Mathematics and Computer Science

Mathematics and computer science are disciplines with a deep and productive relationship. Computer science is built on mathematical foundations: algorithms are proved correct or bounded in time using mathematical reasoning, cryptography depends on number theory, machine learning rests on linear algebra and probability, and the theoretical limits of computation were established by mathematicians before the first computers existed. Studying them together gives you a perspective on each that would be harder to achieve studying either alone, and it produces graduates with both the formal precision of mathematical thinking and the practical engineering skills of computing.

At York, this four-year programme develops your mathematical and computational abilities in parallel, covering topics that are core to each while exploring the rich territory where they intersect. You will study areas such as algorithms and data structures, software engineering, formal methods, and programming languages on the computer science side, alongside analysis, algebra, probability, and statistics in mathematics. A sandwich year in industry and a work placement are built in, giving you professional experience that allows you to apply your combined skills in a real technical environment and to develop the professional judgment that employers value alongside technical knowledge.

Graduates from mathematics and computer science programmes are among the most sought-after in the technology and related sectors. Roles in software development, cryptography and security, data science, quantitative finance, machine learning engineering, systems architecture, and academic research are all natural destinations. The combination of mathematical depth and computing skill is particularly valued in roles that require both theoretical understanding and the ability to build and reason about complex systems.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in computer science, mathematics, or related fields.