Integrated Master in Mathematics: Mathematics

Mathematics at Essex is not what you would expect and has a genuinely broad reach; from exploring the economic impact of the social networks of cows, to the mathematical modelling of brain evolution to improve patient care – our research explores issues of global importance.

Mathematics is the language that underpins the rest of science. Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. You therefore can gain an exceptional range of knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment; in business, commerce, industry, government service, education and in the wider economy.

Topics include:

• Pure mathematics, including geometry, algebra, analysis and number theory
• Applied topics such as mathematical physics, cryptography, mathematical modelling, differential equations and dynamical systems
• Statistical, financial and analytical methods such as optimisation and the study of risk

As well as these mathematical topics, your degree will develop your programming skills in languages such as Python and SQL, and you will learn to solve sophisticated problems using computational toolkits such as Matlab, Maple and R.

Our MMath Mathematics course is an Integrated Masters that gives you the chance to fast-track a Masters degree and complete your final-year in nine months compared with a regular MSc which usually takes twelve months. Our course will cover key skills in mathematics with the opportunity to apply theory and methods. Plus, combining your undergraduate and postgraduate study in one degree will give you a strong theoretical background as well as specialist expertise through independent research. This combination makes graduates from our course attractive candidates for many employers.

Professional accreditation

This programme is accredited to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Our expert staff

As well as being world-class academics, our staff are award-winning teachers. Many of our academics have won national or regional awards for lecturing, and many of them are qualified and accredited teachers – something which is very rare at a university.

Our department is committed to providing you with the academic support you need to succeed. Our flexible policy means some staff are always available, whilst others maintain regular drop-in times. Staff are always happy to arrange appointments for longer discussions, and no issue is too big or too small.

Our innovative research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples:

• Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.
• We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.
• We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.
• Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.
• Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.
• We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Specialist facilities

• We have a Maths Support Centre, which offers help to students on a range of mathematical problems. Throughout term-time, we can chat through mathematical problems either on a one-to-one or small group basis
• We have a dedicated social and study space for maths students in the department, which is situated in the STEM Centre
• We host regular events and seminars throughout the year
• Our students run a lively Mathematics Society, an active and social group where you can explore your interest in your subject with other students

Your future

Clear thinkers are required in every profession, so the successful mathematician has an extensive choice of potential careers. Mathematics students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy. The Council for Mathematical Sciences offers further information on careers in mathematics.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:

• KPMG
• British Arab Commercial Bank
• Johal and Company

We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

UK entry requirements

BTEC: D*DD, only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics.

IB: 33 points or three Higher Level certificates with 665. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5. We will accept 5 in either Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Higher Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

T-levels: Distinction, only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics.

What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?

If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.

What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.

You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here

If you are a mature student, further information is here

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.

Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications

If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

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.

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course content is therefore reviewed on an annual basis to ensure our courses remain up-to-date so modules listed are subject to change.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Teaching

• Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group project activities
• Group work
• A significant amount of practical lab work will need to be undertaken for written assignments and as part of your learning

Assessment

• You are assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework
• All our modules include a significant coursework element
• You receive regular feedback on your progress through in-term tests
• Courses are assessed on the results of your written examinations, together with continual assessments of your practical work and coursework