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
Our Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons) explores both traditional and modern concepts in the field of mathematics and physics.
As well as providing an excellent grounding in science, we adopt a practical approach to applied mathematics, which should help you to gain experience in the use of computer software and computational methods. The course provides opportunities for you to develop sophisticated analytical skills, together with the reporting and presentation skills required to communicate arguments and conclusions effectively.
Coventry University has a long tradition of teaching mathematics with a strong emphasis on its applications in practical situations. Studying mathematics and physics could help you to develop skills in logical thinking and statistical or strategic knowledge, which should demonstrate to potential future employers your advanced numerical and analytical ability.
Successful completion of a mathematics and physics degree could give you a significant advantage in the job market, which could open up a wide range of potential future career opportunities in industry, accountancy, banking, computer analysis, marketing, industrial design, management, and scientific research. You could be employed in a wide variety of roles, for example, as an actuarial analyst, actuary, forensic accountant, operational researcher, research scientist, teacher, statistician or stockbroker.
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.
What our students say
The teaching staff are very knowledgeable and always willing to help. It makes my degree interesting and enjoyable. We cover a wide range of subjects and I can really see how they will apply in a future career.
Course information
Mathematics and physics are both exciting subjects sharing a common history. Both fields go hand in hand and can help to model real world situations to find new solutions to problems. In addition, both fields are important in training for developmental logical and constructive thought.
The BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Physics aims to provide an understanding of fundamental scientific phenomena and logic. You should learn to translate this understanding into mathematical and computational models, which are then solved using a variety of tools. This scientific process should produce successful graduates who are particularly well trained at problem solving beyond the various fields presented in the course. Such training could make a science graduate highly desirable in a wide range of employment sectors.
The course also provides opportunities for you to engage in research through your final year projects. In addition, there is the opportunity for you to apply for a paid summer research internship* as well as benefitting from an optional industrial placement* or study abroad year*
It is expected that upon successful completion of the course you will have gained a strong grounding in mathematical thinking as well as a good understanding of how mathematics may be used to solve physical and practical problems.
*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.
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.
1st
We have been ranked joint first amongst Modern Universities in England for career prospects - Guardian University Guide 2021
In more detail...
You’ll have access to our computing facilities, which should enable you to gain experience using mathematical software packages, like MAPLE and MATLAB. You’ll also receive one-to-one assistance from Sigma (subject to availability), Coventry University’s Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support.
You’ll be taught by active researchers in applied mathematics and statistics with expertise in fluid dynamics, complex systems (staff are subject to change), who will share their research findings through teaching and supervising projects, as well as offering opportunities to apply for summer research internships (subject to competitive application and availability). Past students have, for example, undertaken internships analysing social networks of past cultures through ancient and mythological narratives or studied lattice models of polymers.
We encourage you to adopt an international perspective with opportunities to conduct Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities with students from around the world, participate in field trips overseas or spend a year studying abroad in Europe, America or Australia*.
*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.
- You will be taught by staff who have a passion for science and a strong desire to share their knowledge (staff are subject to change).
- Research staff - 86% of our research outputs were deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
- If your studies are followed by appropriate training and experience you should be on track to meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Mathematician with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
- Coventry University currently has extensive industry links with potential future employers and placement opportunities with companies that have previously included: National Grid, GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals and Morgan Stanley financial services.
- 92% of mathematics and physics students believe that staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey (NSS) 2018).
The course has several main key themes, which upon successful completion, you could develop a variety of problem-solving skills and techniques. This is backed up by practical and academic skills, as well as scientific programming.
Through their studies, you will explore important transferable skills including both group and individual work, time management, written and verbal presentation to both experts and non-experts, and critical reflection on their own and others work.
Our main study themes are:
- Developing Mathematical skills: With every mathematics modules, the course aims to lead students to become graduates with a solid understanding of mathematics, which should allow students to tackle and solve mathematical problems of real-world.
- Developing a strong understanding of Physics and the Scientific Process: The course aims to give a good understanding of the scientific process as applied to physical phenomena, but also how this process can be applied more broadly.
- Developing transferable skills: The course aims to equip students with transferable and professional skills which could help to prepare them for potential future employment in industry, business or education.
Upon successful completion, the course aims to:
- equip students with problem-solving skills
- transmit knowledge of mathematical and/or statistical software which could allow students to gain potential future employment in a wide range of professions
- develop transferable skills such as critical reflection, clear communication, the ability to work as part of a team, and independent and creative thought.
The programme can be studied full-time over three years of study with the option of extending this to four years, by taking a sandwich year in the form of an industrial training placement or study abroad between Year 2 and Year 3*.
Throughout the course, we try to place great emphasis and explore practical skills development; some of your time being spent on computer laboratory sessions, which may involve the use of mathematical software to solve mathematical problems. We also run example classes covering things such as reviewing 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 will have opportunities which aim to develop professional skills at the same time as you explore the technical content of your degree. In the past, projects have included asymptotic methods, chaotic systems and mathematics education.
We will encourage you to attend employer presentations organised by Coventry University and 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 (subject to availability).
*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.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, including tests and group work and practical work, for example presentations.
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 of the course, you will have gained an understanding 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 a range of analytic and descriptive techniques.
- The strengths and weaknesses of selected mathematical software and a selected programming or scripting languages and their use to extend capabilities.
- A range of real-world applications of mathematics.
On successful completion of the course, you will have gained an understanding of:
- Understanding, reproducing and generalising logical mathematical reasoning.
- Organising and interpreting information and results from mathematical models.
- Formulating physical theories in mathematical terms, the solution of the resulting equations, either analytically or numerically, and the physical interpretation of the solutions.
- Use of specialist modern information technology packages and a programming language confidently.
- Use of 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 contact hours 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 contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 18 contact hours per week in the first year, reducing by approximately 3 hours per week per year as you become a more independent learner.
If you have a desire to gain international experience, there are opportunities to spend a year studying abroad*. In the past, students have been able 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.
The opportunity for a placement year means that we will aim to support you in applying for an internship anywhere in the world*. Past students have gone to work in countries such as Malaysia, Belgium and Spain. 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
What our students say
I found the intimate nature of my course to be one of my favourite aspects; being able to work more closely with lecturers is very constructive for my learning.
If you haven't met the entry requirements, you may still be able to progress onto a degree by studying a foundation course.
What our students say
I found the intimate nature of my course to be one of my favourite aspects; being able to work more closely with lecturers is very constructive for my learning.
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:
Course essentials – additional costs
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.
What our students say
I found the intimate nature of my course to be one of my favourite aspects; being able to work more closely with lecturers is very constructive for my learning.
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.
Successful completion of a mathematics and physics degree could give you a significant advantage in the job market, which could open up a wide range of potential future career opportunities in industry, accountancy, banking, computer analysis, marketing, industrial design, management, and scientific research. You could be employed in a wide variety of roles, for example, as an actuarial analyst, actuary, forensic accountant, operational researcher, research scientist, teacher, statistician or stockbroker.
To improve your employment prospects and gain valuable professional experience, we strongly encourage you to spend a year on industrial training between Year 2 and Year 3*. Our employability and placements team aims to provide assistance to help and support you find an appropriate placement.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career, aiming to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. Coventry university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services which could help you plan and prepare for potential future job roles.
*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.
Where our graduates work
Previous students have worked as Analysts at Southern trains, Continental, Ricardo, IBM, Warner Bros, Scottish Power, National Grid, Lumesse, GSK, Pfitzer, E.ON and Cummins.
Recent graduates have embarked on Finance Graduate Schemes as a customer services analyst, graduate actuary, information analyst and trainee accountant for companies like E-On, National Grid, Thames Water, NHS, Hodge Lifetime Solutions and Prime Accountants. Others have also used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications.
What our students say
I found the intimate nature of my course to be one of my favourite aspects; being able to work more closely with lecturers is very constructive for my learning.
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 2021/22 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.
