Subject

Mathematics

Impatient to tackle real-world problems?

Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of patterns and structure in the world around us, and is the language that underpins the rest of science. 

We are front-and-centre of the expansion of mathematics and data science into people’s everyday lives and the world around us. From training AIs to study gender and ethnic bias in markets, to building mathematical models of the human brain, to studying cow social networks (no, really), our work spans the range of pure and applied mathematics, statistics, data analytics and actuarial science. Our students are involved in solving scheduling problems at the Port of Felixstowe, leading the data revolution at the heart of London’s “Tech City”, and the University’s pioneering work on big data.

Why study here?
  • 84% of our Department of Mathematical Sciences graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).
  • We are 26th in the UK for Mathematics in The Guardian University Guide 2023.
  • We are top 30 in the UK for overall student satisfaction for Mathematics (National Student Survey 2022).
Image of Leon Philbert, BSc Finance and Mathematics graduate
"In my first year, I was exposed to new areas of mathematics and economics, and adjusting to this, as well as being away from home for the first time, was a big learning curve. In my second year I applied for industrial placement schemes, captained the men’s tennis team to a league win, and launched an online clothing business with my dad. During my placement at Volkswagen Financial Services, I dedicated time to our business, and received a summer internship with Barclays Investment Bank. I’ve gained skills that will prepare me for the rest of my working life. Barclays have since offered me a place on their graduate scheme and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds."
Leon Philbert BSc Finance and Mathematics, 2019
Students talking outside of the Student Union
10 things we're doing to help our students through the cost of living crisis

Working with our Students' Union we've come up with a package of support to help our community through the cost of living crisis; from £2 hot meals to an expanded Hardship Fund to increased student job opportunities all paid the Voluntary Living Wage.

Find out more about our Cost of Living support
You may already know how to integrate complicated functions or solve ordinary differential equations, but taking a postgraduate course in mathematics at Essex will provide you with the tools to start thinking by yourself and apply advanced mathematical notions to real-world problems.

Our postgraduate courses are delivered by active researchers across a range of topics from applied mathematics, pure mathematics, applied statistics, applied probability and operational research. 

Among our lecturers at Essex we have experts in innovative methods for teaching mathematics that make the process of learning complex mathematical concepts an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Why study here?
  • No hierarchies, an open-door policy and a dedicated mathematics peer mentoring scheme mean that our students and staff know each other personally.
  • We are serious about our teaching and research, and your lecturers are guaranteed to be at the forefront of current knowledge. We're also at the heart of a revolution in mathematics teaching. 
  • Our students run a renowned Maths Support Centre which offers advice to other departments at Essex and far beyond – we have calls from as far afield as China.
Research in mathematics is about developing the tools and methods to answer some intricate, fundamental questions about the abstract world of maths, and applying powerful tools and ideas to solve real-world problems.

We provide an active and stimulating environment to carry out your doctoral research in mathematics.

We are expert researchers who undertake prestigious ground-breaking research in a wide range of different topics in pure and applied mathematics, from algorithms to analysis, from algebra to animal behaviour, to combinatorics, differential equations, geometry, mathematical physics and more.

Why study here?
  • No hierarchies, an open door policy, and a dedicated mathematics peer mentoring scheme mean that our students and staff know each other personally.
  • From circular Sudoku to mathematical modelling of brain evolution to help improve patient care – our research has real impact.
  • Our students run a renowned Maths Support Centre which offers advice to other departments at Essex and far beyond – we have calls from as far afield as China.
Photo of mathematics research student, Liudmila Mikheeva
"Everybody knows each other and is super friendly in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. All the experience I’ve gained from doing research, teaching and supervising has made me realise that I really enjoy academia and want to develop my career as a researcher. I have loved my time at Essex so much. The international student and research communities are open and friendly, so I’ve not felt scared of living in a new country, choosing a new career path and speaking English all the time."
Liudmila Mikheeva PhD statistics student
A row of old looking library books
Explore our research

Discover cutting edge research from the University of Essex. Browse our site to find relevant publications, projects, groups, centres, postgraduate opportunities for research supervision and wider areas of interest. Simply search our site to find information relating to your subject.

Search our research
Student holding books next to the library at Colchester Campus
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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.