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
This accredited course in Mathematics and Statistics can be a rewarding one for those with analytical minds and a love of data and results.
In today’s competitive world, all types of businesses and organisations are crying out for people who can interpret complex data and explain their findings and the implications simply and effectively.
If you like working with numbers, have strong IT skills and enjoy analysing information, a future career as a data analyst or statistician might be right for you. It could lead to roles in anything from education to the environment, finance to forensics, sport technology or transportation.
Coventry has a long tradition of teaching mathematics with a strong emphasis on its applications in practical situations. Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), this course meets the educational requirements towards gaining Chartered Mathematician status. This represents the first stage of two and you will need to undertake further training and experience in employment.
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.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
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 costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)
Meets the educational requirements of Chartered Mathematician status, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). This represents the first stage of two and you will need to undertake further training and experience in employment. Please check with the awarding body for more details. This course is currently accredited by IMA for the 2020/21 intake. The University’s accreditation with IMA shall be up for renewal in 2021. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
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.
What our alumni say
Studying at Coventry University has been an amazing experience. I wouldn't be where I am today without the help from lecturers, friends and family.
Course information
This course combines the study of mathematics and data analysis, helping to prepare you to tackle a huge variety of interesting and engaging problems from business forecasting and simulation to medical statistics and survival analysis.
It aims to develop a range of core graduate skills, much valued by employers, including 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.
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.
15th
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom in The Guardian University Guide 2020.
In more detail...
You’ll have access to our computing facilities, which enable you to gain experience using mathematical software packages, like MAPLE and MATLAB®. You’ll also receive one-to-one assistance from Sigma, the university’s Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support.
You’ll be taught by a teaching team which currently includes active researchers in applied mathematics and statistics. With expertise in fluid dynamics, complex systems and climate change, the team will share their current and published research findings through teaching and supervising projects, as well as offering opportunities to apply for summer research internships at no additional cost* (subject to competitive application). 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 Online International Learning (OIL) activities with students from around the world, participate in field trips overseas or spend a year studying abroad in Europe, America or Australia*. We also provide support to help you apply for professional experience on placement opportunities. Previous sandwich year opportunities have been offered by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals, Jagex Game Studios, The Warner Bros, National Grid, Morgan Stanley financial services, E.ON, Cummins, TATA and Birmingham Airport.
*Note that travel costs for mandatory field trips are covered by the University’s flying-start scheme. The cost of optional international field trips are borne by the student. 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.
- Coventry University is ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom in The Guardian University Guide 2020
- Strong portfolio of previous industrial research collaborations with, for example, the National Energy Laboratory, Calham Centre for Fusion Energy and Alcan.
- Meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Mathematician with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), if followed by appropriate training and experience. Please check with the awarding body for more details*
* This course is currently accredited by IMA for the 2020/21 intake. The University’s accreditation with IMA shall be up for renewal in 2021. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible. - Opportunities to apply for student exchanges during the optional enhancement year and visiting scholars** due to current close links with the University of Grenoble and are members of the FrancoGerman Doctoral School for Complex Systems and Out-of-Equilibrium Systems, together with the Universities of Lorraine, Leipzig and Lviv
** 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. - Opening in autumn 2020, our new Beatrice Shilling building will be the third building to be used by the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. The new four-storey building will a provide range of learning spaces that will include a gaming and virtual reality studio, a specialist area for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, a laser facility and physics and electronics laboratories, all designed around a full height central atrium configured to promote student and staff collaboration.
Our main study themes are:
- Statistics: You should 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.
- Algebra and calculus: We 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.
- Mathematical and numerical analysis: Provides a rigorous foundation in the analysis of sequences, series and continuous functions, including differentiability and the Riemann integral. We will examine a variety of numerical analysis methods, such as graph theory, and develop basic scientific programming skills to be able to use relevant programming languages, such as Python or Matlab.
- Mathematical modelling: We will explore means of mathematical modelling, using case studies to illustrate different techniques and then applying them during laboratory sessions. We cover differential equations, including linear and nonlinear systems, qualitative theory, phase space, phase portraits, trajectories and the bifurcation theory for parametrized equations. We also study partial differential equation and the methods to solve them, including separation of variables, method of characteristics, integral transforms, Green’s function etc. We will develop the use of Newtonian mechanics and its use in modelling physical situations, together with a brief introduction to special relativity.
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, great emphasis is placed on 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, and we also run examples classes covering things like going over 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 may develop professional skills at the same time as you learn the technical content of your degree. In the past, projects have included forecasting wine sales and undertaking credit risk modelling.
We will encourage you to attend employer presentations organised by the 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.
*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 may include formal examinations, coursework, including tests and group work and practical work e.g. 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, you will have knowledge of:
- The theory and practice of the methods of statistics and their application.
- 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, 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 a 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 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; in addition to this you will meet either in a small group or individually with your personal tutor several times per semester, and have additional individual meetings with them by arrangement.
If you have a desire to gain international experience, there are opportunities 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.
The opportunity for a sandwich placement means we will also support you in finding an internship anywhere in the world and 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
What our alumni say
My time in Coventry University has been amazing. The course is challenging, but it has taught me areas in Maths I never knew existed. I’ve made friendships I know will last a lifetime.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say
The staff are outstanding and the course was structured to make it suited to the practical needs of students in their future careers.
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 – 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.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits
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 alumni say
The staff are outstanding and the course was structured to make it suited to the practical needs of students in their future careers.
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.
Statisticians work in almost every sphere of life. Upon successful completion, there could be a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as business analysis, government planning, energy demand forecasting, scientific research, the pharmaceutical industry, medical statistics, market research, system reliability and quality control.
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.
Where our graduates work
Previous students have worked as Financial Analyst at IBM, Gaming Financial Analyst for Warner Bros, Finance Assistant at Scottish Power, Business Performance Process Analyst at National Grid, Power analyst at E.ON, Customer Service Analyst for 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 alumni say
My course has provided me with a set of analytical skills that are valued by employers, which has allowed me to gain employment onto a graduate scheme immediately after graduating.
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.
