Mathematics with Spanish MMath

2024-25 entry
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Modern Languages Teaching Centre

Spend a year of your degree at one of our partner universities in Spain, studying mathematics in Spanish. When you’re in Sheffield, you’ll spend two thirds of your time studying mathematics and the rest of your time developing your Spanish language abilities.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Students in a maths lecture

    Become fluent in Spanish while grappling with some of the most complex maths problems, as you develop into a creative problem-solver.

    Why choose to study one subject, when you can follow your twin passions with this mathematics with Spanish degree at the University of Sheffield.

    You’ll spend around two thirds of your time on maths, one third studying Spanish language and culture. Beginning with the essentials you’ll need for the rest of your degree – calculus, algebra, data science, and more – you’ll go on to develop programming skills using Python and R, and learn to present your work as a professional mathematician using LaTeX.

    In your Spanish studies, you’ll have seminars and weekly meetings with a native speaker, completing a project and presentation in Spanish.

    Year two will see you taking on increasingly complex problems. You’ll choose whether you want to focus on pure maths, or applied topics that are useful in industries like finance. There is also time dedicated for you to prepare for your year abroad – which you’ll spend studying maths at one of our partner universities in Spain.

    When you return to Sheffield for your final year, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and experience to go in lots of different directions in mathematics. So a final research project is a good way to test what interests you the most.

    And you’ll be working closely with one of our staff to tackle a complex research question. Together, we’ll mould you into a candidate that would be prized in academia, or any graduate position you choose.

    Why study this course?

    • Immersive Spanish experience - full academic year at a Spanish university, studying mathematics in Spanish.
    • Leading maths research - 96% of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
    • Everyone is welcome - there’s a place at Sheffield for everyone who enjoys mathematics. Find a warm welcome at our active student society (SUMS), regular maths challenges and a dedicated LGBT+ student group for maths students.
    • Set up for a successful career - careers and employability skills are built into our maths degree programmes, and major employers like Goldman Sachs, Unilever, and the NHS hire our graduates to solve problems.
    • Extended research projects - investigate a real-world problem of your choice in your final year research project, alongside an active researcher. This will also help you hone those software skills, so you’ll know how to present maths and statistics and other technical information.
    Second-year Maths student Amelia takes us through a busy day of lectures before heading to Netball practice to unwind

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Mathematics with Spanish MMath course structure
    UCAS code: G1R4
    Years: 2023
    First year

    Core modules:

    Mathematics Core

    Mathematics Core covers topics which continue school mathematics and which are used throughout the degree programmes: calculus and linear algebra, developing the framework for higher-dimensional generalisation.  This material is central to many topics in subsequent courses.  At the same time, small-group tutorials with the Personal Tutor aim to develop core skills, such as mathematical literacy and communication, some employability skills and problem-solving skills.

    40 credits
    Foundations of Pure Mathematics

    The module aims to give an overview of basic constructions in pure mathematics; starting from the integers, we develop some theory of the integers, introducing theorems, proofs, and abstraction.  This leads to the idea of axioms and general algebraic structures, with groups treated as a principal example.  The process of constructing the real numbers from the rationals is also considered, as a preparation for “analysis”, the branch of mathematics where the properties of sequences of real numbers and functions of real numbers are considered.

    20 credits
    Probability and Data Science

    Probability theory is branch of mathematics concerned with the study of chance phenomena. Data science involves the handling and analysis of data using a variety of tools: statistical inference, machine learning, and graphical methods. The first part of the module introduces probability theory, providing a foundation for further probability and statistics modules, and for the statistical inference methods taught here. Examples are presented from diverse areas, and case studies involving a variety of real data sets are discussed. Data science tools are implemented using the statistical computing language R.

    20 credits
    Spanish Advanced 1

    Assuming a good A level in the language or equivalent, this unit aims to provide an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2-). Based on 33 hours of small group (15-20) interactive seminars and tutorials predominantly delivered in the foreign language, the unit also comprises 67 hours of monitored private study. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/stage_3a

    10 credits
    Spanish Advanced 2

    Assuming successful completion of the Advanced 1 unit or equivalent, this unit aims to consolidate an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2). Based on 36 hours of small group (15-20) interactive seminars and tutorials predominantly delivered in the foreign language, the unit also comprises 64 hours of monitored private study. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/stage_3b

    10 credits

    You'll then take one of these two groups of modules, as determined by the Modern Languages Teaching Centre.

    Either:

    Spanish-English Tandem Advanced 1

    This unit aims to enable students to develop their spoken proficiency and intercultural awareness in relation to the language they are studying through weekly meetings with a native-speaker partner and to acquire independent language learning skills through regular supervision from a language tutor and the completion of a personal planning and reflexive diary. Partners will reciprocally support each other in achieving their own pre-agreed goals, alternatively acting as learner and teacher, taking responsibility for their own learning and providing constructive opportunities for language practice and feedback to their partner. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/tandem

    10 credits
    Spanish Project Advanced 2

    This unit aims to enable students at an 'Advanced' level of competence in the language to work semi-independently, exploring critically a specialised topic normally related to their main field of study, in order to acquire subject-specific terminology and basic discursive skills in the language, as well as develop sound research skills. Through weekly tutorials, students will be guided and suppported in their completion of a written portfolio (1,500 words) and their preparation of an oral presentation summarizing their research and demonstrating their acquisition of relevant academic and linguistic skills. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/project_advanced

    10 credits

    Or:

    Spanish Project Advanced 1

    This unit aims to enable students at an 'Advanced' level of competence in the language to work semi-independently, exploring critically a specialised topic normally related to their main field of study, in order to acquire subject-specific terminology and basic discursive skills in the language, as well as develop sound research skills. Through weekly tutorials, students will be guided and suppported in their completion of a written portfolio (1,500 words) and their preparation of an oral presentation summarizing their research and demonstrating their acquisition of relevant academic and linguistic skills. A HREF=https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/courses/Spanish/project_advancedClick here for more info/A.This unit aims to enable students at an 'Advanced' level of competence in the language to work semi-independently, exploring critically a specialised topic normally related to their main field of study, in order to acquire subject-specific terminology and basic discursive skills in the language, as well as develop sound research skills. Through weekly tutorials, students will be guided and suppported in their completion of a written portfolio (1,500 words) and their preparation of an oral presentation summarizing their research and demonstrating their acquisition of relevant academic and linguistic skills. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/project_advanced

    10 credits
    Spanish-English Tandem Advanced 2

    This unit aims to enable students to develop their spoken proficiency and intercultural awareness in relation to the language they are studying through weekly meetings with a native-speaker partner and to acquire independent language learning skills through regular supervision from a language tutor and the completion of a personal planning and reflexive diary. Partners will reciprocally support each other in achieving their own pre-agreed goals, alternatively acting as learner and teacher, taking responsibility for their own learning and providing constructive opportunities for language practice and feedback to their partner. https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mltc/lfa/courses/spanish/tandem

    10 credits

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn through lectures, seminars, problems classes, language classes and research projects. Some modules also include programming classes.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Assessment

    You will be assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the modules you take. This can include quizzes, examinations, presentations, participation in tutorials, projects, coursework and other written work.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB
    including A in Maths and B in Spanish

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish + B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths (Analysis and Approaches) and 5 in Higher Level Spanish
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering with Distinctions in all Maths units + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + A in A Level Maths + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AAABB + AB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA in Maths and Spanish
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths units) and 9 at Merit + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    Other requirements
    • We will give your application additional consideration if you have passed the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP), STEP 2 or STEP 3, at grade 3 or above. We do not consider STEP results in place of a third A Level

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB
    including A in Maths and B in Spanish

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish + B in A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    33, with 6 in Higher Level Maths (Analysis and Approaches) and 5 in Higher Level Spanish
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering with Distinctions in all Maths units + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + A in A Level Maths + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AABBB + AB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB, including A in Maths and B in Spanish
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction (to include Maths units) and 15 at Merit + an appropriate Spanish language qualification
    Other requirements
    • We will give your application additional consideration if you have passed the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP), STEP 2 or STEP 3, at grade 3 or above. We do not consider STEP results in place of a third A Level

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    Strong mathematics skills open all kinds of doors for our graduates: from banking, insurance and pensions, to software development at tech companies and encryption services at security agencies. They also work for businesses with vast amounts of data to process and inform new products and services.

    Organisations that have hired Sheffield maths graduates include AstraZeneca, BAE Systems, Barclays, Bet365, Dell, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, GSK, HSBC, IBM, Lloyds, PwC, Unilever, the Civil Service and the NHS. Lots of our students also go on to do PhDs at world top 100 universities.

    Your career in mathematics and statistics

    Modern Languages Teaching Centre

    Modern languages graduates are sought after in a wide variety of areas. Many go on to careers in international business, marketing and related fields. University graduates work in the European Commission, the diplomatic service, the media and public administration. Others work as translators and interpreters, or opt for careers abroad.

    Sonia Nayyar in her graduation gown holding her degree certificate

    My degree has given me an excellent grounding in mathematical concepts I use every day

    Sonia Nayyar Mathematics BSc

    After graduating from Sheffield with a BSc in Mathematics, Sonia went on to work for a financial, actuarial and business consultancy, putting the analytic and logical thinking skills she learned during her degree to daily use.

    Matt sat at a desk in an office with lots of plants in the background

    How I'm using my maths skills to program software

    Matthew Jenkins Mathematics BSc

    After graduating, Matthew used the University Careers Service to help him find a job, and he now develops software in the marine navigation industry.

    A profile image of Rachael Batteson smiling in front of a yellow background

    I analyse the cost-effectiveness of new drugs, to see if they are viable to be accepted within the NHS, or other countries' health care systems

    Rachael Batteson BSc Mathematics

    Rachael works in health economics, using the analysis and problem solving skills she got from her maths degree to assess the viability of new drugs.

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    Why study mathematics and statistics?

    When new students join the School of Mathematics and Statistics, we want them to feel part of a community. At the heart of this is the Sheffield University Mathematics Society, or SUMS, who organise activities throughout the academic year – from charity fundraisers to nights out. Our students also take part in pizza lectures, rocket engineering projects, international maths challenges, and an LGBT+ support group for maths students.

    Staff in the School of Mathematics and Statistics work on a wide range of topics, from the most abstract research in areas like algebraic geometry and number theory, to the calculations behind animal movements and black holes. They’ll guide you through the key concepts and techniques that every mathematician needs to understand and give you a huge range of optional modules to choose from.

    The department is based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and social spaces for our students. It’s right next door to the Students' Union, and just down the road from the 24/7 library facilities at the Information Commons and the Diamond.

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    Modern Languages Teaching Centre

    An exterior photo of the Ella Armitage Building viewed from Brook Hill

    Your foreign language modules are taught by the Modern Languages Teaching Centre (MLTC). The MLTC offers language courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff and the public.

    Including a modern language as part of your degree at Sheffield is a confident step into the wider world and you'll be graduating with skills that are highly valued by employers. You'll learn to communicate fluently in your chosen language and deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the countries where your language is spoken.

    All this is achieved in a vibrant environment through dynamic, high-quality and innovative teaching that places you, as a student, at the cutting edge of the discipline.

    MLTC students study at the Ella Armitage Building in the heart of our campus.

    Modern Languages Teaching Centre

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    96 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

    Research Excellence Framework 2021

    Student profiles

    Laura Tracey sat on a rock in front of some mountains and a river

    I'd recommend to anyone to do a year abroad as it gives you so many opportunities to travel without having to take time out of your studies

    Laura Tracey Mathematics with Year Abroad MMath

    Laura spent a year of her degree at the University of Wollongong, Australia, exploring the other side of the world while developing her mathematics skills.

    Headshot of Annabelle Sheldon

    Experiencing different teaching and assessment styles improved my independent study skills

    Annabelle Sheldon MMath Mathematics with a Year Abroad

    Annabel spent her year abroad at the University of North Carolina.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Spend a year of your degree at one of our partner universities in Spain, studying mathematics in Spanish. When you’re in Sheffield, you’ll spend two thirds of your time studying mathematics and the rest of your time developing your Spanish language abilities.