Mathematics BSc

The Mathematics BSc at Sussex is an engaging three-year single-honours degree that builds your core mathematical knowledge and sharpens your analytical skills while showing how maths tackles real-world problems like modelling disease spread or analysing data patterns. You’ll work closely with experts in a supportive environment where theory meets practice, and you’ll graduate ready for careers in analytics, technology, finance, research, and beyond.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll immerse yourself in the basics of higher mathematics with modules such as Analysis 1 & 2, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Linear Algebra 1 & 2, Discrete Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, and Number Theory. This foundation builds your logical reasoning, mathematical proof skills, and computational confidence, giving you the tools you’ll use throughout your degree.

Year 2:
In the second year, you expand into deeper mathematical ideas with subjects like Algebra, Calculus of Several Variables, Ordinary Differential Equations, Differential Equations with Modelling, Numerical Analysis, Real Analysis, and Probability and Statistics. These courses help you understand how mathematics describes change, uncertainty, and complex systems in both theory and application.

Year 3:
Your final year lets you apply what you’ve learned and choose from exciting optional topics alongside a core Partial Differential Equations module and a Maths Matters Project. You might take options such as Applied Numerical Analysis, Financial Mathematics, Cryptography, Machine Learning and Statistics for Health, Introduction to Mathematical Biology, Monte Carlo Simulations, or Computing for Data Analytics and Finance — tailoring your degree to your interests and career goals while developing your research, modelling, and problem-solving skills.

Focus areas: Core mathematical theory, advanced problem-solving, computational techniques, applied analysis, probability and statistics.

Learning outcomes: Develop deep analytical reasoning, quantitative modelling abilities, and confidence with computational tools such as Python, R, and MATLAB; produce independent research and solve complex practical challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The degree meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician designation from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications when paired with appropriate professional experience.

Reputation (employability rankings): Sussex’s mathematical sciences research was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent, and the department ranks in the UK’s top 10 for student satisfaction in mathematics teaching.