you to make meaningful connections by networking with experts in the field. From placements and a year working in industry to paid internships, summer research projects and practical modules, there are many opportunities available throughout our programme to enhance your employability.
Support
Our student-centered ethos underpins all that we do and we are proud to be ranked Top 10 for Student Satisfaction in the National Student Survey, 2021. To help you meet your academic and personal needs, we offer a multi layered support structure. You will have access to an academic mentor and dedicated member of staff from the Student Experience and Support team.
Learning tools and resources
To support your learning you will find a breadth of material and resources available on Keele's virtual learning environment (KLE). Modules, post notes, problem sets and solutions can be found online and most will have videos, either captured from the lectures or bespoke recordings.
International year
You may choose to spend a year studying abroad with a wide variety of partner institutions. Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also demonstrates your ability to embrace new experiences whilst developing your independence and cultural awareness.
Pathways
In addition to a variety of optional modules available in every year of your studies, we have specialised pathways that enable you to focus in the areas of applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and mathematics with statistics. If you choose one of these bracketed degrees, you will gain recognition in the title of your final award. We also recognise that your aspirations and interests in the field of mathematics may develop as you are exposed to the diverse themes throughout the programme. With this in mind, we offer you the opportunity to transfer between our programmes during year two of your studies. This gives you the time and space to find your passion. Transfer also applies to our four-year integrated master's programme (depending on individual performance).
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to mathematics is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for mathematics and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.
Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
As a university and as a school, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This means we aim to create a diverse and inclusive culture in which you can thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our programme, and The School of Computer Science and Mathematics are proud to hold a school-level Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition for activities in this area.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This course is accredited by the IMA.
This course will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
ACC / BBC in three A Levels including B in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Engineering.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Maths A Level.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels: Engineering and Manufacturing.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
644 / 554 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any), or 29 points including 5 in Maths (any).
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
112 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Maths-related content, including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including Maths Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Maths Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths Advanced Higher.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
70% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 65% from four subjects including 70% in Maths in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects including 75% in Maths in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.4 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
12 in the French Baccalaureate including 13 in Maths, or 11.5 in the International Option Baccalaureate including 12 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong - Diploma
443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
75% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and 70% in Calculus and Vectors.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
443 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Calculus (either).
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBC in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBC in three subjects in the STPM including B in Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBC in three H2 Levels including B in Combined Maths.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
70% overall with 7 in Chemistry and 7 in Maths (5 period) or Physics.
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English Language Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
Studying Mathematics at Keele
"I have immensely enjoyed every aspect of my maths degree and Keele enhanced that experience in every way. The maths department at Keele went above and beyond to support me during my studies and prepared me for professional life after university. The variety of additional opportunities offered at Keele have also contributed towards making me a well-rounded individual with a range of diverse experiences."
"One of the best things about the Mathematics course at Keele is the wide range of modules on offer, which allow you to tailor your degree to give you the appropriate skills for whatever you wish to do after your degree. Doing a Mathematics degree also provides you with many transferrable skills such as learning to organise an argument in a structured way and explaining your ideas in an accessible way. "
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Mathematics degree. For example, the Foundations of Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics) module introduces you to the applications of mathematics to mechanic/physical situations as well as to statistical techniques used widely across the whole curriculum and in research. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester one modules
| FYO-00187 | Academic Skills for Computer Scientists and Mathematicians | 15 credits |
| FYO-00223 | Foundations of Applied Mathematics (Mechanics and Statistics) | 15 credits |
| FYO-00217 | Foundation of Mathematical Methods | 30 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00229 | Advancing Mathematical Methods | 30 credits |
| FYO-00233 | Advancing Applied Maths and Computing - Making Decisions | 15 credits |
| FYO-00235 | Advancing Applied Maths and Computing - Logic, Codes & Cryptography | 15 credits |
Entry requirements
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
How to apply
Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Foundation Year (UCAS code G101) through UCAS at www.ucas.com
Direct entry students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.