MMath Master of Mathematics with a Year Abroad
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Mathematics
- UCAS Course Code
- G10A
- Entry Requirements
- AAA (specific subjects apply)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
If you’re fascinated by the complexity of pure and applied mathematics, and you’d love to experience life in another country, this course is for you. Our Master of Mathematics with a Year Abroad programme gives you the exciting opportunity to experience a different lifestyle and culture, in addition to higher-level study in mathematics. Our graduates find themselves with many versatile career options in fields such as science, technology, research, and finance.
Our four-year Master of Mathematics degree has a flexible format, allowing you to combine modules from pure and applied mathematics and statistics, together with optional modules from other UEA Schools. You’ll begin by developing your existing mathematical knowledge, 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. In the second year, 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.
You’ll spend your third year abroad studying at one of our partner universities across North America, Australia, or Europe, choosing modules from those on offer at your choice of institution. As well as enriching your mathematical knowledge, your time abroad is a great way to build contacts and strengthen your resilience and adaptability, as well as being an unforgettable and life-changing experience.
Returning to UEA for your final year, you’ll choose more specialised and in-depth mathematics modules, taught by leading experts. You’ll also work with an academic supervisor on a substantial individual research project. This will give you experience in independent study and help you to develop key career skills such as literature reviewing, critical thinking, report writing and oral presentation.
You’ll not only graduate with a deep understanding of mathematics, but also with fantastic career prospects. If you complete your studies with distinction, you may want to join our group of postgraduate students, as our integrated Master’s programme is excellent preparation for a career in research – either in industry or within a university. This is just one of the many challenging and stimulating career paths open to you after you graduate.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Integral to this degree programme, you’ll spend your third year studying Mathematics abroad. For further details, please visit the Study Abroad section of our website.
Accreditations
This programme 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 the IMA University Degree Course Accreditation web page.
Study and Modules
Structure
The first year will develop your existing knowledge in calculus and other topics which you may have covered at A level, such as mechanics and probability. The modules you’ll study will encourage you to develop ways of tackling unfamiliar problems, while also providing an opportunity for group working.
Other modules will introduce important new concepts and ideas, which you’ll use in the following years of your degree. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the mathematical software that you’re going to use throughout your studies.
Compulsory Modules
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 your academic adviser, who will be there to guide you throughout your degree.
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.
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 by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 1, modules typically combine 40% coursework and 60% examination. Coursework usually involves 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 in pure and applied mathematics, 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 workshops each week.
Assessment
As in year 1, module assessments methods vary, but typically include coursework and examinations. In Year 2, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework tends to include problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
After developing a broad mathematical knowledge during your first two years, you’ll spend your third year studying at one of our university partners in another country.
We have particularly strong links with institutions in North America and Australia. In recent years students have spent their year abroad in places like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, San Francisco, Arizona and Colorado. Other locations are also available.
Compulsory Modules
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
This year is spent abroad at one of our partner universities, so the teaching will be dictated by what that university offers.
Assessment
Assessment on your year abroad will be determined by the partner university at which you’re studying. Your marks will then be converted to the UEA scale.
Structure
Back at UEA for your final year, you’ll undertake an individual project, working under the close supervision of an academic whose expertise matches your chosen topic. Each of our lecturers will propose project titles covering a wide range of current mathematical research, and some of our students choose to devise their own topics in conjunction with one of our academics.
Apart from your individual project, your studies will focus on Master’s level modules that explore advanced topics and reflect the research interests of our academics. Examples of modules taught in the past include partial differential equations, mathematical biology, Galois theory, and algebraic topology.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 80)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 fourth 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.
One third of your time in the fourth year will be spent on your individual research project, and you’ll typically meet with your supervisor once a week to discuss your progress and get feedback and suggestions from them. You’ll also study two Master’s level modules each semester, giving a total of around eight hours of lectures and workshops per week.
Assessment
As before, assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 4, modules usually combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework tends to involve problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks. The individual research project is assessed by the submission of a 50-page written report and the delivery of a short oral presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International 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 and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAA including Mathematics.
If Further Mathematics being taken: AAB including grade A in Mathematics and B in Further Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
Diploma: DD plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
Extended Certificate: D plus grade AA at A level including Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics at Distinction.
Interview required.T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/bsc-mathematics-with-a-foundation-year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including HL6 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches)
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H2 including Mathematics
Scottish Highers
AAAAA. Only accepted in combination with Scottish Advanced Highers Grade B in Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBB including Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International 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 and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAA including Mathematics.
If Further Mathematics being taken: AAB including grade A in Mathematics and B in Further Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall including HL6 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches)
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- 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: 6.0 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
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on the Tuition Fees webpages. There will be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
There are no other 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 do not 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.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Researcher
- Data scientist
- Pension modeller
- Mathematical modeller in industry
- Secondary school teacher
- Accountant
Discover more on our Mathematics Careers web page.