Mathematics and Statistics Lancaster University

Mathematics is an incredibly powerful subject that sits at the foundation of all science and technology. At its core it is the study of change, patterns, quantities, structures and space, and you will learn how to see the beauty of maths in everything; from patterns in nature, geometry in buildings, and relationships in data. You will be able to find and develop your passions, whether that be in statistics, data science, machine learning, probability, geometry or algebra.

Here at the School of Mathematical Sciences, we know that mathematics and statistics have a positive influence on almost all aspects of contemporary society. Our statistical experts are driving innovations in data science and AI, which are enhancing our day to day lives. As a statistician, you are open to a huge range of career paths, from developing personalised healthcare to cyber security, finance to neuroscience, epidemiology to natural hazard risk management.

What to expect

Our three-year BSc Hons Mathematics and Statistics degree begins by building your understanding of mathematical methods and their application in problem solving. Studying four core and two optional modules, you will explore a wide range of topics, from multivariable calculus, probability and statistics, to logic, proofs and theorems.

In Year 2, the five core modules deepen your mathematical knowledge in analysis, algebra, probability and statistics, you will start to work on both individual and group projects which will enhance your research and employment skills. In addition to these you will choose one optional module.

As you progress into Year 3, you study two core modules and choose four optional modules that appeal to your interests, enabling you to delve deeper and gain the specialist skills and knowledge needed to guide you towards a specific career pathway. This could be in areas such as financial mathematics, medical or environmental statistics, forecasting, AI, epidemiology or statistical ecology. You will learn how to visualise data, create reliable statistical models and machine learning algorithms, and study effective strategies for the deployment of these methods. You will then learn how to communicate your findings to the end-user.

Master's-level training

You can advance your degree in Year 4 by studying three optional Master’s modules and undertaking a major research project. This project will be supervised by an active researcher or undertaken as part of a collaborative industry project.

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferable skills in data visualisation, data analysis, statistical modelling, problem-solving and computing, all of which make you highly desirable to future employers. These skills are honed by working in collaboration with fellow students, ruminating on theories and testing them out, delivering presentations and communicating your research results.

3 things our mathematics students want you to know:

• Our statisticians carry out amazing research such as developing solutions in epidemiology, medicine, infectious disease modelling, environmental modelling and understanding rare events. It’s so interesting and we get to learn about it first-hand!

• Maths is beautiful. You will see it for yourself. Once you begin learning, you start to see maths everywhere in life, all around us in nature and architecture, and that makes it easier to imagine the future possibilities

• Mathematics and statistics at Lancaster are incredibly collaborative. You will bounce ideas around with experts, or with students from all years. Our thriving postgraduate research student community has been right where we are, asking the same questions, and there’s even opportunities to talk with them and learn from them

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

A*AA. This should include Mathematics grade A or Further Mathematics grade A. The overall offer grades will be lowered to AAA for applicants who achieve both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at grades AA.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to have evidence that you had the equivalent of A level Mathematics grade A.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

D*DD considered alongside both A level Mathematics grade A on a case-by-case basis

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level Mathematics grade A* plus A level grade A in a second subject and BTEC D, or plus BTEC DD on a case-by-case basis

International Baccalaureate

38 points overall with 17 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Only considered alongside A level Mathematics grade A

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.