Mathematics

|

MSci

|

Full Time

| UCAS code: G103
Four year mathematics degree programme in central London. The course lays the foundations of advanced maths necessary for applications and research. Leads to careers where mathematics is used technically, including industrial and academic research and finance. The course includes a substantial project in the fourth year.

KEY BENEFITS
  • Central location gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies, including the London Mathematical Society.
  • Leading centre of research, with 65 per cent of the department’s research classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
  • Wide choice of modules taught by renowned experts.
  • Friendly and supportive learning environment.
  • Improved career prospects – King’s graduates are highly sought after both nationally and internationally in a wide range of professions.
UCAS code
G103
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Four years
Location
Strand Campus
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Department of Mathematics
Closing date
Please refer to the UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/
CONTACTS
Address
Department of Mathematics
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2271
Fax
020 7848 7200


PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
The programme lays the foundations of advanced mathematics necessary for applications of, and research in, a rapidly growing subject. It is designed for students aiming at careers in which mathematics is used technically, including industrial and academic research and finance. It covers more ground than the BSc programme, and includes a substantial project to be completed in the fourth year.


ABOUT THE Department of Mathematics

CAREERS
A degree in mathematics is one of the most flexible qualifications you can obtain, and as a result graduates are among the best paid and the least likely to be unemployed. Many mathematics graduates become statisticians, actuaries, scientists, accountants, and so on. More and more often they are also going into careers in life sciences or the City. Opportunities also exist in teaching, and there is a real demand for graduates in this area. Recent graduates have found employment as: • Actuarial Analyst, Deloitte • Graduates in the Fashion Industry scheme, lyle and scott • Teacher, Harris Academy • Accounting Associate, Ernst & Young • Financial Analyst, GE Healthcare • Mathematical Developer, Oakham • Audit Assistant, KPMG • Finance Assistant, Eden Finance • Management Consultant, Pricewaterhousecoopers • Project Assistant, HSBC • Qualify Management Technician, Pacific life Insurance • Systems Analyst, QBE

TEACHING STYLE
Teaching is predominantly by lectures, supplemented with tutorials and problem classes. Mathematics is not a spectator sport: to become a competent mathematician you must have a go at solving problems. Lecturers provide problem sheets, and if a problem defeats you, we hope and expect that you will ask for help.

STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Our students are assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations depending on the module.

LOCATION
The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the London Mathematical Society and the Royal Society.

SPECIAL NOTES
King’s College London has a Study Abroad programme and UG Mathematics students are eligible to apply for this. Further details can be found at http://www.kcl.ac.uk/international/abroad/prospective/sa/

 

Currently, students study the following modules shown below. King's reviews its modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/department for further advice.

YEAR 1
Eight core modules.

YEAR 1 CORE
Calculus I
Calculus II
Geometry I
Introduction to Dynamical Systems
Linear Methods
Numbers & Functions
Probability & Statistics I
Introduction to Abstract Algebra

YEAR 2
Six core modules, plus two options.

YEAR 2 CORE
Analysis I
Geometry of Surfaces
Groups & Symmetries
Intermediate Dynamics
Linear Algebra
Partial Differential Equations & Complex Variables
Logic

YEAR 2 OPTIONS
Discrete Mathematics
Elementary Number Theory
Probability & Statistics II

YEAR 3
Eight options from a wide range of modules.

YEAR 3 OPTIONS

Real Analysis II
Special Relativity & Electromagnetism
Complex Analysis
Introductory Quantum Theory
Topics in Mathematics
Numerical Methods
Galois Theory
Topology
Mathematical Finance I: Discrete Time
Mathematical Finance II: Continuous Time
History & Development of Mathematics
Rings and Modules
Elementary Number Theory
Probability & Statistics II
Space-time Geometry and General Relativity
Topics in Applied Probability
Representation Theory of Finite Groups
Theory of Complex Networks
Mathematical Biology
Mathematical Theory of Collective Behaviour




YEAR 4
Students undertake a substantial project, plus options, the most common of which are listed below.

YEAR 4 CORE
MSci Project

YEAR 4 OPTIONS
Manifolds
Applied Probability & Stochastics
Fourier Analysis
Lie Groups & Lie Algebras
Operator Theory
String Theory & Branes
Quantum Mechanics II
Quantum Field Theory
Supersymmetry & Gauge Theory
Algebraic Geometry

Plus a selection of modules from other University of London colleges.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
97+ ATAR, or an OP of band 2 for Queensland with high marks in Maths
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1 including 1 in Maths
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 18/20 including 8 or 18 in Maths
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme. Including Maths
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5 including 5.5 in Maths
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 90% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 90% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 33. (Requires high marks in Maths)
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme. Including high grades in Maths
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80% (Requires high marks in Maths)
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 19 plus at least an additional foundation/Access year (Requires high marks in Maths)
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1 including 1 in Maths
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 11 including 11 in Maths
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5,(including 5 in Maths) and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 7 including 7 in Maths
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The scientifique stream of the Baccalaureat with 14/20 overall and 14 in Maths
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.3 overall including 14 in Maths
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at A*AA (see A-level requirements for details).
Greece
Apolytirion
The Ethniko Apolyterion with 19 overall including Maths with 19
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Typical offers of Levels 5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects. Applicants must also have minimum either Level 5 in Compulsory Mathematics and Level 5* in Extended mathematics, or Level 5* in Extended mathematics and Level 5 in compulsory Mathematics. All other core subjects including English language must be at Level 4.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5 including 5 in Maths
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 90% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% including high maeks in Maths with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 17 (All require high marks in Maths)
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 B1  at Higher level with grade A in Maths 
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90 with14/15 in Maths
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at A*AA (see A-level requirements for details). OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year. Including high marks in Maths
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 9 with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university (Requires high marks in Maths)
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 with high marks in Maths, plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres Bien includes Tres Bien in Maths
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAA includes A in Maths
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 . Including high grades in Maths
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 includes 9 in Maths
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 8 includes 8 in Maths
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects,includes Execellent in Maths
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at A*AA (see A-level requirements for details).
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5 includes grade 5 in Maths
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A1 with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university (Includes high marks in Maths)
Poland
Matura
Matura with 85% in extended level subjects includes high marks in Maths
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18 includes high marks in Maths
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 includes 9 in Maths
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 including 5 in Maths with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85%. All require high marks in Maths.
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAA in three content-based H2 subjects (including Grade A Mathematics). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer. Study of H3 Maths encouraged.
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 1 includes 1 in Maths
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5 includes 5 in Maths
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAAAB
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 9 overall includes 9 in Maths
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG includes MVG in Maths
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5 includes 5 in Maths
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 with high marks in Maths, plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university
United Kingdom
A levels
A*AA (plus A at AS level Further Maths if not taken at A2)
Compulsory subjects
A*AA (including Grade A* Mathematics and Grade A Further Mathematics) OR A*AA (including Grade A* Mathematics) and a Grade A Further Mathematics AS-Level. Note: If your school or college offers A-level Further Mathematics then it is expected that this would be taken up. King’s encourages students to extended their mathematical interests by studying for the Advanced Extension Award or STEP, please visit: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/aea and http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/our-services/subject-specific/step for further details. Syllabus must contain pure mathematics. Mechanics and Statistics may additionally be useful  
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Maths or Maths and Computing (or similar) Diploma including study of Mathematics and Further Mathematics at Level 3 with 39 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content.  
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 D3 including Maths. King’s encourages students to extended their mathematical interests by studying for the Advanced Extension Award or STEP, please visit: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/aea and http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/our-services/subject-specific/step for further details. 
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAAAA in Highers, and AA at Advanced Higher (including Maths). Kings encourages students to extended their mathematical interests by taking STEP, please visit: http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/our-services/subject-specific/step for further details.  
International Baccalaureate
35 points and 766 (including Mathematics 6 HL).
European Baccalaureate
90% overall withat least 8.5 in Maths.
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 555 including Calculus AB and BC both with grade 5.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No mandatory test required. However King’s encourages students to extended their mathematical interests by studying for the Advanced Extension Award or STEP (where available). Please visit: http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/aea and http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/our-services/subject-specific/step for further details.

APPLYING TO KING'S
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.

There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Our requirement for Mathematics at A-level is any syllabus that contains pure mathematics. We do not require you to have studied mechanics or statistics. However, if you can choose, mechanics may be somewhat more useful for our programmes of study. We also require you to have taken or be taking A2 (or, if A2 is not available at your school, AS) Further Mathematics.

Student profiles

Mathematics MSci
There’s just something about King’s that sets it apart from other institutes. Aside from its prestige, location and the wide variety of courses available; King’s caters to each of its students and provides the facilities to accommodate for all academic and non-academic needs, seeing each student through their time at university.

I am fortunate enough to have lecturers that are always engaging and approachable, and who often throw in cool facts about new developments or the history of their module, making it that much more interesting!

I am currently a Student Ambassador and Course Representative. In the future I wish to work with others, and these opportunities have given me the chance to strengthen skills I could implement in an extensive array of careers. Like most, I am still undecided of which particular path I would like to follow, but the Careers Service at King’s has helped to bring clarity to the few options I have in mind with mock interviews and CV aids, and resources on careers from actuary to financial law. Overall, I am so happy to be at King’s and every day I walk along the Strand towards my campus, I feel proud to know that I study here!
Mathematics MSci
I chose King's because it is a prestigious university that is well known internationally and because I believe it will be able to offer me excellent career prospects. Moreover, seeing the diversity in students studying at King's, together with the optimism and encouragement shown by the representatives about the teaching and student life was vital in my decision.

I decided to choose Mathematics as my degree choice because I have always had a great interest in the subject, and loved the challenge of solving new and difficult problems. The definitive nature of this course in which there is only one right answer and one must construct a method to reach, is something I greatly appreciate. I also love the feeling of satisfaction when the decisive answer is reached.


Outside of my studies I take part in the first year undergraduates tutoring scheme; one of many aspects of the university that I greatly enjoy. I believe that this is a great idea and just goes to show how committed King's is in providing students with help and support.

In the future I would like to gain an internship within the Investment Banking Industry. My degree at King's will give me a sound foundation to do so because it allows me to perfect the skills which are essential for this career path.

Mathematics MSci

I chose to come and study here at King’s primarily because of its national and international reputation, but on top of that its fantastic location. Aside from this, all who are fortunate enough to get an opportunity to study here will see that King’s caters to each and every one of its students, providing all the support, backing and facilities for any academic and non-academic needs, ensuring that their time at university is a success.

This year I was appointed to be a Mathematics Academic Representative which has given me the opportunity to be one of the voices of the department and allowed me to raise any issues of concern which there may be. Although a hugely difficult task due to the fact that the department is so flawless in all that it does, it is a great honour to hold such a position and it really does show just how committed the department is in making your experience here studying maths a truly unforgettable one.

On top of this I am also part of the Mathematics Society’s ‘Buddy Scheme’, whereby first year students are assigned buddies from older years to help with any problems they may have and to help make the transition between school and university a little easier. I really benefited from having an older student at hand to answer any questions I had during my first year and so am glad I have been able to give something back to the department in becoming a buddy.

Once I finally graduate I hope to pursue a career working within the financial sector in the City. Although a tough ask, I know that with the skills I have acquired from my time here at King’s, along with the fantastic help and assistance which is always available to me, this ambition of mine looks certain to come true.

Mathematics MSci
My original criteria for choosing to study at King's were its leading academic reputation coupled with its proximity to my home. Our brilliant Mathematics department is of course the most important element. I enjoy the independence and responsibility for personal study that a mathematics degree requires. It isn't all exam work either. The lecturers provide plenty of extra material for the mathematically curious, which has greatly contributed to my understanding of the subject. Furthermore, this year I've been given the golden opportunity to run occasional maths tutorials for first year students. It's been a fun challenge, putting my new found knowledge to such a test.

I love languages, so I've also grabbed the chance to study extra-curricular French at King's. It's great to enjoy all the convenience of a superb on-campus Modern Language Centre, completely separate from my own main subject.


The Strand Campus is arguably the best situated of any in Britain. I love being able to pop into an art gallery or museum during a break, wander round stylish Covent Garden or simply appreciate the famous panoramic views from our own Waterfront bar.



Staff profiles

Mathematics MSci
Mathematics has been studied at King's throughout its history and the first Professor of Mathematics was appointed in 1830. Since then the Department has established a record of accomplishments in central areas of pure mathematics and applied mathematics. I have been Head of the Department since August 2009.

A key feature of the undergraduate experience at King's for Mathematics students is automatic membership to the King's College London Mathematics Society (KCL MathSoc). The KCL MathSoc is over 50 years old and has over 500 members who appreciate the beauty of mathematics and share a common passion for it. Over the years it has organised countless events and excursions including an annual trip to Cumberland Lodge, talks with financial and banking firms, and other social activities.


King's graduates are highly sought after both nationally and internationally in a wide range of professions. A degree in mathematics is one of the most flexible qualifications you can obtain, and as a result graduates are among the best paid and the least likely to be unemployed. Six months after graduating, 86% of 2009 Mathematics graduates were in full time employment. Recent King's graduates have found employment as tax consultants, financial analysts, traders, office managers, management consultants and secondary school teachers.