MMath Masters of Mathematics with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Mathematics
- UCAS Course Code
- G10P
- Typical Offer
- AAA (specific subject requirements apply)
- Contextual Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply)
- Course Length
- 5 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our five-year Master of Mathematics degree has a flexible format that allows you to combine modules from pure and applied mathematics and statistics, together with optional modules from other UEA schools.
You’ll also spend the third year on a full-time placement lasting nine to fourteen months, where you’ll put theoretical work into professional practice, and gain a real advantage for when you graduate.
Our novel five-year integrated Master’s course lets you go into greater depth than our three-year BSc programme as well as allowing you to explore your career options with a full-time placement in your third year.
During the four years you’ll spend at UEA, we offer you the flexibility to focus on pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or statistics, and, if you wish, to complement your studies with optional modules from related subjects such as environmental sciences, business, computing, physics, and accounting.
In your final year, you’ll also take on a substantial research project. This will give you experience in independent study and help improve key career skills such as literature reviewing, critical thinking, report writing and oral presentation.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend the third year of your five-year degree on a placement consisting of nine to fourteen months of full-time employment. It will be up to you to source and secure your placement, but we’ll be here to support you and help you connect with employers.
During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you’re unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Placement Year.
Accreditations
Study and Modules
Structure
The first year will develop your skills 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 working. 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, which will be invaluable in your individual fourth year project.
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 your academic adviser and around six 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.
Individual Study
To succeed at university-level mathematics, you 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 understanding the mathematics.
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 on exercises you’ve attempted.
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
OPTIONS RANGE A
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)OPTIONS RANGE B
(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
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 2, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year working in a professional environment on your placement.
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
There are no lecture courses to study on your placement year, though you will still remain in contact with UEA, and receive support from the Placement Year Coordinator.
Assessment
The placement year does not count for marks towards your degree, but you are required to submit a number of short reports on your progress throughout the year.
Structure
In your fourth year, back at UEA, there are no compulsory modules. Instead, we offer a wide choice of optional modules covering topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. As in Year 2, you’ll be able to study mathematics-related subjects in another School within UEA.
The module topics vary each year, mirroring the research interests of our lecturers. By this stage we anticipate that you’ll have found the areas of mathematics that most appeal to you, and that you’ll use this year to focus on these topics, laying the foundations for a successful final-year research project.
OPTIONS RANGE A
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)OPTIONS RANGE B
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)OPTIONS RANGE C
(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 third year of study 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.
The formal contact hours will be slightly less than in the second year, 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 will probably have between about eight and 12 hours of lectures and workshops each week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 4, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves 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.
Structure
In 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
OPTIONS RANGE A
(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 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.
One third of your time in the final year will be spent on your individual research project, and you will typically meet with your supervisor once a week to discuss your progress and get feedback and suggestions from them. You will also study two Master’s level modules each semester, giving a total of around eight hours of lectures and workshops per week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 5, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves 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
- A Levels
- AAA including Mathematics or if Further Mathematics being taken: AAB including an A in Mathematics and a B in Further Mathematics. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Not accepted.
- BTEC
- DDD plus A at A-Level Mathematics. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – ABB including Mathematics
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma - DDM plus A at A-Level Mathematics
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAA. Only accepted alongside Scottish Higher Advanced grade B in Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BBB including Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 6 subjects at H2 including Mathematics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics at Distinction. An interview will also be required.
- International Baccalaureate
- 34 points including HL6 in Mathematics.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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):
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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:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDD plus A at A-Level Mathematics.
Diploma: DD plus A at A-Level Mathematics
Extended Certifciate: D plus AA at A-Level to include A in Mathematics.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
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:
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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 placement year. Further details are available on the Tuition Fees webpages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your placement year, which will vary depending on location.
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. Students may wish to consult text books, 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.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
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 Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, 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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Researcher
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Financial analyst
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Data scientist
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Pension modeller
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Mathematical modeller in industry
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Secondary school teacher
Discover more on our Careers webpages.