Mathematics and Statistics G114

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Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level	AAA
BTEC	DDD
International Baccalaureate	38

Course details

This challenging degree takes your study of Mathematics and Statistics to Master’s level. It is the ideal choice if you are considering postgraduate study or a career that requires high-level numeracy skills or research.

The MMath combines a strong mathematical grounding with the latest developments in statistics and machine learning to provide the foundation you’ll need to step into a data-driven workplace. The first two years follow a similar structure to the BSc. The wider range of modules introduced in Years 3 and 4 explore more sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques in greater depth.

The course is based in a brand-new facility, purpose-built to meet the learning, teaching and study needs of students from the Department. You will be taught by a team of mathematicians and statisticians with a wealth of experience in industry and research.

The Department is home to a number of research groups with specialisms in both pure and applied mathematics. With many members of the teaching team actively involved in research there are plenty of opportunities to link learning to the latest research in distinctive and creative ways.

The first year begins with a broad-based introduction to pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability and provides a sound foundation for in-depth study in subsequent years. As you move into the second and third year the focus on statistics increases.

During the final year you complete a double-module project. This can be the individual project in which you tackle a theoretical area or an applied problem in depth. Alternatively, the internship project is a statistics and machine learning piece of work based on a third-party problem. Both projects can be carried out in collaboration with external organisations to add valuable real-world context to your degree.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Analysis

aims to provide an understanding of real and complex number systems, and to develop rigorously the calculus of functions of a single variable from basic principles.

Calculus

builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics, beginning with functions of a single variable and moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Fourier Series and Fourier transforms.

Linear Algebra

presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods in preparation for more demanding material later in the course.

Dynamics

develops an understanding of elementary classical Newtonian dynamics as well as an ability to formulate and solve basic problems in dynamics.

Probability

introduces mathematics ideas on probability in preparation for more specialised material later in the course. The module presents a mathematical subject of key importance to the real-world (applied) that is based on rigorous mathematical foundations (pure).

Programming

is taught via lectures and practical sessions that introduce basic principles and competence in computer programming. You will also study control structures; floating point arithmetic; and lists, strings and introduction to objects.

Statistics

introduces frequentist and Bayesian statistics and demonstrates the relevance of these principles and procedures to real problems. This module lays the foundations for all subsequent study of statistics.

Year 2 modules

Core modules:

Analysis in Many Variables

provides an understanding of calculus in more than one dimension, together with an understanding of, and facility with, the methods of vector calculus. It also explores the application of these ideas to a range of forms of integration and to solutions of a range of classical partial differential equations.

Statistical Inference

introduces the main concepts underlying statistical inference and methods. This module develops the foundations underlying classical statistical techniques, and the basis for the Bayesian approach to statistics. You will also investigate and compare frequentist and Bayesian approaches.

Data Science and Statistical Computing

equips you with the skills to import, explore, manipulate, model and visualise real data sets using the statistical programming language R. The module introduces the concepts and mathematics behind sampling. It also covers data protection and governance issues when working with data.

Statistical Modelling

provides a working knowledge of the theory, computation and practice of the linear model. You will cover areas including analysis of variance, model selection, diagnostics and transformation methods.

Optional modules:

Algebra
Complex Analysis
Mathematical Physics
Numerical Analysis
Elementary Number Theory
Geometric Topology
Markov Chains
Mathematical Modelling
Probability
Special Relativity and Electromagnetism

Year 3 modules

Optional modules:

Advanced Statistical Modelling
Bayesian Computation and Modelling
Decision Theory
Machine Learning and Neural Networks
Mathematical Finance
Stochastic Processes

Year 4 modules

Core modules:

Project

In the final year Project you will investigate a statistical topic of interest or perform an in-depth analysis of a data set using the tools acquired earlier in the course. You then produce a written report and give a short presentation. Subject to availability, you may have the opportunity to perform this project in collaboration with an external organisation. The project develops your research and communication skills which are important for future employment or postgraduate studies.

Internship Project

The Internship Project gives you the opportunity to conduct a substantial piece of independent statistics and machine learning work in a real-world context working with a third party, and to write up and present this work. This will further your analytical, collaborative and transferable skills, and your knowledge of the practice of statistics and machine learning, as well as advance your abilities in oral or written communication.

Optional modules:

Spatio-Temporal Statistics
Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Discrete and Continuous Probability
High-Dimensional Data Analysis
Non-Parametric Statistics
Object-Oriented Statistics
Robust Bayesian Analysis
Topics in Probability
Uncertainty Quantification

Additional Pathways

Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.

Accreditation

A degree in mathematics is naturally associated with careers in accounting, finance and banking, but combined with statistics it can open the door to a wider range of opportunities in engineering, IT and data science as well as many areas of business and management. This means that graduates from mathematical degrees are in high demand. Whether you’re looking to pursue a statistics-focused career or considering a role where you can draw on your transferable skills there are many options available.

Take a look at some of the roles taken up by recent graduates from the Department:

Tax Assistant at KPMG
Graduate Data Analyst at Ocado
Actuary at PwC
Consultant at EY
Platform Engineer at Nationwide Building Society
Mathematics teachers at various schools in the UK

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Entry requirements

A level offer – A*A*A

Contextual offer – A*A*C

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*D*D-D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 776 in higher level subjects, including a 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) or 766 in higher level subjects, including a 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics test.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note that:

We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.
Science A levels: Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
We strongly encourage applicants to sit the University’s Admissions Test (*) if it is available to them, as we give a high weighting in our selection process to evidence of ability in Mathematics.
We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre
We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, although we advise you to make sure that you take steps to maintain your level of mathematical expertise.

(*) The University uses a national Admission Test in Mathematics (TMUA), in conjunction with the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT). Test results will be sent by the CAAT directly to students at the end of November, and all information concerning the Test (including whether it was taken at all) will be provided to us by the applicants on an entirely voluntarily basis: suitable performance will entitle the applicant to the reduced A*AA offer. Taking part in the TMUA can therefore only increase the chances of receiving an offer. More information can be found on the Mathematics Department website, on the CAAT website and in most schools nationwide. (Schools that currently administer STEP and MAT will be automatically registered).

including A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics or A*AA including A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics test.

Alternative qualifications

Other UK qualifications

EU qualifications

International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information