Course summary
Combine your passion for maths and computer science – explore calculus, algebra, and probability in fresh ways, while diving into computing-heavy fields like AI, fluid dynamics and high-performance computing to solve real-world scientific challenges. Research-informed teaching Learn from research-active staff who apply mathematical methods to real-world challenges. Access to the High Performance Computer supports advanced research, especially in your final year. Career-ready skills Gain in-demand abilities like problem-solving, coding and communication. A paid placement year boosts employability – many students secure multiple job offers before graduating. Supportive community Enjoy a close-knit academic environment with small tutorials, approachable lecturers, student-led learning sessions and an active Maths Society. This course is for you if...
- you want to master the mathematical and computing skills that power today’s most exciting technologies
- you are looking for hands-on experience with parallel computing and high-performance systems
- you enjoy the flexibility to explore pure mathematics or pivot into computing-intensive fields
- you enjoy being part of a close-knit, supportive and collaborative community.
Modules
Year 1 Mathematics is the foundation of computer science, and those who master both are uniquely positioned for high-impact careers. In your first year, you’ll build a solid mathematical foundation that underpins computer science and the rest of your degree. You won’t just learn the theory; you’ll master Python programming, one of the most in-demand skills in industry today, opening doors to cutting-edge careers in cryptography and security. You will develop mathematical knowledge in calculus, matrices, and probability, and discover how computational mathematics can reveal powerful new insights from complex data. Throughout the course, you will benefit from direct support from expert lecturers in small, friendly group sessions designed to give you a truly personalised experience. By the end of your first year, you’ll not only be primed for success on the course but you’ll have the freedom to tailor your journey, with the flexibility to switch to one of our other exciting specialist mathematics degrees if your interests change. Year 2 In Year 2, you’ll take both mathematical and computer science learning to the next level; exploring and evaluating the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms. You won’t just deepen your knowledge; you’ll sharpen your employability skills. In our case studies from industry module, you’ll apply mathematics to genuine business challenges, mastering operational research – the mathematics of decision making in business. You will be taught Monte Carlo methods which are industry-standard techniques used to solve intricate logistical problems and advanced software for Bayesian learning from data, the same tools used in finance, engineering, and supply chain optimisation around the world. By the end of your second year, you won’t just have a deep understanding of key mathematical and computer science concepts, you’ll have a cutting-edge toolkit of modern problem-solving skills that employers are searching for. Optional placement year Our placement year is your chance to step into the real world and make an immediate impact. You’ll apply your mathematical and computer science expertise within a professional context, from software and games development to research and healthcare, government and beyond. Whether you’re optimising business strategies, driving innovation in tech, or contributing to life-changing research, you’ll see first-hand how powerful and versatile your skills really are. Not only will you gain invaluable experience and confidence, but many of our placement students secure graduate roles as a direct result of their year in industry. In addition to the skills and experiences you will gain, placement salaries are typically around £20,000. When you return to Plymouth, you’ll come back energised and inspired, with a clear vision of how mathematics and computer science shapes the world and a renewed drive to excel in your final year. Final year In your final year, you take a deep dive into specialised computer science topics including the use of Plymouth’s high performance computing facilities to perform large scale simulations. You can also learn how to program quantum computers, an exciting and highly relevant skill for the future. A standout feature of the final year is your project work – whether it’s a research-driven individual project under the guidance of a computing expert, a dynamic industry placement, a school-based experience, or a collaborative case study in a small team. By the time you graduate, you won’t just have a degree – you’ll have a portfolio of advanced knowledge, hands-on experience, and real-world problem-solving skills that make you stand out. Your next adventure may be a professional graduate job, or further study. Whatever you want, you will be exceptionally well placed for future success.rld and a renewed drive to excel in your final year.
Assessment method
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Please contact the institution directly
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated Student Immigration Advice (SIA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - C
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - C
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
T Level - Not accepted
Must have GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/ 4 or above.
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
