School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Statistics

UCAS tariff 112 - 128 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code G1G3
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

This course offers you an opportunity to combine your passion for mathematics with the latest statistical modelling and data analysis methods with many real-world applications. You will explore topics from familiar areas such as calculus, algebra and probability in a new and inspiring way, and extend your knowledge into more advanced topics such as statistical modelling and computer simulations, with applications in medicine and finance.

Mathematical sciences degrees

This is one of the suite of mathematics undergraduate degrees that we offer. You can find out more about the various options at the link below.

Opportunities available...

  • A scholarship scheme is available: for more information, see the 'Fees, costs and funding' section, below.

Supporting you to succeed

Explore profound and beautiful ideas and understand how they can be applied to the key challenges facing us today and tomorrow

Why Plymouth is an exciting place to study mathematics
Discover what its like to study mathematics at Plymouth and how it can provide a firm basis for a successful career.

Elizabeth Goult - BSc (Hons) Mathematics

Develop your skills, knowledge and confidence with a work placement
"Applying the technical skills learnt in my degree to real problems has been invaluable"

Develop your passion
Through her dissertation Emily discovered a passion for research which led to a prestigious health research pre doctoral fellowship.

Careers with this subject
Enjoy exceptionally good career prospects.
Graduates of this course have an excellent employability track record, securing roles as data analysts, statisticians, actuaries, software developers or scientific researchers.
Examples of recent employers include the NHS, the Oxford Clinical Trials Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, the Met Office and Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.

Key features
  • Learn with excellent research-active lecturers, who design clinical trials, collaborate with national and international health organisations, and provide consultancy to environmental organisations, medical practitioners and financial institutions.
  • Experience hands-on learning by working on real-life case studies provided by established companies including Babcock, BT and Plymouth Community Homes.
  • Gain high-level programming skills and become proficient in using state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical software including Python, R and Stan.
  • Benefit from being part of the close-knit, collaborative and supportive family that is Mathematical Sciences at Plymouth. This includes small group tutorials, study space next to staff offices, our lecturers’ open-door policy, student-led learning sessions and the Maths Society.
  • Enjoy new facilities – state of the art lecture theatres, computer laboratories, study and social spaces – in our £50 million teaching and research building.
  • Core modules are shared with BSc Mathematics, allowing the flexibility of easy transfer to our other mathematics degrees.
  • Meet the mathematics and statistics of sustainability and climate change in our Mathematics of Planet Earth module.
  • You will become a creative and analytical problem solver, able to discuss technical results with non-specialists. These are skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Learn the underlying mathematics that underpins the rest of your degree and master coding in the industrial software Python, right from the start. You’ll begin by building on the mathematical skills and topics you learnt at school, studying six core modules including calculus, linear algebra, numerical methods, pure mathematics, and probability. We’ve structured the curriculum so that all of our students acquire a common mathematical expertise, so you’ll also have the flexibility to move between courses as you progress.

    Core modules

    BPIE113
    Stage 1 Mathematics Placement Preparation 0 credits

    The route to graduate-level employment is found easier with experience. These sessions are designed to assist students in their search for a year-long placement and in their preparation for the placement itself. Such placements are optional but strongly recommended.

    MATH1701
    Mathematical Reasoning 20 credits

    This module will introduce the basic reasoning skills needed for the development and applications of modern mathematics. It also introduces Python as a new tool for exploring and applying mathematics to real world problems. The importance of logical thinking will be investigated in various mathematical topics. This will include fundamental properties of prime numbers, their random generation and use in cryptography.

    60% Coursework

    40% Tests

    MATH1702
    Calculus 20 credits

    Calculus underpins mathematical modelling in science, finance and industry. This module gives students the ability to calculate accurately and efficiently. Key results are proven and calculus is extended to higher dimensions through partial differentiation and multiple integration. The methods covered in this module will be used by students throughout the rest of their degree.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MATH1703
    Linear Algebra 20 credits

    Vectors and matrices are fundamental in mathematics, and central to its applications in statistics, physics, data science, and engineering. This module develops practical skills in handling vectors and matrices, explores the mathematical structure of linear spaces, and elucidates their deep connections with analytic geometry.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MATH1704
    Analysis and Group Theory 20 credits

    In this module we explore two fundamental areas of pure mathematics. Analysis provides a rigorous foundation of calculus, while group theory introduces important algebraic structures that are used in many branches of pure mathematics and their applications. A rigorous approach will be taken in both topics, with emphasis on proof. Python will be used to illustrate and investigate cutting edge applications.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    MATH1705
    Probability 20 credits

    An understanding of uncertainty and random phenomena is becoming increasingly important in daily life and in the modern workplace. The aim of this module is to develop the concept of chance in a mathematical framework. Random variables are introduced, with examples involving some common distributions, and the concepts of expectation, variance and correlation are investigated using mathematical tools.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MATH1706
    Numerical Methods 20 credits

    In mathematics, solving most real world problems requires the use of computers. This module introduces computational mathematics and algorithms . Students will use mathematical software interactively and write programs in Python. The numerical methods which underlie industrial, scientific and financial applications will be studied.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

  • Year 2

  • Study core topics including statistics and statistical modelling, advanced calculus, analysis and ordinary differential equations. You will also have a case study-based introduction to operational research and Monte Carlo techniques.

    Core modules

    BPIE213
    Stage 2 Mathematics Placement Preparation 0 credits

    These sessions are designed to help students obtain a year-long placement in the third year of their programme. Students are assisted both in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    MATH2701
    Advanced Calculus 20 credits

    In this module the geometrical and dynamical concepts needed to describe higher-dimensional objects are introduced. This includes vector calculus techniques and new forms of integration, such as line integration. Students also explore the relationships between integration and differentiation in higher dimensions. We apply advanced calculus to problems from areas such as mechanics and electromagnetism.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH2702
    Statistical Inference and Regression 20 credits

    This module provides a mathematical treatment of statistical methods for learning from the data abounding in the modern world. Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing are studied. Methods of estimation are explored, focusing on the maximum likelihood method. The module demonstrates the underlying theory of the general linear model. Applications are implemented using the professional statistical software, R.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH2703
    Algebra and Transforms 20 credits

    This module introduces mathematical structures called rings and fields, which capture properties of objects such as integers, real numbers or polynomials. These structures are used to explore error-correcting codes for data transmission. Calculus is used to introduce Laplace and Fourier transforms, and Fourier series. They are applied to solve differential equations and uncover identities involving irrational numbers.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH2704
    Differential Equations 20 credits

    Differential equations are used to describe changes in nature. This module introduces methods to find exact solutions to ordinary differential equations, and numerical solutions to ordinary and partial differential equations. Extensive use will be made of computational tools. The behaviour of higher dimensional systems will be analysed using the theory of continuous dynamical systems.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH2705
    Operational Research 20 credits

    This module gives students the opportunity to work on open-ended case studies in Operational Research (OR) and Monte Carlo methods, both of which play an important role in many areas of industry and finance. Students work both on their own and in teams to develop expertise in Operational Research and programming. They will refine their presentation and communication skills, so enhancing their employability.

    75% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    MATH2706
    Complex Analysis and Vector Calculus 20 credits

    This module explores fundamental relationships between dimensionality and integration. Vector integration theorems for circulation, vorticity and divergence are introduced and vector calculus is applied to real-world examples, such as classical mechanics and orbital dynamics. The mathematics of complex numbers and functions are studied, revealing deep results with applications throughout mathematics.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • Take an optional but highly recommended paid placement year. Your placement will provide valuable professional experience, enhancing your employability and making your CV really stand out. Previous placement with world renowned companies have included the Fujitsu, GlaxoSmithKline, Vauxhall Motors, Liberty Living, Eli Lilly and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

    Core modules

    BPIE331
    Mathematics and Statistics Placement 20 credits

    A 48-week period of professional training is spent as the third year of a sandwich programme while undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain experience of how mathematics is used in a working environment, to consolidate their previous study and to prepare for the final year and employment after graduation. Recent placement providers include GSK, the Office for National Statistics, NATS (air traffic control) and VW Group.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

  • Final year

  • Choose between several different project modules in mathematics, statistics or both, or opt to gain experience of teaching in a school. You will meet a wide range of statistical techniques, including medical and Bayesian statistics. You can also study a broad set of mathematical topics from partial differential equations to optimisation. After graduating, you’ll have the skills and experience needed to begin your career, or to take a research degree – often including funded places on MSc's in medical and financial statistics.

    Core modules

    MATH3702
    Statistical Data Modelling 20 credits

    We study statistical models, including regression and the general and generalised linear models. We estimate model parameters in the classical and Bayesian inference frameworks, using R and Stan software. We describe related computer techniques, including computational matrix algebra and Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. We work with multiple data sources using state-of-the art data handling tools.

    100% Coursework

    MATH3710
    Medical Statistics 20 credits

    This module equips students with the skills to plan and analyse clinical trials, including crossover and sequential designs, and to perform sample size calculations. The principles of meta-analysis are introduced. Epidemiology is studied, including case-control and cohort studies. Survival analysis is covered in detail. Students gain experience with computer packages that are used in health and medicine.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    Optional modules

    COMP3003
    Machine Learning 20 credits

    This module introduces machine learning, covering unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning from a Bayesian perspective. This includes theory behind a range of learning techniques and how to apply these representations of data in systems that make decisions and predictions.

    100% Coursework

    COMP3008
    Big Data Analytics 20 credits

    The key objective of this module is to familiarise the students with the most important information technologies used in manipulating, storing and analysing big data. Students will work with semi-structured datasets and choose appropriate storage structures for them. A representative of recent non-relational trends is presented—namely, graph-oriented databases.

    100% Coursework

    MATH3701
    Partial Differential Equations 20 credits

    This module deepens students’ understanding of partial differential equations and applies them to real world problems. It provides a variety of analytic and numerical methods for their solution. It includes a wide range of applications such as transport, heat diffusion, wave propagation and nonlinear phenomena.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH3706
    Industrial Placement 20 credits

    This module provides an opportunity for final year students to gain experience of applying mathematics in a professional environment. Students can carry out a placement in a wide variety of areas, including data science, finance, management, research, and software development. As part of this, they develop a range of skills that considerably increase future employment opportunities.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    MATH3707
    Relativity and Cosmology 20 credits

    This module introduces the basic concepts of special and general relativity, such as the Lorentz transformations, time dilation, and the curvature of space-time. These ideas help students to understand the basic concepts of modern cosmology, including the standard model of the expanding universe (FLRW model) and its extensions using dark matter and dark energy.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    MATH3708
    Modelling and Numerical Simulation 20 credits

    Simulations and modelling are crucial tools that support industrial research and innovation. Students will learn to analyse mathematical models and develop programs to solve them. They will investigate algorithms and discuss their performance. Students will code and run numerical programs on a high performance computer. These forward-looking skills are highly sought after by many employers.

    100% Coursework

    MATH3709
    Optimisation, Networks and Graphs 20 credits

    Optimisation and graph theory are related branches of mathematics with applications in areas as diverse as computer science and logistics. Graphs are used to capture relationships between objects, while optimisation studies algorithms that search for optimal solutions. This module provides both the theory and modern algorithms, including those used in artificial intelligence, required to solve a broad range of problems.

    100% Coursework

    MATH3712
    Mathematics of Planet Earth 20 credits

    Students work in small groups to research problems directly related to sustainability and the protection of the environment, so addressing some of the most serious problems faced by humanity. This can involve the solution of mathematical, statistical, computational, industrial or economic problems, or challenges in renewable energy engineering. Students present their conclusions orally and in a professional report.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

    MATH3713
    Project 20 credits

    In this module, students perform individual independent research into a topic in Mathematical Sciences, or Mathematics Education. Students choose a subject to explore in depth, which they are particularly interested in, and receive regular advice and feedback from an expert supervisor. The outputs of the project are a dissertation and a presentation. This module is an ideal preparation for progressing to further study.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    MATH3714
    School Placement 20 credits

    This module provides an opportunity for final year students to gain experience in teaching and to develop their key educational skills by working in a school environment for one morning a week over both semesters. Students typically progress from assisting in the classroom to teaching a starter activity over the academic year.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    MATH3704
    Fluid Dynamics 20 credits

    In this module, students will learn how to use mathematics to model a variety of fluid flows. Fluid flow problems are described mathematically as ordinary or partial differential equations. These equations are then solved and the results interpreted for a mixture of theoretical and practical examples of both inviscid and viscous fluid flows. Applications from environmental and industrial modelling will be studied.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
112-128 points, to include a minimum of 2 A levels, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. (Pure Maths, Pure and Applied Maths, Maths and Statistics, Maths and Mechanics are also accepted as they are considered the same as the Maths A Level). Excluding General Studies.
We do not run an unconditional offer scheme but may make personalised, lower offers to selected candidates.
BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM to include a distinction in a mathematics unit: individual interview/diagnostic test will be required.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. This information enables us to process your application quickly and avoid delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 level 3 credits with at least 12 Level 3 credits at distinction in Mathematics including a unit introducing calculus, plus, GCSEs: English and Maths at a Grade C/4.
International Baccalaureate
30 overall to include 5 at Higher Level mathematics.
Other qualifications are also welcome and will be considered individually, as will be individuals returning to education, email maths@plymouth.ac.uk
Students may also apply for the BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Foundation Year. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees automatic progression to the first year of any of our mathematics courses.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024 the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to Parliamentary procedure. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Discover mathematics with statistics

Maths PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Scheme)
Studying mathematics with statistics
Mathematics with statistics offers high level mathematical and statistical theory with a wide range of applications and often using real-world data.
Maths teaching session
Supporting you to succeed
You are supported by an open door policy, a personal tutor system, peer assisted learning and much more.
Exterior of Babbage building
Babbage Building: where engineering meets design
A state-of-the-art space to inspire creativity and collaboration on our campus.

  • 6In the 2024 National Student Survey, 100% of our final year students said that ‘Staff are good at explaining things’.*

  • rAccredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications

BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics – graduate success stories

Featured modules

Featured module: Data modelling centered
Statistical data modelling
Recent coursework in this module has involved fitting models to COVID-19 cases, comparing engine performance under different environmental conditions, and using historic data to assess how life expectancy has increased over time.
Featured Module: Financial Statistics
Financial Statistics
This module mainly considers two important practical applications: the development of financial trading strategies for single assets and the development of portfolio management strategies for multiple assets.
Featured module: Operational research and Monte Carlo Methods
Operational research
In this module you will work on an open-ended case study inspired by real-life problems and developed in cooperation with companies such as Babcock International.
Maths featured module - ordinary differential equations
Differential equations
Did you know that the differential equation which describes the change in price of stock market options is, in disguise, the same equation that describes how heat diffuses through materials?
Maths featured module mathematical reasoning
Mathematical reasoning
Understand how your credit-card details are kept secure when you shop online and the amazing maths behind it.
Zener. Maths featured module real and complex analysis
Real and complex analysis
Based on the ideas of analysis this module introduces the notions of convergence and divergence and hence allows the study of trends in sequences of numbers and data.

Mathematical and statistical modelling of disease spread

In this video Dr Julian Stander discusses exponential and logistic growth in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Mathematics videos

What it is like to carry out a final year project. Edward Evans talks about his final year project on Fermat’s Last Theorem.

2nd year student Dhru Shah shows you how to prove that sine squared plus cosine squared equals one for an arbitrary angle, theta.

Mathematics student Jonathan Ong shows that the ratio of the long edge to the short edge of sheets of A-series paper is the square root of two.

Current student – Megan Summers

“I have just finished my second year studying BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics. The mathematics studied at Plymouth covers a wide range of topics from computer programming to statistical modelling. The course so far has been challenging, enjoyable and interesting. The range of teaching techniques used, such as lectures, tutorials and computer lab sessions, keeps the course interesting and interactive. The lecturers and staff provide great support if you need further help inside and outside of the timetabled sessions. As one of my final year modules, I have chosen to do a summer placement. This has allowed me to apply the maths I have learnt to real life at the same time as improving my employability skills.”
Megan Summers Maths and Stats quote

People

  • Lecturer in Mathematics
    Programme Manager, Applied Mathematician
  • Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics
    Final Year Tutor, Otto Hahn Medal winner
  • Lecturer in Theoretical Physics
    Mathematical Sciences Employability Lead, Member HPQCD collaboration
  • Lecturer in Data Science/Statistics
    First Year Tutor
  • Lecturer in Statistics
    Mathematical Sciences Employability Lead
  • Head of School and substantive Professor of Mathematics
  • Lecturer in Pure Mathematics
    Admissions Tutor for Mathematical Sciences
  • Associate Professor in Mathematics
    Pure Mathematician
  • Associate Head of School (UG Education)
    Lead of the Plymouth GPU Research Centre
  • Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics
    High Performance Computing Unit Director, Associate Member CERN theory group
  • Lecturer in Applied Mathematics/Theoretical Physics
    Foundation Year Programme Manager
  • Associate Professor in Theoretical Physics
    Theoretical Physicist, Member User Forum of the UK Central Laser Facility
  • Visiting Professor
    High Performance Computing Lead, Associate Member CERN theory group
  • Lecturer in Mathematics Education
    Senior Personal Tutor, Mathematics Education Lead
  • Associate Professor in Mathematics and Statistics
    Senior Fellow of the HE Academy
  • Lecturer in Mathematical Sciences
    Applied Mathematician
  • Associate Head of School (Resources)
    Programme manager, MSc Health Data Science and Statistics
  • Emeritus Professor
    First Year Tutor, Professor of Theoretical Physics

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.