Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most rigorous of intellectual disciplines, concerned with the study of structure, quantity, pattern and change using logical reasoning and precise language. It underpins virtually all of the natural sciences, provides the language of modern physics, chemistry and engineering, and increasingly drives advances in economics, biology, computer science and social science. At the same time, it retains a beauty and intrinsic interest that make it compelling to study in its own right.

At the University of Southampton you will study topics that span pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and operational research, developing abstract and structured thinking alongside technical capability in a wide range of mathematical areas. The curriculum covers territory as varied as modern cryptography, black hole modelling and complex financial problems, reflecting the extraordinary range of contexts in which mathematical ideas find application. The programme runs over three years full time and builds progressively from foundational principles to advanced work in your chosen areas, developing the independent mathematical thinking that is the hallmark of a well-trained mathematician.

Mathematics graduates are consistently among the most employable of all science graduates. Finance and insurance are major employers, particularly in actuarial, risk and quantitative analysis roles. Technology companies recruit mathematicians into data science, machine learning and software engineering.

Consultancy, government statistics, operational research, cryptography and scientific computing are further areas of employment. Teaching is a well-established route for those who want to share mathematical thinking with the next generation. Postgraduate study in mathematics, statistics, financial mathematics, data science or a related field is a natural further step for those who wish to deepen their expertise or pursue research.