Charlotte Sandell

Charlotte Sandell studied Mathematics BSc and chose to study mathematics at Leeds as it offers a diverse range of optional modules.

Since graduating

“I was lucky enough to leave university with a job offer in data analysis for NHS Digital. In between my second and third year, I did an internship at NHS Digital, and was introduced to the world of data and analytics. This helped me build up my skills in analysis, and in coding, which I had a bit of experience in from compulsory modules in my second year. I then continued working there part-time alongside my studies in third year and secured a permanent position after finishing my course.”

Why Leeds?

“The University of Leeds not only offers a brilliant course in mathematics, but also offers a diverse range of optional modules. Since I didn’t know which area I wanted to specialise in, I was able to take modules such as the mathematics of music, and cosmology, as well as pure maths and statistical modules. 

Alongside these, the University of Leeds offers discovery modules which can be from completely unrelated courses, enabling me to take a sustainability module, a French module and medical technology futures module, all of which have helped broaden my education and taught me different transferrable skills.” 

Experiences at Leeds

Joining a society was one of the best things I did whilst being at university. Being part of a sport taught me to juggle busy training schedules alongside studying and gave me the opportunity to be on a committee.

“Joining a society was one of the best things I did whilst being at university. Being part of a sport taught me to juggle busy training schedules alongside studying and gave me the opportunity to be on a committee. This has helped me develop many workplace skills and has given me lots of great examples to use in job interviews. I spoke to the employability team in my second year, who helped me with my CV, which meant I was in a competitive position when I applied for summer internships.”

Student life

“I joined the University of Leeds Boat Club in my first year, having no prior experience rowing. I was elected to the committee as social secretary during my second and third year. I also joined the university wind orchestra in first year.”

Advice to future students 

The individual maths project, which is compulsory in third year, is also a really fun opportunity to research an area you are particularly interested in and produce a final report to showcase your work.

“If you’re unsure which area of maths you want to specialise in, take advantage of the variation in modules available. I would also really recommend taking discovery modules in your second and third year in order to widen your knowledge which is great for employability.

The individual maths project, which is compulsory in third year, is also a really fun opportunity to research an area you are particularly interested in and produce a final report to showcase your work. I loved being able to see a project through from start to finish, and know that no other person in my cohort had covered the same area as me – I was the specialist!”

Find out more about our Mathematics BSc here.