Mathematics with Data Science BSc (Hons)

This degree combines mathematics, teaching you sought-after skills for real-world problem solving, with data science. Focusing on practical and theoretical aspects of techniques and approaches for extracting insights from large collections of data, this opens doors to possible careers in a wide variety of industries such as business, retail and finance. 

Why choose this course?

• Staff are available to answer academic questions with weekly dedicated hours throughout term
• A choice of final year options from a range of themes to help you focus on your area of interest
• Benefit from learning with world-leading Mathematics and Data Science academics in appropriate class sizes

Course overview

• Mathematics is the language of the modern world. It underpins the knowledge-based international economy and sits at the heart of the information and science revolutions. Data Science is increasingly the tool for analysing real world complexity and decision-making.
• Whether you are managing an investment portfolio, encrypting financial transactions or constructing a machine-learning algorithm to identify hidden patterns in your customer database you will likely be doing it through a combination of Mathematics and Data Science methods.

The Mathematics with Data Science BSc opens doors to the widest range of careers, because virtually all industries need graduates with skills in these disciplines. 

• The confidence and knowledge you gain at City will open doors to a rewarding and satisfying career.
• Understand the universal nature of mathematics as a discipline that knows no borders or language barriers
• Master a wide range of mathematical and data science topics and techniques, such as calculus, probability and machine learning
• Learn to implement sophisticated algorithms, data mining techniques and artificial intelligence with real world applications
• Boost your employability with an optional paid one-year work placement – past students have secured placements at organisations such as Axa, Barclays, Bloomberg, Disney, Microsoft, Toyota and Warner Music

Take special career development modules to understand mathematics' essential role across all industries and the opportunities available to you.

Explore your interests through a research project chosen from a wide variety of mathematical topics – past projects have included everything from life-saving mathematics in medical imaging, to wallpaper patterns.

This, along with a focus on career development that includes the provision of dedicated employability modules and placements, ensures that our graduates find employment in high-value sectors such as banking, accountancy and management across a range of sectors.

Accreditation

• This course will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught Master's degrees.

Facilities

• See where our students study in this short video, including our labs, computing facilities and learning spaces. Ideally situated between Tech City, Clerkenwell and the City of London, our students benefit from our excellent links with industry.

Course content

• This three-year BSc Mathematics with Data Science degree is focused on pure mathematics with real applications. As you progress, you will have increasing choice and flexibility about what you choose to study.
• Through all core modules you will develop the Graduate Attributes, five core skillsets that will help you launch a successful, fulfilling career. Find out more about the Graduate Attributes.

Year 1

Year 1 consists of modules that make up 125 credits. All modules are core.

• Functions, Vectors and Calculus 1 (15 credits)
• Functions, Vectors and Calculus 2 (15 credits)
• Algebra (15 credits)
• Linear Algebra (15 credits)
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics (15 credits)
• Logic and Set Theory (15 credits)
• Number Theory and Cryptography (15 credits)
• Introduction to Modelling (15 credits)

Year 2
Year 2 consists of modules that make up 125 credits.

• Programming and Data Science for the Professions (15 credits)
• Real Analysis (15 credits)
• Vector Calculus (15 credits)
• Sequences and Series (15 credits)
• Decision Analysis (15 credits)
• Applied Mathematics (15 credits)
• Numerical Mathematics (15 credits)
• Professional Development and Employability for Mathematics (15 credits)
• Applications of Probability and Statistics (15 credits)

Year 3
Year 3 consists of modules that make up 120 credits.

• Codes (15 credits)
• Techniques for Data Science (15 credits)
• Group project (15 credits)
• Principles of Data Science (15 credits)
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
• Machine Learning (15 credits)
• Differential Equations 1 (15 credits)
• Differential Equations 2 (15 credits)
• Complex Analysis (15 credits)
• Advanced Complex Analysis (15 credits)
• Stochastic Models (15 credits)
• Operational Research (15 credits)
• Probability and Statistics 2 (30 credits)
• Graph Theory (15 credits)
• Game Theory (15 credits)
• Dynamical Systems (15 credits)
• Introduction to the Mathematics of Fluids (15 credits)
• Introduction to Mathematical Physics (15 credits)
• Mathematical Processes for Finance (15 credits)
• Groups and Symmetry (15 credits)
• Mathematical Biology (15 credits)

Teaching and assessment

• The Mathematics with Data Science BSc (Hons) at City is an inspiring degree, delivered in a supportive, energised environment by leading experts in mathematics and other disciplines, departments and Schools with whom we have a long history of close collaboration.
• We are committed to creating and sustaining a student-friendly environment. Our teaching and learning methods are designed to develop your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject while stimulating your engagement and participation in the learning process.
• You will be supported and encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and develop your academic self-confidence.
• Recognising that we attract a diverse community of young mathematicians, we provide additional support beyond the traditional lectures and tutorials, as well as a range of services to promote wellbeing.
• For example, to ease the transition from secondary education to undergraduate study, we provide small weekly group tutorials in the first year of this BSc Mathematics programme.
• These allow students the opportunity to ask questions and receive expert answers, as well as provide intensive individual assistance for core module topics. In the final year, you will carry out your own research project chosen from a wide variety of mathematical topics.
• Past research projects have included everything from the mathematical theory of information and life-saving mathematics in medical imaging, through to wallpaper patterns and determining the number of guards required in an art gallery.
• Through the environment that we create for your learning, like for many of our alumni, we are sure that the confidence and knowledge you will gain at City will open doors to a rewarding and satisfying career.

Assessment methods

• Assessment is based on examination and coursework. Marks are weighted in a 1:3:6 ratio for the three years of study to produce an overall aggregate.

Types of assessment

• Set exercises or coursework, which you take home and complete with the aid of your notes
• Formal unseen written examinations every year
• Class or online tests
• Group assessments, such as written reports, also form the basis of assessment for some modules.
• Also, a small number of modules require students to give presentations.

Feedback on assessment

• You will normally be provided with feedback within three weeks of the submission deadline or assessment date. This would normally include a provisional grade or mark. For end-of-module examinations or an equivalent significant task (e.g. an end of module project), feedback will normally be provided within four weeks.
• The timescale for feedback on final-year projects or dissertations may be longer.

Career

• City graduates are equipped with a variety of mathematical skills and find a wide range of careers open to them. The ability to think logically and abstractly, to solve problems and to model real-world phenomena are sought by employers.

Students often go on to work in Data Science companies, or Data Science teams in companies such as:

• PWC
• IBM
• JLT Group
• McKinsey
• SDM
• O2
• Ernst and Young.

Our location at the heart of London, close to the City and Silicon Roundabout, makes us a natural choice for ambitious, career-focused students who appreciate the value of connection.

It is unsurprising that many graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial, industrial or retail sector. Others have gone into education, civil service, research and further study.

Placement support

• Students that complete a placement year have been found to be more likely to achieve higher grades, secure a graduate-level job and earn a higher salary.

Placements can offer the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects. Our students have previously secured placements and internships at organisations such as:

• Axa
• Barclays
• Bloomberg
• Disney
• EY
• GE Capital
• IBM
• J.P. Morgan
• Microsoft
• Toyota
• Warner Music

The School of Science & Technology has its own dedicated placements team, the Corporate Relations & Employability Unit (CREU).

• The CREU provides you with support and guidance in securing a relevant placement, through longstanding relationships with a diverse range of companies. The CREU also collaborates with our Careers Service to support you if you wish to take a summer internship at the end of an academic year.