BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Foundation Year
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G10F
- Entry Requirements
- CCC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
As mathematics is one of the most fundamental academic disciplines, we believe it’s crucial that higher mathematics education is available to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of it.
Our BSc Mathematics Foundation Year course is designed to give you access to a degree in mathematics without having to meet our traditional entry requirements – whether you’re a mature student looking for a career change, or you want to go deeper into a lifelong passion, or perhaps you’re leaving education without the A levels you need to go straight into a degree.
The initial Foundation Year will focus on the essential concepts, techniques, and knowledge that you’ll need to study mathematics at a higher level. You’ll also take optional introductory modules in computing, chemistry, or physics. On successfully completing the Foundation Year you’ll automatically continue onto the full BSc Mathematics degree.
The BSc degree begins with a year of compulsory modules in a range of fundamental mathematical topics, before moving onto more advanced subjects as the course progresses. In later years, our optional modules mean that you can tailor your studies around your interests. You can also take optional modules from other Schools, like the School of Environmental Sciences, the School of Computing Sciences or Norwich Business school, offering you a breath of choice and opportunity as you progress your studies.
Mathematics is a fundamental language of science, technology, and finance, and our graduates find themselves with many versatile and exciting career options.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Once you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you have the option of switching to either our BSc Mathematics with a Placement Year degree or our BSc Mathematics and Statistics degree if you wish.
Subject to academic performance, you may also be able to switch to one of our MMath degree programmes later in your degree. The different options are:
Accreditations
This course is accredited to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications. For further information, please see IMA University Degree Course Accreditation.
Study and Modules
Structure
Half of the modules you’ll study in your Foundation Year will focus entirely on mathematics. We’ll introduce you to fundamental theorems, standard notation, and core themes like algebra and calculus. The compulsory modules will be supplemented by a choice of optional modules in other related sciences, such as physics, computing and chemistry, so you’ll gain an insight into other disciplines that use mathematical techniques.
Complete your Foundation Year successfully and you’ll move onto our three-year BSc Mathematics course. The degree programme will build on the mathematical knowledge you’ll have developed in your Foundation Year, before introducing you to more advanced concepts that will be developed throughout the course.
COMPULSORY MODULES
(Credits: 60)Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes and workshops, where you’ll focus on working through examples, either individually or in small groups.
Depending on the modules you chose, you’ll probably have between nine and 12 contact hours each week, with a mix of lectures, workshops, and labs.
Feedback and Support
We offer a wide range of feedback and assistance to our students. Written feedback is provided on coursework, and verbal feedback and support is provided in our regular workshops. Also, each lecturer has at least two office hours available each week, giving you the chance to discuss material in more detail, or to get face-to-face feedback.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module. Many of the foundation year modules are assessed solely by coursework, which might include problem sheets, exercises and/or assessed labs. Some modules, including the compulsory “Advanced Mathematics” module, also include a written examination. For those modules, the split is typically 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Structure
The first year of the BSc degree will develop your existing knowledge in calculus and other topics which you may have covered at A level, such as mechanics and probability. Modules on computation, mathematical skills, and how to present mathematical arguments will encourage you to develop ways of tackling unfamiliar problems, while also providing an opportunity for group work.
Modules on algebra and analysis will introduce important new concepts and ideas, which you’ll use in following years. In addition, you’ll be introduced to mathematical software, that you’re going to use throughout your degree.
COMPULSORY MODULES
(Credits: 120)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes, workshops and tutorials. In tutorials you’ll discuss mathematical problems with a lecturer and a small group of other students. They’re a great way to get to know your fellow students and one of your lecturers, in your first year you’ll have around 15 hours of timetabled classes per week: approximately 10 hours of lectures, four hours of workshops or computer lab classes, and one tutorial.
Individual Study
To succeed at university-level mathematics, you’ll need to spend at least as much time on individual study as you spend in classes and workshops. Working through your lecture notes and trying the exercises set will be vital to fully understand the new mathematics that you’re being taught.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary according to module, but typically involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 1, modules usually combine 40% coursework and 60% examination. Coursework tends to involve problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
As you progress into your second year, you’ll continue to learn essential mathematical principles through compulsory modules, while also taking a selection of optional modules to suit your personal interests.
The optional modules on offer change each year but include options to study further topics in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics, physics, finance, or environmental science.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes and workshops, where you’ll focus on working through examples, either individually or in small groups.
In your second year, you’ll have around 10 hours of lectures and three hours of workshops each week.
Assessment
As in previous years, assessment methods vary depending on module, but usually involve both coursework and examinations. In Year 2, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. In most cases, coursework involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
There are no compulsory modules in the final year. Instead, we offer a wide choice of optional modules covering topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. As in Year 2, you’re also able to study mathematics-related subjects from another School within UEA.
You’ll also have the option to undertake an undergraduate mathematics project, which will give you a chance to immerse yourself in a mathematical topic that enthuses you.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The specialist modules offered in your final year will be lectured by leading mathematicians in their fields. As well as teaching, our academics are actively involved in research collaborations with colleagues throughout the world, examples from which will be used to illustrate lectures and workshops.
In your final year, your formal contact hours will be slightly reduced reflecting your increased independence, and there will be increased emphasis on using the office hours of your lecturers for individual feedback and guidance. Depending on module choices, you’ll probably have between about eight and 12 hours of lectures and workshops each week.
Assessment
As before, assessment methods vary by module, but tend to involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 3, modules usually combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework tends to invlove problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks. The optional project module is assessed by the submission of a 20-page written report and the delivery of a short oral presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C and Mathematics at minimum grade 6 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: MMM.
Diploma: MM plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. Students may wish to consult textbooks, but these can be accessed through our Library, so you don’t need to purchase your own copies. A laptop or tablet computer may be useful, but there are ample computing facilities available on campus for you to use.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
There are many professions that are traditionally associated with mathematics, such as accountancy, banking and finance, statistics and data analysis, and secondary or higher education.
However, there are many others in which logical thought and problem-solving are important. These include information technology, engineering, logistics and distribution, central or local government, as well as other business areas. Many of our graduates also choose to continue their studies by going on to a higher degree.
The School of Mathematics works together with the University’s Careers Service to offer support to students at every stage of their course, from finding paid or voluntary work opportunities and choosing a career, through to applying for graduate jobs.
Careers
Recent graduates have gone on to become:
- Data scientist
- Pension modeller
- Mathematical modeller in industry
- Secondary school teacher
- Accountant
- Researcher
Discover more on our Mathematics Careers web page.