BSc (Hons) Mathematics Bachelor's degree at the University of Reading
BSc (Hons) Mathematics at University of Reading covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Mathematics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Reading. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Mathematics graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Mathematics, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Real Analysis ICompulsory
Module details
Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.
- CalculusCompulsory
Module details
Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order, and learn programming with mathematical applications.
- Foundations of MathematicsCompulsory
Module details
Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at university-level. You'll focus on the concept of sets, functions and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.
- Linear AlgebraCompulsory
Module details
Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of linear and inner-product spaces.
- Mathematical CommunicationCompulsory
Module details
Discover the importance of expressing mathematical and statistical concepts and results clearly, logically and concisely, and how to implement basic problem-solving strategies – including those in data science.
- Probability and StatisticsCompulsory
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Understand probability and probability distributions, and techniques for statistical inference and data science – such as regression and hypothesis testing.
Year 2 10 modules
- Differential EquationsCompulsory
Module details
Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You'll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations and Laplace's equation.
- AlgebraCompulsory
Module details
Understand the concepts of abstract algebra, including groups, rings and fields and the connections between them.
- Mathematical Modelling and Professional SkillsCompulsory
Module details
Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You'll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.
- Real Analysis IICompulsory
Module details
Expand your understanding of mathematical analysis to cover continuity of functions, integration and differentiation. You will learn important topics in analysis of one variable and in several variables.
- Mathematical Methods and Physical ApplicationsOptional
Module details
Discover how vector calculus and variational principles are applied to various areas of physics, such as classical mechanics, elements of electromagnetism and diffusion.
- Numerical Analysis IOptional
Module details
Describe, analyse and implement numerical methods for problems in continuous mathematics, including solution of linear equations and nonlinear scalar equations, interpolation, scalar optimisation and solution of ordinary differential equations.
- Linear Models and Data AnalysisOptional
Module details
Gain understanding of the most common models, including multiple linear regression and completely randomised designs, and explore the key principles of planned experiments. Learn how models are applied to practical problems and gain experience of real-life data analysis.
- Probability and Statistical TheoryOptional
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Uncover the interplay between probability theory and fundamental areas of mathematics, and formulate general real or abstract problems in a probabilistic model. Interval estimation and hypothesis testing are also developed.
- Climate Change: Causes and ConsequencesOptional
Module details
Examine the causes and consequences of climate change, and ways of addressing climate risks through mitigation and adaptation.
- Preparing for Professional Placements Part 2Optional
Module details
This non-credit preparatory module builds your employability skills. It provides knowledge and tools for placements, applications, recruitment processes, interviews, assessments, and career exploration.
Year 3 14 modules
- Portfolio of ProjectsCompulsory
Module details
Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.
- Number Theory and CryptographyOptional
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Explore a range of topics within number theory and cryptography, including the RSA cryptosystem and error correcting codes.
- Asymptotic MethodsOptional
Module details
Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.
- Applied Stochastic ProcessesOptional
Module details
Learn how to solve problems using stochastic processes and concepts from a variety of applications, including molecular motion, population dynamics, weather and finances.
- Dynamical Systems and ApplicationsOptional
Module details
Learn about the analysis of dynamical systems and their applications to real-world problems. You'll explore systems of linear and nonlinear differential equations, and understand how they're applied to biological issues such as population growth, cell systems, and the spread of infectious diseases.
- Mathematical PhysicsOptional
Module details
Explore the core topics of mathematical physics, in particular Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
- Numerical Analysis IIOptional
Module details
Learn how to develop and analyse a range of numerical methods for the solution of problems of continuous mathematics (including partial differential equations) and techniques in numerical linear algebra. You'll also learn how to implement methods using Python.
- Advanced Statistical ModellingOptional
Module details
Learn how to fit and interpret generalised linear models, and learn approaches to dealing with repeated measurement data. You'll develop an understanding of which models are likely to be appropriate in different situations.
- Methods of Machine LearningOptional
Module details
Gain familiarity with the range of unsupervised and supervised methods used in statistical machine learning, and learn how these are used in research and industry. You'll have the opportunity to implement machine learning methods using statistical software and interpret and communicate your findings.
- Summer PlacementOptional
Module details
Gain experience applying for, and completing, a summer work placement or internship with an employer.
- Groups and Galois TheoryOptional
Module details
Continue your study of finite groups and apply your knowledge to the subject of Galois Theory, which examines the conditions under which polynomial equations can be solved using elementary algebraic operations.
- Topics in Pure and Applied MathematicsOptional
Module details
Study the theory of integral equations, numerical methods for their solution, and their applications – including in meteorology. You will also study the theory of linear water waves and examine a range of phenomena, including reflection, refraction, group velocity and shallow water waves.
- Fintech and CryptocurrenciesOptional
Module details
Discover Fintech, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, and gain insights into their implementation and the challenges faced by businesses.
- Complex AnalysisOptional
Module details
You will be introduced to complex analysis, which is the theory of differential function on the complex plane and with complex values.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study pure mathematics and applied subjects through a structured progression. Year 1 typically covers foundational material: calculus and analysis, examining limits and series rigorously; linear algebra, which explores vectors, matrices and transformations; and probability and statistics. In Year 2, you'll usually move to deeper theory, real and complex analysis, abstract algebra covering groups and rings, and differential equations with modelling of real systems. Year 3 introduces specialist options such as pure mathematics, statistics and data, financial mathematics, applied and modelling, operational research, or an actuarial pathway. You'll typically also study numerical methods and computation, and undertake independent project work or advanced topic modules.
Who it's for
This course suits those with strong mathematical foundations. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariffs of 112–127 points among recent entrants. You should be prepared for rigorous theoretical study alongside practical application and independent research. The course is designed for students aiming to develop specialist expertise in mathematics and related fields.
Careers & job market
Across Mathematics courses nationally, 89% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled work or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £27,000–£34,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,925–£36,600 after three years and £32,300–£45,600 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate labour market rather than outcomes specific to this institution. First-year retention stands at 89% across the student body.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree at the University of Reading, taught in English. The University of Reading is a university founded in 1892, located in Reading. The degree is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body with national recognition. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code G100). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Reading →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Mathematics graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £30,000 – £38,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £30,500 | £23,500 – £39,500 | 135 |
| 5 years after | £39,000 | £28,500 – £49,500 | 145 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in mathematics · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Mathematics nationally
National figures for Mathematics graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Mathematics courses at the same study level.
Compared with 421 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Mathematics graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Mathematics graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Banks & insurers
- Consultancies
- Government statistics
- Tech companies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Mathematics graduates.
Mathematics Expert - 34877TuringMathematics Academic Mentor (Secondary School)Ribbons and Reeves LimitedMathematics Graduate Get into IT and Data Analytics Royston HertsProxime LimitedMathematics Department Lead for Strategic ExcellenceSupply Star Recruitment LimitedMathematicsHaysIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 91.1% · in work or study 90% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Reading
Mathematical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Reading
1,062 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Mathematics right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Reading from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £26,850 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Reading’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Reading and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Reading
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Common questions
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