Course summary

Preparation for a career in research, whether you want to work on solutions to abstract mathematics problems or apply your problem solving skills to challenges in industry. In your final year, you’ll complete a major research project. Tackle some of the most intriguing maths problems, and develop the advanced tools you’ll need to tackle real-world problems in a logical, analytical way. Whether your passion is solving abstract research problems, or you like the idea of applying those same skills to data science or maybe finance, a Mathematics MMath at the University of Sheffield is the right place to begin. Year one is the essentials – calculus, algebra, modelling, data science – and you work with your personal tutor to hone your problem solving abilities and develop the broader career skills that all employers value. We’ll take you into the world of techniques that are used to understand the spread of infectious disease and climate change. And in your second year, you’ll add to your growing toolbox, developing programming skills using Python and R, and learning to present your work as a professional mathematician using LaTeX. The second half of your degree is yours to shape from optional modules, following your interests, and laying down the knowledge and experience you need to follow your chosen career path. In year four, you’ll investigate a real-world or pure maths problem of your choice, alongside an active researcher – collaborating with mathematicians who are advancing the field. Together, we’ll mould you into a candidate that would be prized in academia, or any graduate position you choose. Why study this course?

• Leading maths research - 96% of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2021.

• Real-world problem solving - research unanswered questions, from the most abstract research in areas like algebraic geometry and number theory, to the calculations behind animal movements and black holes.

• 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. We organise regular events and networking opportunities with employers like Goldman Sachs, Unilever, and the NHS who 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 presentation and project management skills, so you’ll know how to present maths and statistics and other technical information.