Mathematics (includes foundation year)

Why Study Mathematics at Aberystwyth University?

• Mathematics has been taught at Aberystwyth since 1872, so that the department builds on over 140 years of teaching excellence, employing lecturers who are committed teachers and internationally-recognised researchers.
• Uncover a discipline that combines the identification and analysis of shapes and patterns with data collation and calculation.
• The Department offers several modules taught through the medium of Welsh. For further details, please click here.

Our Staff

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

What can I do with a Mathematics degree?

Our graduates have progressed to seek employment in these following sectors:

• statistical analysis and computational statistics
• teaching
• aeronautical engineering
• accountancy
• banking
• risk analysis
• actuarial work
• financial management 
• investment analysis
• information technology

What opportunities are there at University for me?

Employability is embedded across all of our teaching.

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

On completion of this degree you will have gained skills in the following:

• research and data analysis skills
• enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• a thorough grounding in information technology 
• the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• time-management and organisational skills
• the ability to clearly communicate in both written and spoken forms
• self-motivation and self-reliance

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In your first year you will explore Mathematics and Statistics - broadly equivalent to A-level Mathematics, along with a number of elective modules from within the Institute. On successful completion of your first year, you will progress to discover Mathematics further.

In your second year you may discover:

• algebra
• calculus
• coordinate and vector geometry
• probability
• mathematical analysis
• differential equations
• statistics

In your third and fourth years you may discover:

• real analysis
• abstract and linear algebra
• distributions and estimations
• statistical methods
• mathematical physics
• numerical analysis
• dynamics and hydrodynamics
• sampling
• regression and anova

How will I be taught?

Our degree is delivered through the medium of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, presentations, reports and examinations.

You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

Further information:

You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.

There is never a boring topic and the course goes much deeper into mathematics than I was expecting. There are so many different modules to choose from that you will always find something to interest you. The lecturers are always willing to help. Elin Wyn Hughes

Maths is a great course with really friendly and approachable lecturers. The content is always really interesting but challenging to the right extent. The whole department works effectively to offer all the facilities needed to gain a good degree. Jennifer O'Neil