BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with a Placement Year

This is a four-year full-time degree, which includes an integrated placement year between your second and final year.

The programme combines rigorous mathematics training with core computer science education, giving students strong foundations in both disciplines. It is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), which is useful if you plan to pursue professional mathematics qualifications.

Curriculum — Mathematics + Computer Science

Mathematics core topics:

• Calculus, linear algebra, probability & statistics, differential equations.

• Logic and problem-solving — essential for both pure mathematics and computational thinking.

Computer Science & Computing Skills:

• Programming (imperative/object-oriented, e.g., Python or Java).

• Advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, virtual reality.

• Software, data analytics, system modelling, and high-performance computing tools.

Later years allow elective modules in either mathematics or computer science, so students can focus on pure maths, applied maths, data/computation, or software/tech depending on career interests.

Experiential Learning & Placement

• Year-long placement (Year 3): Work in industry (IT, software development, data analysis, modelling, finance, tech, etc.) to apply knowledge in real-world settings.

• Placement support: The university provides guidance to secure opportunities, prepare CVs, and get interview-ready.

• Facilities: Dedicated computer labs, workstations with Windows and Linux, high-performance computing infrastructure, VR systems, and a broad software ecosystem for mathematical and computational work.

• Tutorials & personalised support: Small-group tutorials and access to lecturers ensure help with both maths and computing. The department’s research-led teaching exposes students to advanced topics and real research practices.

Skills and Career Readiness

Graduates gain:

• Strong dual competency in mathematics and computing.

• Industry experience from the placement year, enhancing employability.

• Technical and computational fluency with programming languages, data tools, and modelling software.

• Flexibility to tailor the degree toward pure maths, applied maths, data/computation, or computer science.

• Pathways to professional qualification (e.g., Chartered Mathematician) and postgraduate study.

Who This Programme Is Best For

• Students who want to combine mathematics and computer science.

• Those who value industry experience before graduation.

• Students looking for flexible electives in maths or computing.

• Individuals seeking supportive learning with small tutorials and excellent facilities.

• Students who want options for postgraduate study or technical careers in tech, finance, analytics, or research.

With a BSc combining Mathematics and Computer Science plus a Placement Year, you would graduate with strong analytical and computational skills, making you suitable for roles like Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Quantitative Analyst, Systems Developer, Machine‑Learning Engineer, Algorithmic Trading Analyst, or Business/Data Analyst. Because you merge deep mathematics with computing and get real‑world industry experience via the placement, you’d be well-equipped for both technical and data-driven jobs, as well as roles requiring mathematical modelling and programming.

What the Degree Offers (Curriculum, Skills & Employability Features)

• Dual strength in mathematics and computing — You study core mathematics (calculus, algebra, probability/statistics, modelling, analysis) along with computer science modules (programming, algorithms, data structures, possibly software engineering, computational methods). This combination gives you both theoretical and practical computational tools.

• Placement Year for real-world experience — A full-year placement in industry (tech companies, finance firms, data analytics consultancies, software houses, research labs, or other organisations) provides workplace exposure, application of what you learned, professional contacts, and a strong CV boost before graduation.

• Flexibility to work across sectors — The mix of mathematics + computing + experience means you aren’t tied to one industry — you could work in tech, finance, data science, analytics, software, engineering, research, consulting, or business intelligence.

• Develop both problem-solving and coding/technical skills — You get training in abstract mathematical thinking and logical reasoning, and also in practical coding, software development, data handling, algorithmic thinking — a combination very attractive to modern employers.

• Strong employability and adaptability — Because of the combination, you have a wide skill set that’s relevant across evolving job markets (big data, AI/ML, fintech, software, analytics), which also opens up more career paths than a more specialized degree alone.

Further Academic or Professional Progression

After finishing such a degree, you could:

• Pursue a master’s or PhD in data science, computer science, applied mathematics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computational finance, or operations research.

• Enter graduate-level jobs in software development, data science/analytics, algorithmic trading, quantitative finance, operations research, or analytics consulting — often with higher starting roles because of the placement experience.

• Work toward specialised / technical careers combining computation and maths — such as ML engineer, data engineer, research scientist, quantitative modeller — where both coding and mathematical depth are required.

• Consider diverse industries: tech firms, finance, fintech, research labs, engineering firms, analytics consultancies — giving flexibility if your interests evolve.