Mathematics and Statistics BSc

Mathematics is the language of science and statistics is a branch of mathematics that involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in a scientific manner. Used to discover patterns in data for predicting and forecasting as well as to solve complex problems and make decisions, statistics is a key tool within the areas of natural and social science as well as government and business.

Demand for qualified statisticians continues to come from both the public and private sectors, with particular emphasis on finance, insurance, technology, science, research and development, data analytics and IT. Once you have graduated with a degree in mathematics and statistics, the career options available are both varied and rewarding.

Studying a mathematics and statistics degree at Leeds will enable you to develop a range of core mathematical skills as well as qualifying you to collect, analyse and present data in a scientific and objective manner. This course will enhance your logical thinking, problem solving and decision making – all of which are skills that are highly valued by employers.

Here at Leeds, we understand the importance mathematics has in everyday life, which is why we have one of the largest mathematics research departments in the UK which shapes the curriculum. This will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills and experience you need to begin your career in this highly valued specialism.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our School’s globally-renowned research feeds into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as pure and applied mathematics, statistics and financial mathematics.
• Learn from expert academics and researchers who specialise in a variety of mathematical areas.
• Academic staff provide you with regular feedback and advice throughout your degree, with small tutorial groups supporting the teaching in the first year.
• Access excellent facilities and computing equipment, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.
• Broaden your experience and enhance your career prospects with our industrial placement opportunities or study abroad programmes.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society MathSoc where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events and join the MathSoc football or netball team.

Accreditation

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

The School of Mathematics at Leeds has a successful history of delivering courses accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). This means our mathematics courses have consistently met the quality standards set by the RSS.

As we are reviewing our curriculum, we are currently seeking reaccreditation from the RSS.

We are currently reviewing our curriculum as part of a university-wide process. As a result, we are unable to publish module information for this course at this time. The information below provides an overview of what you’ll study and our approach to teaching and assessment. We will update this page as soon as the changes are confirmed. Read more in our terms and conditions.

This content was last updated on 3 April 2023.

This degree offers opportunities to study a broad range of topics within mathematics, with a strong focus on statistics. Our academic staff have extensive research interests, which is why we are able to offer a wide choice of up-to-date module options. You will graduate as a multi-skilled mathematician, perhaps with particular expertise in an area of interest or with the training necessary to work in a particular industry.

Discovery modules are available in years 2 and 3 of your degree, as long as you’re taking enough credits of your own subject for that year.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Year 1

The first year of your course will introduce you to the main branches of mathematics and statistics. You’ll develop a solid understanding of these core areas, which will provide you with the necessary background knowledge you require to explore more advanced topics later in your programme. You'll study key mathematics topics, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability and statistics. The wide range of subjects you'll explore at this stage allows you to define what areas of mathematics and statistics really interest you.

Year 2

During your second year, you’ll continue your learning of core mathematics concepts. Topics covered are likely to be analysis, groups and vector spaces, vector calculus, computational mathematics and differential equations. You’ll also study statistical and probability modules covering topical subjects such as Markov processes, as well as core statistical methods.

Year 3

In your third year, at least half of your credits will be on statistical topics. You’ll have the freedom to study optional modules from a wide range of pure and applied mathematics topics. You’ll also undertake an in-depth project on a statistical or mathematical subject. In this project you’ll develop vital skills in carrying out independent research. There are several topics that your project can relate to and you’ll be able to choose a topic which interests you.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught through lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. You’ll enjoy extensive tutorial support and have freedom in your workload and options.

We offer a variety of welcoming spaces to study and socialise with your fellow students. There are social and group study areas, a library with a café and a seminar room, as well as a Research Visitors Centre and a Mathematics Active Learning Lab.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series
• What Does it Mean to be Round?
• Fractals – What, How, Why?

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics

AAA/A*AB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics plus Further Mathematics, or AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in AS Further Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers the EPQ, IPQ or ASCC we may make an offer of AAB/A*BB including a minimum of grade A in Mathematics, plus A in EPQ/IPQ/Welsh Bacc ASCC.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Normally only accepted in combination with grade A in A Level Mathematics or equivalent.

• BTEC

  BTEC qualifications in relevant disciplines are considered in combination with other qualifications, including grade A in A-level mathematics, or equivalent

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3 D3 M2 or D2 M1 M1 where the first grade quoted is in Mathematics OR D3 M1 M2 or D2 M2 M2 including Further Maths where the first grade quoted is Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  17 points at Higher Level including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics (Mathematics: Analytics and Approaches is preferred).

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though mathematics must be presented at Advanced Higher level. Typically AAAABB Including grade A in Advanced Higher Mathematics.

• Other Qualifications

  We also welcome applications from students on the Northern Consortium UK International Foundation Year programme, the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, and other foundation years with a high mathematical content.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer: ABB including A in Mathematics and pass Access to Leeds OR A in Mathematics, B in Further Mathematics and C in a 3rd subject and pass Access to Leeds.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with a Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component, or IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any one component, depending on other qualifications present. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £27,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Mathematical skills are highly valued in virtually all walks of life, which means that the employment opportunities for mathematics and statistics graduates are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 10 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2023, High Fliers Research.

Qualifying with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations needed to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries and sectors, including:

• Research and development
• Banking and finance
• Asset management and investment
• Teaching
• Data analysis
• Consultancy
• Government

The numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills you'll develop, as well as your specialist subject knowledge and your ability to think logically, are highly valued by employers. This course also allows you to develop the transferable skills that employers seek.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Medical Statistician, NHS
• Statistician, Nestle
• Senior Actuarial Associate, PwC
• Risk Analyst, SkyBet
• Statistical Analyst, Office of National Statistics
• Consultant Statistician, AstraZeneca
• Category Management Analyst, Accenture
• Business Intelligence Engineer, Amazon
• Financial Analyst, American Express
• Audit Associate, Deloitte
• Senior Credit Risk Analyst, HSBC
• Senior Actuary, KPMG
• Retail Analyst, Emma Bridgewater

Careers support

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Sales Analyst, The FDM Group
• Industrial Placement Student, Deloitte LLP
• Corporate Assistant, Moore & Smalley
• Reporting and Data Enablement Internship, Nike
• Corporate Finance Intern, BHP
• Technical Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group
• Operations Analyst, Tracsis Rail Consultancy
• Data Scientist, Department for Work & Pensions

Find out more about Industrial placements.