Mathematical sciences

Explore profound and beautiful ideas and understand how they can be applied to real-world challenges
Shot of a young man writing on a whiteboard while students look on
As a student of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Plymouth, you will explore profound and beautiful ideas and understand how they can be applied to the key challenges facing us as we progress further into the 21st century. At the same time you will develop both your logical and creative thinking. This combination of skills is one of the reasons why mathematicians are so valued in today's economy. Learn in a research rich environment, supported by active researchers in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Theoretical Physics, with strong national and international links.

Undergraduate study

We offer a range of Mathematics degrees, including Mathematics with other subjects. These courses feature a common first year so you acquire a mastery of the fundamental skills that characterise a mathematician. This also permits great flexibility: as your knowledge and understanding deepens, you are able to follow your interests and, if you wish, transfer between our mathematics degrees.
Mathematics students in Plymouth regularly provide very positive feedback on our programmes. Plymouth’s Mathematical Sciences department is currently ranked 1st in the country for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide and was placed 2nd for satisfaction with teaching in the 2025 Guardian League Tables.

Which undergraduate course?

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BSc (Hons) Mathematics
Whether you are drawn to the exhilaration of solving problems, the beauty of an elegant or unexpected result, or the power and adaptability to model the world around us, studying mathematics at Plymouth trains you to think systematically and creatively.
teacher writing on the chalkboard/blackboard during a mathematics class. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Education
A specialist pathway available to BSc (Hons) Mathematics students. An ideal preparation for a career in mathematics teaching, this course also prepares you for the many careers where high-level mathematical skills and communication of ideas are essential.
Many of our students go on to work in the City of London and other financial centres, including careers in accountancy, actuarial science (modelling risk), quantitative analysis as well as in commercial and merchant banking.
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance
A specialist pathway available to BSc (Hons) Mathematics students. As well as thorough mathematical training, you will be introduced to the structure of the financial world through modules in financial institutions and markets, and investment management.
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BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Computer Science
Explore the beauty of mathematics in familiar areas such as calculus, algebra and probability, and extend your skills into computing-intensive topics such as artificial intelligence, fluid dynamics, high performance computing and machine learning.
There are very many job opportunities for statisticians. Google’s Chief Economist said that “I keep saying the sexy job in the next ten years will be statisticians.“ Statistics is applicable to almost every field, which is why a famous statistician also said "The best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone's backyard."  
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics
Gain key statistical knowledge and skills to build data fluency that is valued by employers. Your skills could provide innovative solutions to real-world problems in business, information technology, engineering, finance, medicine, biology and psychology.
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BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics
Acquire a deep insight into modern theories of nature using powerful mathematical techniques. This degree will provide you with the necessary mathematical language to be able to describe, analyse and predict natural phenomena.

BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Foundation Year

Do you have a passion to study mathematics, but lack the normal entry requirements for one of our honours degrees? Perhaps you've shown evidence of good academic potential, but don’t have sufficient qualifications or have been out of formal education for a while. This four year degree route incorporates a foundation year, which will develop your skills in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and some computer programming.

Discover more about the course

Many objects in nature, from blood vessels in your body to flowers and vegetables, take on a fractal structure. These mathematical structures are investigated in your degree.

Why Plymouth?

Postgraduate study

We offer a range of postgraduate study opportunities including taught masters and research degrees, delivered in a research active environment where 78% of research outputs were graded as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the REF, 2021.

Discover our range of postgraduate programmes and research opportunities

stock market
MSc Data Science and Business Analytics
Stethoscope on top of charts, graphs and spreadsheet papers.
MSc Health Data Science and Statistics
financial stock market graph illustration ,concept of business investment and stock future trading.
PhD Mathematics and Statistics
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ResM Mathematics and Statistics

What we offer....

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Centre for Mathematical Sciences

School of Computing and Mathematics Graduation 2016.

Mathematical sciences staff directory

Mathematics with education students working on outreach as part of the Mathematics Enrichment Project

Mathematical sciences outreach

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
Athena SWAN Silver Award logo