Mathematics - 2013 entry

BSc (Hons) - single
BA (Hons) / BSc (Hons) - combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)

Typical A-level offer: grades BBB (single honours) / BBC (combined honours) or equivalent

Recognised by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

Overview

This course is run by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics is an elegant and exciting subject encompassing structures and techniques which underpin science and technology. The mathematics courses at Oxford Brookes University focus on modern applications of the subject. Mathematics graduates have excellent career prospects and our courses enable students to develop key skills which are highly valued by employers.

If you choose Mathematics as a single honours course, you will develop a firm foundation in mathematics and statistics, then study mathematics in depth, with the opportunity to extend your skills in statistics.

If you enjoy mathematics but want to study it alongside another subject at degree level, the modular course structure at Oxford Brookes provides a choice of subjects with which to combine it. This gives you the flexibility to develop your mathematical skills and also to pursue your interests in your other discipline.

Teaching, learning and assessment

We use a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, problem-solving classes and group work, as well as guided reading and research. Lecturers will generally supply extensive handouts and booklets during sessions. Our experienced staff provide tutorial support in practical classes and on a one-to-one basis where required. You will also be able to access online educational materials through our virtual learning environment.

Coursework is an important element in assessment and is highly valued by students for the feedback it provides. Most modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and examination, although some rely solely on coursework. Assessment methods include individual work, group assignments, presentations and project work.

Learning outcomes

When you have successfully completed this course, you will have:

  • an understanding of the foundations, techniques, limitations and applications of selected areas of mathematics
  • the confidence to tackle mathematical problems and to formulate and analyse mathematical and numerical models
  • experience in the selection and use of mathematical software
  • enhanced ability to communicate within and across discipline boundaries, and to work independently and as a member of a team
  • a range of transferable skills in self-management, communication, problem-solving, information technology, and logical and analytical reasoning.

In addition, if you take the single honours course you will have an understanding of the foundations of statistics, some knowledge of statistical modelling and some experience in the use of statistical software.

In detail

Course content

During Year 1 you will develop essential knowledge and skills in pure mathematics, mathematical methods and mathematical modelling (and statistics in the single honours course).

In Year 2 and the final year on the single honours course, you will spend most of your time on mathematics but you will also have the opportunity to study some statistics. On the combined honours course, modules in mathematics are complemented by those in your other field of study. Throughout the course we will encourage you to acquire and develop your computing abilities through the extensive use of up-to-date mathematical (and, for single honours, statistical) software.

As courses are reviewed regularly the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here.  Some modules will be compulsory.

Year 1

For single honours

  • Applied Probability
  • Statistical Inference
  • Algebra and Calculus (double)
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Basic Survey Methods
  • Modelling and Computation
  • Word-Processing and Spreadsheet IT skills

For combined honours

  • Algebra and Calculus (double)
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Applied Probability
  • Modelling a Computation
  • Word-Processing and Spreadsheet IT skills

Year 2 and final year

For single honours

  • Graph Theory
  • Further Discrete Mathematics
  • Numerical Analysis I
  • Geometry
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis II
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Applied Algebra
  • Independent Study in Mathematics
  • Mathematics Project (double)
  • Mathematics for Decision Making
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Linear Algebra and Analysis I
  • Linear Algebra and Analysis II
  • Honours Topics in Mathematics (double)
  • Time Series Analysis
  • Sampling and Surveys
  • Communicating Statistics
  • Simulation and Modelling Linear Regression Models
  • Linear Regression Models
  • Honours Topics in Statistics
  • Medical Statistics

For combined honours

  • Simulation and Modelling
  • Linear Algebra and Analysis I
  • Linear Algebra and Analysis II
  • Graph Theory
  • Further Discrete Mathematics
  • Numerical Analysis I
  • Geometry
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis II
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Applied Algebra
  • Honours Topics in Mathematics
  • Independent Study in Mathematics
  • Mathematics for Decision Making
  • Mathematics Project (double)
  • Mathematics Interdisciplinary Project

Work placements

It is possible to study combined honours Mathematics as a four-year sandwich course, the third year being spent in supervised work experience. This is possible if you are combining Mathematics with certain subject areas such as computing.

Study abroad

Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Key facts

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Professional accreditation

The single honours course and our honours degree courses in which Mathematics is combined with Statistics have been recognised by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). These courses will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when they are followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master's degrees.

Course length

Full-time: 3 years, or 4 years with a work placement
Part-time: up to 8 years

Teaching location

Wheatley Campus

Start date

September 2013

UCAS code

G100 BSc/AM

Fees / funding

Tuition fees

The fees shown are for the academic year 2012/13. The fees for 2013/14 have yet to be set, and are likely to increase.

UK/EU students

Full-time: £9,000

Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.

International students

Full-time: £11,000

Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk

Funding and scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see:

Apply / Entry reqs

Typical offers

A-level: grades BBB (single honours) / BBC (combined honours) or equivalent

IB Diploma: 32 points, to include at least a 6 in Standard Mathematics (single honours). 31 points, to include at least 6 in Standard Mathematics (combined honours).

Advanced Diploma: grade A, including A-level Mathematics at grade B minimum (single honours). Grade B, including A-level Mathematics at grade B minimum (combined honours).

BTEC National Diploma with two distinctions and one merit PLUS grade B minimum in A-level Mathematics (single honours). BTEC National Diploma with one distinction and two merits PLUS grade B minimum in A-level Mathematics (combined honours).

For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offer quoted for each subject.

Specific entry requirements

A-level: grade B minimum in Mathematics

GCSE: grade C minimum in English Language

Please also see the university's general entry requirements.

English language requirements

Please see the university's standard English language requirements.

English language requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

How to apply

Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Conditions of acceptance

When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Credit transfer

Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.

Student experience

Why Oxford is a great place to study Mathematics

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.

One of the world's great academic cities, Oxford is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects. It is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. A bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, Oxford has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.

Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.

Specialist facilities

You will have access to excellent computer facilities. The department is located in modern buildings with its own networks of computers and has full use of the university's PC networks. We emphasise the importance of developing computer skills and give our students many opportunities to use specialist software packages during their course.

General support services

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Accommodation

At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.

After graduation

Professional accreditation

The single honours course and our honours degree courses in which Mathematics is combined with Statistics have been recognised by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). These courses will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when they are followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught master's degrees.

Career prospects

Recent research has shown that graduates in mathematical disciplines enjoy one of the highest earning potentials of all graduates. Employers recognise that mathematical knowledge and skills are essential to the solution of many current problems, not only in science and technology but also in business and commerce.

As well as using their knowledge directly in scientific research and teaching, graduates in Mathematics go on to develop careers in accountancy, computing, actuarial, market research or management work where they can use their numeracy and skills such as problem-solving and statistical modelling. Many of our graduates also progress to postgraduate study, both MSc and PhD.

Graduates in Mathematics are particularly well equipped for a career in information technology and related areas. For example, demand is strong for graduates capable of developing error-free software that is mathematically based and also for those who can exploit sophisticated software and technology effectively.

As mathematics is a National Curriculum subject, a combined or single honours mathematics degree will equip you to proceed directly to a teaching qualification. Mathematics is still a shortage subject in the teaching profession so employment prospects are excellent.