Mathematics with Computing (Including Placement Year)

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Mathematics with Computing (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
Computing
BSC G1IK
10/05/2023

Details

Professional accreditation

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics or Statistics in place of A-level Mathematics.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels and only in conjunction with A-level Maths. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions. The Access to HE Diploma is only acceptable in conjunction with A-level Mathematics
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. T-levels are only acceptable in conjunction with A-level Mathematics

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Prof Stephen Langdon

Professor

Brunel University London

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CE151-4-AU-CO  Introduction to Programming  Core  15  15 
02  CE152-4-SP-CO  Object-Oriented Programming  Core  15  15 
03  MA101-4-FY-CO  Calculus  Core  30  30 
04  MA108-4-SP-CO  Statistics I  Core  15  15 
05  MA114-4-AU-CO  Matrices and Complex Numbers  Core  15  15 
06  MA185-4-AU-CO  Mathematical and Computational Modelling  Compulsory  15  15 
07  MA181-4-AU-CO  Discrete Mathematics  Compulsory  15  15 
08  MA199-4-FY-CO  Mathematics Careers and Employability  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  CE203-5-AU-CO  Application Programming  Compulsory  15  15 
02  CE204-5-AU-CO  Data Structures and Algorithms  Compulsory  15  15 
03  MA201-5-AU-CO  Linear Algebra  Compulsory  15  15 
04  MA200-5-AU-CO  Statistics II  Compulsory  15  15 
05  MA203-5-AU-CO  Real Analysis  Compulsory  15  15 
06  MA205-5-SP-CO  Optimisation (Linear Programming)  Compulsory  15  15 
07  MA209-5-SP-CO  Numerical Methods  Compulsory  15  15 
08    MA202-5-SP or MA204-5-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
09  MA199-5-FY-CO  Mathematics Careers and Employability  Compulsory 

Year Abroad/Placement - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  MA100-6-FY-CO  Placement Year  Compulsory  120  120 

Year 3 - 2027/28

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  MA302-6-AU-CO  Complex Variables  Compulsory  15  15 
02    MA829-6-AU or MA830-6-SP  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
03    Computing option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
04    Mathematics option(s) from list  Optional  60  60 
05  MA199-6-FY-CO  Mathematics Careers and Employability  Compulsory 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

  • To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy.
  • To provide students with a foundation for further study and research.
  • To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of appreciating a logical argument.
  • To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of mathematics.
  • To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of its staff.
  • To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop independent study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development.
  • The programme introduces the students to some of the ideas and underlying theory of computer science, in particular they will learn to program in languages such as JAVA and C++.


    • To provide students with an opportunity to undertake a period of supported work placement to enhance their career preparation.


    Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

    On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

    A: Knowledge and understanding

    A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.

    A2: Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in mathematical proof of results in algebra, analysis, and discrete mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples.

    A3: Knowledge and understanding of the principles of computer programming and computer packages, and experience in their use.

    A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems. An appreciation of the importance of assumptions.

    A5: Knowledge of some aspects of computer science and in particular programming additional to those specified in A3 above selected from a range of module

    A101: An experience-based understanding of work roles is developed through the placement year.

    Learning methods

    Lectures are the principle method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1-A5.

    Students are also directed to reading from textbooks and material available online.

    In some modules, understanding is enhanced through the production of a written report.

    Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1-A5), laboratories (A3, A4) and assignments (A1-A5).
    A101 is acquired through a placement year at a host organisation.

    The details of the learning/teaching methods are included on each training agreement and are specific to an individual student.

    Assessment methods

    Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations and also, in some modules, through marked coursework, laboratory reports, statistical assignments, project reports and oral examinations.

    Regular problem sheets provide formative assessment in most courses.
    Assessment of the placement year is through a number of elements including an assessment of the students performance in securing the placement, undertaking the placement, and reflecting on the placement experience.

    B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

    B1: Identify an appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical or computing problem.

    B2: Analyse a given mathematical problem and select the most appropriate tools for its solution.

    B101: A capacity to connect subject specific theory to practice in a work environment.

    Learning methods

    The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, assignments and project work.

    B1 and B2 are developed through exercises supported by classes.

    B1-B2 are all-important aspects of the projects that constitute a part of some modules, and the optional final year project.
    B3 is developed during the placement year.

    Assessment methods

    Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.

    C: Practical skills

    C1: Use computational tools and packages.

    C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.

    C101: Communicate with a range of colleagues and clients in a working environment.

    Learning methods

    The practical skills of mathematics with computing are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.

    C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of modules for which they are relevant.

    C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the course.
    C101 is developed during the placement year.

    Assessment methods

    Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework and project reports and presentations.
    Assessment of the placement year is through a number of elements including an assessment of the students performance in securing the placement, undertaking the placement, and reflecting on the placement experience.

    D: Key skills

    D1: Communicate effectively, both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas.

    D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems.

    D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly.

    D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.

    D5: Organise activity and manage time in the course of study.

    D101: Capacity to work in a team within a work environment.

    D102: Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment.

    Learning methods

    D1 is practised throughout the course in the construction of solutions to mathematical and computing problems, both for assessment and as exercises, and (in some modules) writing reports and projects.

    D1 and D2 are developed in group and individual project work.

    D2 is also developed through the use of computer packages in a number of modules.

    D3 -D5 are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the degree.
    D101 and D102 are developed during the placement year.

    Assessment methods

    D1 is assessed through examinations, coursework and oral examinations.

    D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.

    Assessment of the key skills D3 - D5 is intrinsic to subject-based assessment.

    The assessment of MA829 and MA830 includes specific allocations of credit for the quality of presentations (D1 and D2).
    Assessment of the placement year is through a number of elements including an assessment of the students performance in securing the placement, undertaking the placement, and reflecting on the placement experience.


    Note

    The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

    The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

    Contact

    If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

    If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

    If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.