This is an archived page and for reference purposes only
Mathematics is important to the modern world. All quantitative science, including both physical and social sciences, is based on it. It provides the theoretical framework for physical science, statistics and data analysis as well as computer science. Our programmes reflect this diversity and the excitement generated by new discoveries within mathematics that affect not only the technicalities of science but also our general understanding of the world in which we live.
Overview
The programmes share a common core of Mathematics at Stage 1, and then move on to cover abstract, analytical and computational techniques that give you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as non-linear differential equations, computational algebra and geometry, financial mathematics, forecasting, design and analysis of experiments, inference and stochastic processes.
For all of School of Mathematics and Actuarial Studies programmes there is an additional programme with the option to spend a year on work placement in industry (see 'Related to this course' below).
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, 93% of Mathematics students were satisfied with the overall quality of their course.
Course structure
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching amounts to approximately 16 hours of lectures and classes per week. Modules that involve programming or working with computer software packages usually include practical sessions.
The majority of Stage 1 modules are assessed by end-of-year examinations. Many Stage 2 and 3 modules include coursework which normally counts for 20% of the final assessment. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your final degree result.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- equip students with the technical appreciation, skills and knowledge appropriate to a degree in mathematics and statistics
- develop students’ facilities of rigorous reasoning and precise expression
- develop students’ abilities to formulate and solve mathematical problems
- encourage an appreciation of recent developments in mathematics and statistics and of the links between theory and practical applications
- provide students with a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems
- provide students with an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work
- ensure students are competent in the use of information technology and are familiar with computers and the relevant software
- provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in mathematics, and statistics engage in research at some level, and develop communication and personal skills
- provide successful students with eligibility for certain exemptions from examinations of the Royal Statistical Society
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the core principles of calculus, algebra, mathematical methods, discrete mathematics, analysis and linear algebra
- statistics in the areas of probability and inference
- information technology as relevant to mathematicians
- methods and techniques of mathematics and statistics
- the role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning.
Intellectual skills
You develop your intellectual skills in the following areas:
- the ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of mathematics and statistics
- the calculation and manipulation of the material written within the programme
- the ability to apply a range of concepts and principles in various contexts
- the ability to use logical argument
- the ability to solve mathematical and statistical problems by various methods
- the relevant computer skills
- the ability to work independently.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-skills in the following areas:
- the ability to demonstrate knowledge of key mathematical and statistical concepts and topics, both explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems
- the ability to comprehend problems, abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in symbolic form so as to facilitate their analysis and solution
- the use of computational and more general IT facilities as an aid to mathematical and statistical processes
- the presentation of mathematical and statistical arguments and conclusions with clarity and accuracy.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following areas:
- problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information
- communication skills
- numeracy and computational skills
- information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources, including through on-line computer searches
- information technology skills such as word-processing, spreadsheet use and internet communication
- time-management and organisational skills, as shown by the ability to plan and implement effective modes of working
- study skills needed for continuing professional development.
Careers
Through your studies, you also acquire many transferable skills including the ability to deal with challenging ideas, to think critically, to write well and to present your ideas clearly, all of which are considered essential by graduate employers.
Recent graduates have gone into careers in medical statistics, the pharmaceutical industry, the aerospace industry, software development, teaching, actuarial work, Civil Service statistics, chartered accountancy, the oil industry and postgraduate research.
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | ABB including A in Mathematics (not Use of Mathematics). Only one General Studies and Critical Thinking can be accepted against the requirements. |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 16 at HL with Mathematics 6 at HL |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science offers a foundation year.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2016/17 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
The University of Kent is currently considering whether to increase its regulated full-time tuition fees for all returning Home and EU undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250 in September 2017. This would be subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses might also rise by 2.8%.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. For 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.