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
- 2023
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 'Introduction to Mathematics Teaching' 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.
Related Courses
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.
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 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 for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
- Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
- Relevant work experience
AND
- GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
- IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)
AND
- GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above
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.
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.
Discover the Keele difference
Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.