How my placement helped me get a job with HMRC
Louise shares her experiences of undertaking a placement year and offer advice for anyone thinking of completing a placement during their studies.
Overview
Ninety percent of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone, rendering traditional data processing applications inadequate and increasing the demand for sophisticated data analysts who can collate, interpret and draw value from complex data sets.
Responding to this trend, our new integrated master’s course brings together a range of mathematical, statistical and computational techniques, which incorporate probability, predictive analytics and advanced modelling to extract value and make sense of multiple sets and large amounts of data. As an integrated undergraduate and postgraduate course, you can graduate at master’s Level.
One of the top 15 universities in the country (Guardian University Guide 2020), Coventry has a long tradition of teaching mathematics with a strong emphasis on its applications in practical situations.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra cost
Travel inspired my studies
Connor Riddlesden has worked, studied and experienced no less than three international trips in three years. Here he shares his experiences.
Our Facilities
Mathematics Laboratory
Set out like a traditional classroom with a large white-board. It is the only teaching room in the engineering and computing building laid out in this way, designed to suit the teaching style required for this subject.
Sigma Centre
An award-winning Mathematics Support Centre which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.
Informal Study Areas
Informal computer access to all the specialist software required for their students during their. There are bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.
Course information
Businesses and organisations from almost every sector have woken up to the power of data analytics. Used effectively, they can inform decision making within business and finance, predict and dispense medical treatment within the healthcare system and help improve performance in sports or interpret data from smartphone apps.
Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to participate in a series of skills development sessions to improve your digital literacy, as well as presentation and writing skills, particularly in a mathematical context. We will familiarise you with a range of computational software related to the fields of mathematics and statistics, such as R, SPSS, LaTeX, Excel, Matlab, Python, Maple and Minitab.
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content.
1st
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
A diverse range of sectors, such as the IT industry, health, sports, finance, marketing and sales, require graduates with the ability to think clearly and logically, analyse complicated data sets, solve problems, make recommendations and communicate technical information in a language everyone can understand.
A good grounding in mathematical thinking, statistics and computing is essential for creating and using algorithms and systems that identify patterns and extract value from masses of data.
Coventry University has a long tradition of teaching mathematics, statistics and computing with a strong emphasis on its applications in practical situations. This new course blends all of these subject areas with a view to tackling a huge variety of interesting and engaging problems from business and industry – from fraud detection and credit risk to efficiency improvements and optimisation of delivery methods.
You’ll have access to our modern computing facilities, which enable you to gain experience using mathematical software packages, like MAPLE and MATLAB®. You can also receive one-to-one assistance from sigma, the University’s internationally-renowned Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support, which previously won the prestigious national Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Support for Students in 2011.
There are opportunities to apply for summer research internships*. Past students have, for example, undertaken internships analysing social networks of past cultures through ancient and mythological narratives or studied lattice models of polymers.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Strong portfolio of industrial research collaborations with, for example, the National Energy Laboratory, Calham Centre for Fusion Energy and Alcan.
- Taught by staff conducting cutting-edge research; 86% of our research outputs were deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
- Student exchanges and visiting scholars thanks to close links with the University of Grenoble.*
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Your main study themes are:
- Data analysis and retrieval: Provides an insight into how data and information retrieval systems are designed, including database concepts, theory and design with practical use of database and information retrieval tools and techniques.
- Statistics: You will have the opportunity to learn techniques for the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organisation of different types of complex data. We will cover probability, hypothesis tests, analysis of variance, regression models, design of experiments, a range of advanced topics in statistics and statistical computing.
- Computing: We aim to give you an understanding of the fundamental concepts of programming by learning and applying syntax, problem solving strategies and theory common to most programming languages. At the same time, we will look at professional practices associated with the industry and key software development concepts, such as testing code, version control, functional decomposition and interacting with non-technical colleagues and clients.
- Algebra and calculus: You will cover the core mathematical methods with an introduction to abstract algebra, including some number theory. We will examine the theory of real functions and the mathematics underpinning it.
The programme allows you to study full-time over three years to achieve the bachelor’s level, providing successful completion, or four years if you wish to progress to the master’s level in October of the academic year. With the work placement or study abroad option*, you will study full-time over four years to achieve the bachelor’s level, providing successful completion, or five years if you wish to progress to the master’s level.
You have the option of extending your studies by taking a sandwich year in the form of a professional work placement or study abroad between Years 2 and 3*. If you choose the professional work placement, this will take the form of a full year placement.
Throughout the course, great emphasis is placed on practical skills development. Some of your time will be spent on computer laboratory sessions, which may involve the use of mathematical software to solve mathematical problems, and we also run examples classes to review and discuss solutions to exercises.
You will have opportunities to work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice. This means that you have the opportunity to develop professional skills at the same time as you learn the technical content of your degree.
We will encourage you to attend employer presentations organised by the university. We also run our own sessions, which have previously covered government operational research and included some of our past students talking about their job roles and careers.
* Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, essays, coursework, tests, group work and practical work, for example presentations and tests.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The logical construction of a mathematical argument.
- The application of mathematics to construct models and their resolution, with an appreciation of the validity of the model and the use of approximation.
- The use of a range of analytic and descriptive techniques.
- The strengths and weaknesses of selected mathematical software and selected programming or scripting languages and their use to extend capabilities.
- A range of real-world applications of mathematics, statistics and data analytics techniques, some set in an international context.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Understand, reproduce and generalise logical mathematical reasoning.
- Organise and interpret information and results from mathematical models.
- Analyse problems and construct an appropriate formulation and solution with relatively little guidance or support.
- Use specialist modern information technology packages and programming language confidently.
- Use a wide range of information resources to acquire relevant information.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your class time will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of hours of class time will vary from year to year: it’s likely to be around 18 hours contact per week in the first year (around six hours per week per module) dropping to around 12 (around four hours per week per module) in final year as you become a more independent learner.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week, for example guided study using handouts, online activities etc.
If you have a desire to gain international experience it is possible to spend a year studying abroad.* In the past, students have chosen to study Mathematics in St Marcus University in California, University of Malta, Stockholm University in Sweden, also universities in the Netherlands, Germany and Australia. Courses in all these universities are delivered in English.
We can support you in finding an internship in many countries across the globe and support you in seeking financing for that experience. Past students have gone to work in countries such as Malaysia, Belgium and Spain.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Data analysts have job prospects in areas such as business analysis, risk analysis, energy demand forecasting, health analytics, sports analytics, web analytics, games data analytics, social media analytics and many, many more.
To improve your employment prospects and gain valuable professional experience, we strongly encourage you to spend a year on industrial placement after Year 2*. The university’s talent Team will provide assistance to help you find an appropriate placement.
The Talent Team can also help you in applying for graduate jobs in your final year of study. Recent graduates on similar courses have progressed onto finance graduate schemes or progressed into roles such as customer services analysts, graduate actuaries, information analysts and trainee accountants. Others have used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
