Students in a maths lecture

Mathematics and Statistics MMath

School of Mathematics and Statistics

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    You are viewing this course for 2023-24 entry. 2024-25 entry is also available.

    Key details

    Course description

    Students in a maths lecture

    This course is designed to prepare you for a career as a statistics researcher, where you can help solve problems in areas ranging from banking and finance to healthcare and medicine. You’ll be trained to use the tools and software professional statisticians use and complete a major research project in your final year.

    We have a small but focused number of modules in the first year, that cover all the essentials you’ll need for the rest of your degree. You will start to develop programming skills using Python and R, which can be applied to lots of jobs that involve data. You’ll learn to use the typesetting software LaTeX, which mathematicians and statisticians use to present their work.

    In your second year, you’ll continue to build a powerful toolbox of mathematical techniques. You’ll also learn how to apply your statistics knowledge to increasingly complex problems through statistical modelling and computer simulations. There are optional modules on topics including algebra, mechanics and fluids.

    Some modules include more project work. This gives you the chance to put your mathematics skills into practice in different contexts and scenarios that you might encounter when you start work after graduation. A module on careers development gives you the chance to find out about different career paths, learn about potential employers, write an impressive CV and sell yourself at job interviews.

    By the third year, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and experience to go in lots of different directions. There is training in how to design experiments and collect data, how statistics are used in clinical trials of new drugs and how data can predict the likely outcome of an event. We’ll give you lots of optional modules to choose from, so you can study the topics that are most useful to the career path you want to take or that you enjoy the most.

    You’ll have a similar range of options to choose from in your final year. You’ll also spend a third of your time working on your own research project. You’ll choose a topic in an area of mathematics that interests you, and work closely with one of our staff who is an expert in the field. You’ll write up your findings and give a presentation about what you’ve learned.

    Accredited by the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) for the purpose of eligibility for Graduate Statistician status

    Join second-year Maths student Amelia as she takes us through a particularly 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 and Statistics MMath course structure
    UCAS code: G110
    Years: 2022, 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, weekly 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
    Mathematical modelling

    Mathematics is the language of science.  By framing a scientific question in mathematical language, it is possible to gain deep insight into the empirical world.  This module aims to give students an appreciation of this astonishing phenomenon.  It will introduce them to the concept of mathematical modelling via examples from throughout science, which may include biology, physics, environmental sciences, and more.  Along the way, a range of mathematical techniques will be learned that tend to appear in empirical applications.  These may include (but not necessarily be limited to) difference and differential equations, calculus, and linear algebra.

    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
    Mathematical Investigation Skills

    This module introduces topics which will be useful throughout students’ time as undergraduates and in employment. These skills fall into two categories: computer literacy and presentation skills.  One aim of this module is to develop programming skills within Python to perform mathematical investigations.  Students will also meet the typesetting package LaTeX, the web design language HTML, and Excel for spreadsheets.  These will be used for making investigations, and preparing reports and presentations into mathematical topics.

    20 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. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn through lectures, problems classes, programming classes and research projects.

    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:
    AAA
    including Maths

    A Levels + additional qualifications AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including A in Maths + B in A Level Further Maths

    International Baccalaureate 36, with 6 in Higher Level Maths (Analysis and Approaches)

    BTEC Extended Diploma D*DD in a relevant subject with Distinctions in all Maths units

    BTEC Diploma DD + A in A Level Maths

    Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher AAAAB + A in Maths

    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels A + AA, including Maths

    Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction (to include Maths units) and 6 at Merit

    Other requirements
    • We will give your application additional consideration if you have passed the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) at grade 3 or above or the Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) at grade 5 or above

    Access Sheffield offer

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

    A Levels + additional qualifications AAB, including A in Maths + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including A in Maths + B in A Level Further Maths

    International Baccalaureate 34, with 6 in Higher Level Maths (Analysis and Approaches)

    BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in a relevant subject with Distinctions in all Maths units

    BTEC Diploma DD + A in A Level Maths

    Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher AAABB + A in Maths

    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AA, including Maths

    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

    Other requirements
    • We will give your application additional consideration if you have passed the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) at grade 3 or above or the Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) at grade 5 or above

    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

    Equivalent English language qualifications

    Visa and immigration requirements

    Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering or Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

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

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    Students in a maths lecture

    Staff in the school work on a wide range of topics, from the most abstract research on topics 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

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      A top 100 university
    QS World University Rankings 2023

      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 2022

      No 1 Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      A top 10 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2022, 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

    Graduate careers

    School of Mathematics and Statistics

    There will always be a place for maths graduates in banking, insurance, pensions, and financial districts from the City of London to Wall Street. Big engineering companies still need people who can crunch the numbers to keep planes in the sky and trains running on time too. But the 21st century has also created new career paths for our students.

    Smartphones, tablets, social networks and streaming services all use software and algorithms that need mathematical brains behind them. In the age of ‘big data’, everyone from rideshare apps to high street shops is gathering information that maths graduates can organise, analyse and interpret. The same technological advances have created new challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity and cryptography.

    If the maths itself is what interests you, a PhD can lead to a career in research. Mathematicians working in universities and research institutes are trying to find rigorous proofs for conjectures that have challenged pure mathematicians for decades, or are doing the calculations behind major experiments, like the ones running on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

    What if I want to work outside mathematics?

    A good class of degree from a top university can take you far, whatever you want to do. We have graduates using their mathematical training in everything from teaching and management to advertising and publishing.

    Student Hailey Pottinger stood in front of a brick wall smiling

    I've found that employers always value the skills that maths students can bring to a role

    Hailey Pottinger Mathematics MMath

    After graduating, Hailey joined the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. The mathematical and problem solving skills Hailey learned during her MMath degree helped her secure her place on the scheme, and management roles in the NHS.

    Elizabeth Sheppeck

    My degree was a big enabler in me getting my job

    Elizabeth Sheppeck Mathematics MMath

    Elizabeth did a project on relativity during her maths degree, and is now training to become a finance leader in the aerospace and defence industry.

    Will Oxley

    My maths education in Sheffield has prepared me very well for conducting research

    Will Oxley Mathematics MMath

    As an undergraduate maths student, will took part in a series of research projects that led to four publications in academic journals. He's now working on a PhD at the University of Cambridge.

    Placements and study abroad

    Placement

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the four year course to a five-year Degree with Placement Year.

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range transferable skills 
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    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 us

    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 for this course

    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

    2023-2024