4 UK universities providing the algorithms for success

Whether you’re interested in building an app or discovering how self-driving cars work, a solid understanding of mathematics can help you go a long way. After all, data is fueling digital transformation in many industries — from finance and banking to agriculture, gaming, and healthcare. 

In terms of job opportunities, the boom in tech companies around the globe spells opportunities for individuals with mathematics degrees. This qualification comes with a chance to explore various career paths, whether it’s working with some of the world’s leading IT companies — such as Accenture, Barclays Capital, and Credit Suisse — or realising your own startup dreams. You can even choose to do your PhD to engage in research.

As math enthusiasts, what better place to study this subject than the UK? With over 1,200 impact tech companies in the country which have raised 3.12 billion pounds in funding in 2022 — ahead of 2021’s record of three billion pounds — and nearly 500 AI startups, these numbers and more make the UK an ideal destination for aspiring math experts looking to gain inspiration and make waves in the industry. If you’re sold on the idea of pursuing maths as your undergraduate degree, here are four institutions that should be at the top of your list:

University of Southampton

The School of Mathematical Sciences has one of the broadest communities of professional mathematicians, students and support staff in the UK. Source: University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Courses at the School of Mathematical Sciences are academically rigorous, informed by the latest research and taught by leading academics. Curricula here have been designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects coupled with opportunities to pursue optional modules.

The school offers a wide range of degrees. They include: BSc Mathematics, BSc Mathematics with Actuarial Science, BSc Mathematics with Finance, BSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics, BSc Mathematics with Statistics, and BSc Mathematics with Computer Science. Students can explore different types of mathematics before specialising. Each programme has built-in flexibility for students to adjust their path as their studies progress — allowing them to make full use of the school’s network and community.

The school is not only one of the largest communities of statisticians and operational research globally, but also ranked in the world’s top 40 and 7th in the UK for statistics and operational research. The BSc Mathematics with Actuarial Science is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, enabling students to acquire exemptions to actuarial qualification exams in six core subjects. 

A dedicated student centre provides support, from orientation to graduation. Workshop sessions give students an avenue to ask questions towards faculty members. Daily drop-in sessions allow students to seek pastoral and academic support. The centre runs careers events, as well as skills training sessions (for coding and data science, etc) and social events. Students can also use the dedicated centre for study and collaborative work with other students. If you’re ready to discover your path in mathematical science, click here to get started.

Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast has invested a whopping £700 million to develop cutting-edge facilities for its students. Source: Queen’s University Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is a leader in research and innovation, renowned for producing highly skilled graduates. As part of the prestigious Russell Group, the university offers students access to networks, internships, and employment prospects.

Students pursuing the BSc in Mathematics programme will gain the skills they need to be job-ready in a rapidly evolving field. The curriculum covers core mathematics ideas and a broad range of modules in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and operational research. 

Those wanting to specialise can opt to pursue the following programmes: BSc in Maths, Stats and Operational Research, BSc in Applied Mathematics and Physics, BSc in Theoretical Physics, BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science, BSc in Mathematics with Finance, and BSc in Mathematics with French/Spanish. MSci programmes last for four years, allowing students to have an extra year to focus on niche areas in mathematics, such as Theoretical Physics, Computer Science, and many more. 

To apply their newfound skills, students can access some of the best facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories for microelectronics, circuits, software engineering, and more. They can practise under the supervision of experienced faculty who provide great support throughout their studies. The institution also offers elite opportunities for learners to excel in their careers. As part of a vibrant community, students here can engage in exciting research projects and collaborate with industry partners, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

University of Glasgow

In 2021, 100% of research activity from the University of Glasgow was classified to be either “world-leading” or “internationally-excellent”, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Source: University of Glasgow/Facebook

The School of Mathematics Statistics at the University of Glasgow is home to world-leading research expertise in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. Undergraduate courses cover areas such as Accounting and Mathematics; Accounting and Statistics; Finance and Mathematics; Finance and Statistics; Mathematics; and Statistics.

Being research-driven, the university integrates research as part of its curriculum and offers students hands-on learning opportunities. Regular seminars with invited speakers from the UK and overseas encourage discussion and develop collaborations. Faculty members also work closely with mathematicians overseas and elsewhere in the UK. 

Students here will greatly benefit from the university’s international partnerships with institutions around the globe. The school offers collaborative degree programmes with two Chinese universities: Zhongnan University of Economics & Law and Northwestern Polytechnical University. The school is involved in a number of exchange programmes with universities in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland as well.

Beyond this, the school was ranked first in Scotland and fifth in the UK by the Times Higher Education for research excellence. What’s more, 100 of its research activity was classified as “world-leading” or “internationally-excellent” according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. 

Swansea University

Est. 1920, Swansea University is still making waves. Source: Swansea University

Swansea University was established in 1920 and is a research-led, student-centric institution that thrives on exploration and discovery. The university opened its Bay Campus in 2015 with an investment of 450 million pounds, standing as the only UK university with a private stretch of beach specifically for students.

The Bay Campus is home to the School of Mathematics and Computer Science and Computational Foundry. The 32.5 million pounds world-class facility provides a space for industry partners to work with the university, test new ideas, and allow students and researchers alike to work on real-world problems.

The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including the BSc Actuarial Science and MSc Mathematics for Finance. Most programmes are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its applications.

Facilities at the Computational Foundry are tailored to deliver real and lasting impact. Much of the research and publications done by the faculty have achieved 100% world-leading impact, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Projects here also contribute towards achieving two of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-Being and Quality Education.

Undergraduate programmes can be completed on a three-year, full-time basis, but students are also granted the invaluable option to complete the course over four years with an integrated 12-month industry placement.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International