Mathematics with Computing (including Year Abroad)

This undergraduate program in Mathematics with Computing (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to develop students' mathematical and computational skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers in industry, academia, and research. The course combines core principles of pure and applied mathematics with practical computing skills, providing students with a solid foundation in algorithm design, programming, data analysis, and mathematical modelling. Throughout the program, students engage with advanced topics such as linear algebra, calculus, discrete mathematics, statistics, and numerical methods, alongside core computing modules like programming languages, software development, databases, and systems analysis.

A distinctive feature of this program is the Year Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to spend an additional year studying at a partner university in Europe or beyond. This experience enhances intercultural understanding, language skills, and global perspectives, as well as exposing students to diverse academic environments and research traditions. The Year Abroad also provides valuable opportunities for internships or industrial placements, enabling students to gain real-world experience and professional networks that can be advantageous in their future careers.

The program is designed to develop analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and precision in communication, making graduates well-equipped for roles such as data analyst, software developer, mathematician, or researcher. Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical sessions, supported by state-of-the-art computing facilities and resources. Students also have access to research-led teaching and opportunities to participate in projects, competitions, and collaborations with industries.

The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment emphasizes personalized feedback and mentorship to help students achieve their full potential. Graduates of this program will not only possess a deep understanding of mathematical concepts but also practical computational skills that are highly valued across many sectors. Whether pursuing further academic study or entering the workforce, students leave the program ready to tackle complex, real-world problems with confidence and innovation.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Calculus;
Linear Mathematics;
Statistics;
Further Calculus;
Introduction to Computing;
Object-oriented Programming;
Discrete Mathematics; and
Introduction to Programming

Year 2

Mathematical Methods;
Optimisation (Linear Programming);
Application Programming;
Data Structures and Algorithms;
Probability and Statistics I and;
four mathematical sciences options

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

Ordinary Differential Equations;
Complex Variables and Applications;
four mathematical sciences options; and
two School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering options
Please note that Mathematics Careers and Employability is a compulsory module which must be taken in all years (not including Year Abroad) but is non-credit bearing and does not contribute towards your final degree.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics (please note that we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics)
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points, including a 5 in Higher Level Mathematics (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Mathematics with Computing (including Year Abroad) programme at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education that combines core mathematical principles with practical computing skills, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in technology, finance, research, and academia. The programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in pure and applied mathematics, along with programming, software development, and computational problem-solving techniques. A distinctive feature of this programme is the incorporation of a Year Abroad, typically undertaken in the third year, which allows students to study at partner universities across Europe or other regions, gaining valuable international experience, intercultural skills, and broader academic perspectives.

Students begin the programme by engaging in fundamental modules covering algebra, calculus, discrete mathematics, and linear algebra, establishing strong analytical skills. Concurrently, they are introduced to programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, alongside courses in algorithm design and data structures. As students progress, they have the opportunity to specialize further in areas such as mathematical modeling, number theory, cryptography, or data analysis, aligning their studies with personal interests and career aspirations. The Year Abroad enhances language skills, independence, and adaptability, and often includes modules that reflect the host country's academic offerings, enriching the students’ educational experience.

Throughout the programme, there is a significant emphasis on developing problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to apply mathematical techniques to real-world computational problems. The curriculum also includes practical lab sessions, group projects, and coursework designed to simulate professional working environments. Access to advanced computational facilities and software complements theoretical learning, ensuring students are well-versed in current technologies. Additionally, the programme encourages engagement with research-led teaching, giving students opportunities to participate in projects and seminars.

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped for careers in software development, quantitative analysis, data science, financial modelling, research roles, or further postgraduate study. The interdisciplinary nature of the course opens doors across numerous sectors, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The university's strong links with industry and academic institutions provide students with networking opportunities, internships, and career support services to facilitate a successful transition into the workforce or academia. Overall, the Mathematics with Computing (including Year Abroad) programme at Essex is designed to foster versatile, highly skilled graduates ready to meet the challenges of a digitally-driven world.