Overview
Ranked no.4 in London for student satisfaction in mathematics by The Complete University Guide 2024.
Mathematics is a fundamental subject that is critical to our understanding of the world. Through the study of mathematics you’ll advance your problem solving skills, develop your reasoning and increase your analytical thinking. This is why mathematics forms a basis to so many careers. Yes – it is a discipline in its own right, but it is also the thinking behind countless commercial, industrial and technological activities. Mathematical models underpin engineering, the applied sciences, computing and many aspects of management today.
The Mathematics BSc programme is broad-based, meaning that you’ll develop your skills across a wide range of areas. You will study many aspects of pure and applied mathematics, together with general concepts of mathematical modelling. When it comes to the application of mathematics, we cover finance, statistics, operational research (how maths can be applied to commercial and industrial problems), numerical analysis (the approximate solution of very hard problems) and mechanics.
Follow the four-year ‘Professional Placement’ degree programme and you‘ll benefit from our extensive experience in helping students to find well-paid work placements with blue-chip companies. Our sandwich students find that their mathematical and transferable skills are in demand in many sectors, both in the UK and abroad.
Areas recently offering placements include: accountancy, aviation, banking, defence, finance, insurance, IT (software development, network management and design), management (public and private sector), marketing and telecommunications.
In your final year, you’ll be able to study in-depth the areas of mathematics that particularly appeal to you. For example, you can choose to concentrate on statistics or financial applications or you can maintain a broad approach to the subject as a whole.
At Brunel we understand that you may not be ready to choose exactly what programme to follow, so don’t worry – you’ll have the chance to change your area of mathematics after the course starts.
This programme 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 master's degrees.
Course content
At Brunel we aim to make your transition into the university style of learning as easy as possible. So in the first few weeks of Level 1 you’ll start your learning in small groups of about 20 students. During your first year you’ll learn how to apply your mathematical knowledge to the real world.
By Level 2 you’ll be learning through lectures, seminars and in computer labs, and an individual piece of course-work will account for one third of Level 3.
You’ll be able to select from a large number of projects covering a wide range of mathematical areas and applications. Your project will be supervised by a staff member. You’ll emphasise real applications or abstract theories, using theoretical and/or computational tools. If you’ve completed a placement you will be able to choose a project associated with your work experience. Examples of project titles are:
- The very famous ‘travelling salesman problem’ (also known as ‘the lazy waiter’!);
- Simulations of iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma and game theory
- The mathematics of complex networks such as the web or Facebook
- Applications of statistics to the Premier League, police complaints data and climate change
Compulsory
- Fundamentals of Mathematics
Aims to manipulate mathematical expressions accurately, as well as recall and use mathematical formulae in areas of interest for Year 1. To develop skills in handling summation notation. To introduce students to fundamental results in mathematics. To develop an understanding of the need for rigour in definitions and proofs. To introduce the language of formal mathematics, in particular sets and functions.
- Calculus 1
Aims to familiarise students with the basic results, techniques and elementary functions of differential and integral calculus as well as some simple applications. To introduce students to rigorous definitions, arguments and proofs through many simple examples. To develop students’ manipulative skills in performing operations in differential calculus through work on many simple examples, including solution techniques of first order differential equations
- Calculus 2
Aims to further develop skills in differential and integral calculus and associated applications. To further develop students’ manipulative skills in performing operations in differential calculus through work on examples, including solution techniques of ordinary differential equations.
- Elements of Applied Mathematics 1
First of a pair of modules developing modelling skills. To develop a facility for mathematical modelling by examining a problem in its original form, extracting the principal features, formulating and solving appropriate mathematical models and interpreting the results in terms of the original problems. Problems will be chosen from a wide range of applications.
- Elements of Applied Mathematics 2
Second of a pair of modules developing modelling skills. Furthering a facility for mathematical modelling by examining a problem in its original form, extracting the principal features, formulating and solving appropriate mathematical models and interpreting the results in terms of the original problems.
- Linear Algebra
Aims to develop understanding and technical skills in linear algebra with a particular focus on systems of linear equations, vector and matrix algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, and diagonalization.vStudents will practise on large systems of linear equations using software.
- Probability and Statistics 1
Aims to introduce key notions of mathematical probability and develop techniques for calculating with probabilities and expectations: to lay the foundation of subsequent modules in probability and statistics. To obtain a solid grounding in some applications of probability and elementary statistical concepts, with applications. To develop skills in extracting meaning from data, presenting data graphically and summarising results in writing.
Compulsory
- Linear and Abstract Algebra
Aims to enlarge the set of technical tools of linear algebra and develop its applications to different problems, including construction and analysis of linear models. To introduce basic algebraic structures, concentrating on group theory. To exemplify their power, relevance and importance in real life applications.
- Calculus 3
Aims to develop ideas and methods of multivariable calculus, including Taylor series, extrema, the use of Lagrange multipliers, and the integration of functions of several variables. To understand the extension from single variable to several variables of basic concepts such as continuity and differentiability.
- Applied Statistics
Aims to introduce and consolidate the notions of single and multivariable probability. Introduce statistical tools and explain their use in extracting and/or inferring meaning from data. To introduce sampling and inference, along with confidence intervals and hypothesis tests.
- Scientific Computing
Aims to introduce the need for approximation in mathematics and/or statistics in the context of important pure and/or applied problems that cannot be solved exactly ‘by hand’. To introduce Computer Algebra as a tool for symbolic ‘exact’ computation as well as aid for approximation of otherwise intractable problems. To introduce the concept of simulation and its use in modelling.
- Probability and Statistics 2
Aims to further develop skills in continuous and multivariate probability. To impart an understanding of statistical concepts and applications. To develop skills in extracting meaning from data, using software, and presenting results. To develop the concepts of confidence intervals and hypothesis tests. To apply these concepts in a variety of situations and to interpret the results of these procedures.
- Professional Development and Project Work
Aims to develop skills required for planning and obtaining employment, whether it is an internship, a placement or a graduate job, in a field related to the student degree programme. To see the development of these skills as a continuing, managed, lifelong process. To apply techniques, methods, algorithms and/or theories to an applied problem cognate to your degree studies.
Optional
- Discrete Mathematics
Graphs serve as a background for many important problems in real world applications. This gives an understanding of this area of discrete mathematics, and develops a knowledge of graph theory applications. Also, to introduce operational research optimisation modelling and problem solving and, in particular, linear programming (LP) problems. To introduce algorithms for numerical optimisation and the modelling of random events.
- Statistical Programming for Data Analytics
Aims to develop the capacity to use a statistics programming language to perform computational statistics along with a variety of computational statistics methods to tackle mathematical and statistical tasks. In particular, to study some simple mathematical and statistical models, fit these statistical models to real data, make predictions from the models, and report the results.
Compulsory
- Final Year ProjectThis module aims to stimulate independent learning and critical thinking by the student, both as a means for studying their chosen topic and for approaching other real-life problems, to enable the student to plan and execute a major piece of work with limited input from a more experienced worker, and to give the student experience in the written communication of complex ideas and concepts and the presentation of a substantial piece of work.
Optional
- Complex Variable Methods and ApplicationsThis module aims to develop the students' ability to manipulate expressions involving complex quantities and to develop their understanding of analytic functions with representations involving contour integrals and series, and to enable students to evaluate certain definite integrals using contour integration.
- Encryption and Data CompressionThis module aims to familiarise students with techniques widely used in data encryption and compression, and to study mathematical and algorithmic issues and their implications for encryption and compression in practice.
- Ordinary and Partial Differential EquationsThis module aims to introduce students to the mathematics of differential equations; techniques of analysing such equations, and methods of solving them, exactly or approximately.
- Numerical Methods for Differential EquationsThis module aims to introduce numerical methods used to solve problems in financial mathematics, in particular option pricing, and implement them. Most examples treated will be taken from finance, but the module will be suitable for students mostly interested in advanced numerical methods, in particular finite differences algorithms used to approximate solutions of PDEs. The Matlab implementations of the algorithms will be an important part of the module.
- Stochastic ModelsThis module aims to introduce students to the concept of a stochastic process, so that they may develop an understanding of the theory underlying some of the standard models and acquire knowledge of methods of applying these models to solve problems. Students will further develop their general ability to think abstractly, to generalise, to formulate and structure stochastic problems, and to apply their knowledge of analytical and numerical mathematical techniques to solving a variety of problems in stochastic modelling.
- Decision Making in the Face of Risk
- Deep Learning
Within this module, an in-depth introduction will be provided to the area of learning using deep neural networks. A wide variety of the architectures of deep neural networks and their learning methods will be covered, including convolutional networks, recurrent networks, generative models and deep reinforcement learning etc. The main focus of the module is to develop students’ skill in analysing of problem requirements, applying appropriate deep learning methods to real-world problems, and evaluating the effectiveness of the adopted approach.
- Practical Machine Learning
- Experimental Design and Regression
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Career prospects for mathematicians are excellent. Maybe you want to pursue a career that specifically uses your mathematical or statistical skills or would prefer a more general career, such as management or consultancy. Either way, you’ll possess key skills that are highly sought after by businesses – in fact, any industry that uses modelling, simulation, cryptography, forecasting, statistics, risk analysis and probability.
Our combination of work experience and up-to-date teaching means that you will be well-equipped to follow the career you want after graduation.
These are some of the areas where a maths degree is valued highly:
- Finance: banking, accountancy, actuarial, tax, underwriter, pensions, insurance
- Medicine: medical statistics, medical and epidemiological research, pharmaceutical research
- Design: engineering design, computer games
- Science: biotechnology, meteorology, oceanography, pure and applied research and development
- Civil Service: scientists (‘Fast Stream’, DSTL, DESG), GCHQ, security service, statisticians
- Business: logistics, financial analysis, marketing, market research, sales oil industry, management consultancy, operational research
- IT: Systems analysis, research
- Engineering: aerospace, building design, transport planning, telecommunications, surveying.
UK entry requirements
2024/25 entry
- GCE A-level ABB-ABC, including grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM, plus A-level Mathematics or Further Mathematics at Grade A.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in any subject with an A-level Mathematics or Further Mathematics at grade A.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in any subject with A-levels grade AC including grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
- Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3 and A-level in Mathematics or Further Mathematics grade A.
- T levels : Merit overall and grade A in A level Maths
For Brunel Mathematics with an Integrated Foundation Year requirements, see the course pages.
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 and above are also required, to include Maths and English Language.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,260 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Lectures will primarily be delivered in-person on-campus, though some may be delivered online either as pre-recorded or live sessions. The expectation is that you will attend all timetabled on-campus lectures, and that online lectures will be viewed by you in advance of related on-campus activities.
Tutorials & discussion-based sessions will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. You will attend all timetabled on-campus or online tutorials.
Computing Labs will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. The expectation is that you will attend all timetabled on-campus or online computing labs and be provided with access to the specialised software required.
Support/resources: Learning materials for every module will be made available online, through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Assessments will be varied, and may include: CAA (computer aided assessment) tests, written coursework assessments (including software tasks), presentations (in-person or video presentations) and written examinations. You will be expected to attend assessments in-person on campus.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Mathematics at Brunel has an active and dynamic research centre and many of our lecturers are widely published and highly recognised in their fields. Their work is frequently supported by external grants and contracts with leading industry and government establishments. Lecturers are consequently at the frontiers of the subject and in active contact with modern users of mathematics. This means that you can be assured that our academics are teaching you a truly up-to-date degree and you’ll benefit from a wide range of expertise across the different areas of mathematics.
Your academics are always here to help and offer support. There are maths and numeracy workshops run throughout the year where you can seek support in linear algebra, complex calculus, LaTeX, MATLAB and more. You’ll also benefit from the extra support offered to you at our Maths Café. Here you can bring along any maths-related questions and receive one-to-one help in an informal setting.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
The ‘exams to coursework’ ratio is around 50:50 in Level 1, increasing to 70:30 in Level 3.
We base your final degree class on your performance at Levels 2 and 3. Level 3 carries twice the weight of Level 2. We run weekly essential skills tests to keep you up-to-date with the theory learnt in previous lessons so you’ll feel fully prepared for your exams.