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.
Overview
If you’re curious about numbers and how they’re used practically in the ‘real world’, a Mathematics BSc can lead you down many career paths.
Mathematics is an ancient subject which, from its earliest days, has underpinned much of daily life, in finance, commerce, science, technology, engineering and even philosophy – from understanding the structure of the universe and predicting earthquakes to interpreting error-correcting codes on digital devices and enabling us to stream music and video.
Mathematics has shaped our view of the world, used by physicists, engineers, statisticians, analysts and economists as a tool to model real world situations to find new and novel solutions to problems. One of the top 15 universities in the country in Guardian University Guide 2020, Coventry University 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, the first of two stages to do so.
You will also be given the opportunity to participate in the School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme. As a SCITT trainee, you will spend time during the second and third year of your degree teaching and learning alongside expert practitioners. You could work with a selected partner school within the Coventry SCITT. Students who undertake this pathway must decide during their first year of their degree if they wish to opt into the Secondary School Experience pathway. The selection process involves interview and teaching session. Subject to passing these, students will then follow the training pathway. Those who choose not to participate will follow the normal course structure.
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 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.
The University’s accreditation with IMA shall be up for renewal in 2021. Whilst the University hopes and anticipates that any renewal would be successful, if the renewal were to be unsuccessful, this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
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.
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 Maths at Coventry is very fun and every day is interesting. The content has encouraged me to always create my best work. I have discovered new aspects of Mathematics whilst also building on my previous knowledge. There are plenty of spaces to study, alone or with friends, in a comfortable working environment.
Course information
This professionally accredited course aims to deliver the training in mathematics needed to work in careers where analytical and problem solving skills are required, helping to develop your skills in logic, constructive thought and the ability to communicate solutions effectively.
We will cover pure and applied mathematics, including areas such as finance, statistics, numerical analysis, mechanics and operational research, where maths is applied to commercial and industrial problems.
94%
of students were satisfied overall with the course.
Discover Uni, 2020
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...
Our extensive faculty links with potential employers, including National Grid, MathWorks, Unipart, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover, help us to maintain an excellent track record for graduate employability.
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 internationally-renowned Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Statistics Support, which previously won the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Support for Students.
You will be taught by a teaching team which currently includes active researchers in applied mathematics with expertise in fluid dynamics and complex systems, who share their research findings through teaching and supervising projects. You may also be provided with the opportunity to competitively apply for paid summer research internships at no additional cost*. Past students have, for example, undertaken internships analysing social networks of past cultures through ancient and mythological narratives or studied lattice models of polymers.
Our course offers 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 have opportunities for student exchanges and visiting scholars* thanks to our 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 travel costs for mandatory field trips are covered by the University’s flying-start scheme. We are unable to guarantee any trip, 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.
- 94% of Mathematics (BSc) students were satisfied with the quality of the course
- Currently 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
Our main study themes are:
- 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, together with the calculus of complex functions and how to differentiate and integrate functions of complex numbers.
- 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 Years 2 and 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. We also run example 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 provides opportunities to develop professional skills at the same time as you learn 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 the university and we also run our own sessions (subject to availability), which have previously covered government operational research and included some of our past students talking about their job roles and careers.
Please note we are unable to guarantee any trip, 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 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.
- To 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 and second years, dropping to around 3 contact hours per week in the final 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 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...
I have really enjoyed my time studying at Coventry University. The lecturers are fantastic and allowed me to achieve my full potential. The university gave me all the chances to succeed, I would recommend to anyone.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say...
The Department has a high standard of teaching with an even higher level of support, enabling you to improve a wide range of skills.
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.
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...
My experience at Coventry University has been very pleasant. The university gave me guidance and support I needed for the course and my future after graduation. Studying Mathematics at Coventry university was intense because of the heavy workload and packed timetable, however the lecturers, course mates and facilities made everything simpler and exciting.
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.
Studying maths should develop skills in logical thinking and strategic knowledge, demonstrating to employers your advanced numerical and analytical ability, both of which are rare and in demand on the graduate job market.
A mathematics degree can open up a wide range of 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.
For those who combined their studies with Initial Teacher Training, on completion of the course, students who wish to continue to become qualified teachers can seek employment with a secondary school and following a year of employment with the school could become eligible as a newly Qualified Teacher.
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.
90%
of our graduates are in work or further education six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
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...
Alongside my studies, I have benefited from the employability skills I have gained since starting my degree. Before university I lacked these necessary skills, but Coventry is dedicated to improving each student. With mock interviews and CV building classes, I now feel much more confident with how I come across to an employer. I am now confident of securing a job once I complete my degree.
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.
