Mathematics

The School of Mathematics at Bristol is a world-leading centre of research, with active research links to other university departments as well as to outside bodies, such as the Heilbronn Institute. Our research informs our teaching and, as well as gaining a firm grounding in broad areas of mathematics, you will also have the opportunity to take units in topics related to the cutting edge of research, taught by world leaders in their subjects. You will also be able to study advanced topics of modern mathematics in depth in final-year projects.

Mathematics courses

Single honours

Joint honours

Why study Mathematics at Bristol?

The School of Mathematics offers several courses based on a wide range of units. This allows movement between courses and gives great flexibility. All six Single Honours courses share the same first year with some slight variation for those taking Mathematics with Study in Europe. This lays a firm foundation for your studies and informs your choice of units in later years.

From year two you are able to specialise and can choose from a rich variety of units available. Some units, Financial Mathematics and Maths in Schools, are aimed at a very specific career path; others, such as Probability 3 or Mechanics 3, offer advanced studies in familiar topics; while others, such as Random Matrix Theory or Quantum Information, allow the study of new and exciting topics that reflect our strong research base.

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will guide you through your degree. Assessment will be by examination at the end of each year.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Our courses would suit students with excellent skills in mathematics and a willingness to work hard to master new areas. You will have a keen interest in the subject both for its inherent interest and for its applications to practical problems.

How is this course taught and assessed?

The course is mainly taught and assessed by lectures and standard examinations, although there is a component of project work. An increasing number of units also have a component of continuous assessment.

What are my career prospects?

Our graduates are highly sought after by employers. Being a Mathematics graduate and a graduate of Bristol are both very marketable attributes. A significant number continue further study for a postgraduate degree before pursuing a career in research or teaching. Many graduates find employment in accountancy, finance, management and other areas of the economy.