Mathematics with Integrated Professional Training MMath (Hons)

I always have the support of the University and all the staff are very friendly and helpful, particularly with finding my placement. One of the main reasons that I chose Surrey was because it is one of the few universities that offered an integrated placement as part of the degree.

What you'll study

Mathematical expertise provides important insight for decision making in such diverse areas of business and industry as finance, medical science, digital communications and weather forecasting. Our Mathematics degrees are an excellent preparation for a career in these exciting fields.

Mathematics is a highly regarded discipline that both underpins contemporary life and is a fascinating subject in its own right.Skills learned through the study and application of mathematics often prove invaluable in solving the complex problems arising in today’s workplace, and it is no coincidence that Surrey Mathematics graduates are in great demand.

Our degrees provide you with an overview of the key theories and techniques that underlie modern pure and applied mathematics, as well as offering ample opportunities for in-depth study of specialised topics depending on your interests.

In addition to providing excellent employment prospects, our programmes open up many opportunities for further study.

Programme overview

This programme is a variation on the MMath degree that includes an integrated period of six to eight months of Professional Training. The first and second years are common with the BSc Mathematics programme. In the third year, students take four taught modules in the first semester. From January to August, students attend a professional placement at a higher level than placements for BSc programmes, requiring greater technical skill. The fourth year consists of further academic work, combining specialist MMath modules with BSc modules.

This programme has the advantage of combining the in-depth study of mathematics with the experience of working in a professional environment, all within a four-year period.

Year 1 (FHEQ Level 4)

In Year 1, we expect a good knowledge of core A-level pure mathematics. We do not require prior knowledge of statistics, applied mathematics or computing, as these are taught from scratch.

You will receive a firm grounding in a broad range of topics, and imaginative use is made of computer algebra systems, statistical packages and other software. During this year, it is possible to transfer between Mathematics and Mathematics with Statistics.

Mathematics modules include topics such as:

  • Calculus of Several Variables
  • Dynamics
  • Experimental Mathematics
  • Functions and Graphs
  • Matrices and Vector Spaces
  • Number Theory and Logic
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Sequences and Series

Year 2 (FHEQ Level 5)

In Year 2, all programmes provide essential foundations for later specialisation in various directions. Some degree programmes allow for choice between modules. Both theory and applications are covered, and your transferable skills are sharpened through solving problems and analysing data, using both specialist and general software.

Mathematics modules include topics such as:

  • Curves and Surfaces
  • Differential Equations
  • General Linear Models
  • Group Theory
  • Inviscid Fluid Mechanics
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Numerical and Computational Methods
  • Operational Research and Optimisation
  • Stochastic Processes

Year 3 (FHEQ Level 6)

In Year 3, the emphasis is on specialising to suit your particular degree programmes and personal interests by combining modules from mathematics, statistics, computing, economics, physics and music as appropriate.

From January to August, students attend a professional placement at a higher level than placements for BSc programmes, requiring greater technical skill.

Mathematics modules include topics such as:

  • Advanced Algebra
  • Bayesian Statistics
  • Chaotic Dynamics
  • Function Spaces
  • Galois Theory
  • Mathematical Ecology and Epidemiology
  • Mathematical Economics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical Methods with Financial Applications

Year 4 (FHEQ Level 7)

In Year 4, you will go deeper into advanced mathematics and related sciences in preparation for professional mathematical careers or research degrees. An important feature of the year is a substantial project that gives you a taste of undertaking and communicating mathematical research. Our students generally find this to be a demanding, although very enjoyable, experience.

Mathematics modules include topics such as:

  • Ecological and Epidemiological Modelling
  • Functional Analysis
  • Geometric Mechanics
  • Hamiltonian Dynamics
  • Hydrodynamic Stability
  • Lie Algebras
  • Measure Theory
  • Non-Linear Patterns
  • Symmetry Methods
  • Theory of Water Waves

Professional recognition

All our degree programmes are recognised by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Professional Training

Mathematicians are in demand in many areas of business and industry. The work which students are able to do on placement reflects this breadth, and may vary from operational research and computer programming in insurance or banking to analysing clinical trials or solving heat transfer and aerodynamic problems encountered in the atomic energy and aerospace fields.

We have excellent links with an extensive portfolio of companies and organisations. Recent employers include Deloitte & Touche, Intel, AXA Actuarial, Royal Sun Alliance, Lloyds TSB, GlaxoSmithKline, the NHS, the Department of Transport and HM Customs and Excise.

While on placement, you will be a paid employee of the training company. You will, however, also continue to be a member of the University and will be visited periodically by academic staff to track your progress and help ensure that you have a successful experience.

Teaching

Teaching is by a mixture of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions. Contact hours range from about 16 per week during Year 1 to about 12 per week during the final year. In Year 1, you will have weekly tutorial meetings with your academic tutor in small groups of five to six students.

We anticipate that each academic year will involve roughly 1,200 hours of study time, with contact hours occupying between a third and a quarter of this. The remaining time is used for private study, the completion of coursework and revision.

Assignments include exercises, case studies and projects, undertaken either as individual work or within small groups. We make imaginative use of state-of-the-art IT, and general and specialist software further enriches and enlivens the learning experience.

Assessment

In Year 1, performance is assessed through tests in each module and formal examinations at the end of each semester. In all other years, assessment is by a combination of coursework, class tests and end-of semester examinations. From these assessments, as well as from informal assignments, you will receive regular feedback that will allow you to gauge your progress and to make an informed choice of optional modules.

Career opportunities

Rather than ask which careers require mathematics, the question should probably be which careers do not. Not only are mathematics and statistics central to science, technology and finance-related fields, but also the logical insight, analytical skills and intellectual discipline gained from a mathematical education are highly sought after in areas such as law, business and management. Additionally, there is a strong demand for new mathematics teachers to meet the ongoing shortage in schools.

Many of our graduates start their careers with some of the most sought-after employers. Recent employers include BAE Systems, Lloyds TSB Group, Skandia Life, Friends Provident, Logica CMG, UniChem, Generics UK, Thames Water, the Civil Service, QinetiQ and Liverpool Victoria Insurance.

As well as being designed to meet the needs of future employers, our degree programmes also give you a solid foundation from which to pursue further study in mathematics or scientific research. Around a quarter of our recent graduates have gone into postgraduate education, either to obtain a teaching qualification or to read for a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD.

Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.

Entry requirements

What qualifications do you need?

A-level

A-level grades AAA (or AAB if A-level Further Mathematics is included)

We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking in our offers.

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

DDD (in an appropriate subject, with a supporting A-Level in Mathematics at grade A)

European Baccalaureate

76% (including 8 in Mathematics)

International Baccalaureate

37 points (including Mathematics grade 6 at HL)

Required subjects

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).

Grade A in A-level Mathematics is required for all programmes.

Selection process

Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill (or equivalent).

We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Course Options

Award Course Length Professional Training UCAS code KIS code
MMath (Hons) 4 years G100 View KIS data set

How to apply

Find out how and when to apply to study at Surrey.

More info

Tuition fees, bursaries & scholarships

We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.

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Looking for Undergraduate Study 2013?

See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.

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Professional Training Placement

Professional Training placement at London 2012

Maths student Holly Wade and Electronic Engineering student Linda Igboanugo talk about their Professional Training Placement work on London 2012

Why Surrey?

  • The Department is currently ranked 15th in The Sunday Times University Guide 2013, 17th in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and 18th in The Complete University Guide 2013
  • Programmes are designed to be relevant to today’s business and professional needs
  • Extended in-depth mathematical training is available through top-flight MMath programmes
  • Combine mathematics with computing, finance, music, physics or statistics
  • The Professional Training placement year offers superb opportunities to gain experience in industry with companies and organisations such as Deloitte & Touche, Intel, Royal Sun Alliance, Lloyds TSB, GlaxoSmithKline, Microsoft and the NHS
  • Teaching is led by research-active staff
  • 70 per cent of research is rated internationally excellent or world leading in the latest Research Assessment Exercise

Contact Us

Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681

General undergraduate enquiries

ug-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk

Undergraduate admissions enquiries

admissions@surrey.ac.uk


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