Mathematics

|

BSc

|

Full Time

| UCAS code: G100
A three year mathematics degree in central London with modules in all branches of maths. A particular feature is geometry, which is increasingly important in both pure and applied mathematics. The first year follows a set of specified modules and in subsequent years, choose modules to suit your interests.

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
G100
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three 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 single honours programme contains modules in all branches of Mathematics. In pure mathematics, there are core modules in algebra and analysis and also (a particular feature of King's) in geometry, a subject which is increasingly important in both pure mathematics and in applications. On the applied side, there are core modules in applicable mathematics and mathematical methods, and also in dynamical systems and probability and statistics, as well as the algebra of symmetry. During the first year all students follow a set course of modules, but in subsequent years there is more opportunity to choose topics, and therefore tailor the degree to suit your interests.

The programme forms the ideal preparation for employment in commerce, industry or finance, where a high degree of numeracy and a well-developed ability to think logically are required.


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

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

YEAR 3
Eight options from a wide range of modules. There is the possibility of specialising in applied or pure.

YEAR 3 OPTIONS

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




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 BSc
I chose King's College London because of its reputation for the high standards of teaching, and also because the department was very friendly and welcoming.

Although I commuted from home for my first year, the superb location of the Strand campus meant that I had no problems getting to my lectures. There were also a number of events organised for students living at home during Freshers' Week, which instantly helped me to feel part of the College community.

I was particularly impressed with the effort that the lectures make to help any student with difficulties that arise both in and out of the lecture courses. The tutorial system also meant that from day one there was someone in the department who know me, which helped me feel at home as soon as I came to King's.

Having such inspiring lectures given by world-class academics has definitely made me consider a career in research, and I am planning to go on to study for a PhD. In the future, I hope to be able to use the skills I have gained at King's to make a significant contribution to mathematics.
Mathematics BSc
'The diverse, enthusiastic, and highly intellectual atmosphere at King's inspired me to join this reputable university with a tradition of excellence. The variety of facilities and resources has enabled me to progress my creativity and appetite for challenge. The central location of King's means that there are so many options for entertainment and socialising, including theatres, shopping centres, and a magnificent view of London.
Being part of societies such as the volleyball team has been an integral part of my life at King's and has provided me with sportsmanship, leadership and effective decision-making skills. I particularly appreciate the amount of effort put in by the lecturers and students here to make it a truly comfortable place where I can engage and succeed. Given the opportunity of being in a dynamic and demanding environment, I now possess a common thirst for knowledge and a passion to make a significant contribution to the world. After my degree, I hope to use the transferable, analytical, and communication skills I have learnt at King's to follow a career as a chartered accountant.'
Mathematics BSc
'I was first attracted to King's because of its prestigious reputation, but what sets it apart from other reputable universities in London was its friendly, vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of its students. Set in the heart of the biggest, best city in the world, you will never be short of things to do and likewise King's itself offers a tall list of clubs and societies, there's definitely something for everyone!

I lived out in Stamford Street Apartments in my first year and it was an awesome experience. It taught me valuable life skills and responsibility and there I made some great friends. I'm personally involved with the King's Arabic and Maths societies and have attended events held at theatres, restaurants and Somerset House.

King's Department of Mathematics is world-leading in its research so I feel incredibly lucky to have exceptional, down to earth lecturers here who are always happy to help. In my final year now, I'm beginning to realise that having a Maths degree opens a lot of doors; its challenging but respected and applicable in most fields of work.'
Mathematics BSc
The Strand campus is in one of the best locations; almost everywhere in Central London is within walking distance. Also, seeing the old features inside the building, for example the detail in the chapel and Maughan Library, makes it a lovely place to study for three or four years. You are given a student ID card, which is an NUS card that can be used to get yourself discounts in many places.

When I first came to King’s the students and staff were very welcoming and helpful. I have used the Disability and Dyslexia Service at King’s, I was given guidance at every stage. I now receive the right provisions to meet my needs, to gain as much as possible from my degree. The service is extremely useful and the people are friendly to talk to.

Fresher’s Fair has been great each year, I always meet somebody new, and the Maths Society hosts a welcoming party, where I met a lot of people on my course before officially starting first year. The Mathematics Department also has an annual weekend trip to Cumberland Lodge, which is fun and would highly recommend going. The topics discussed, during this trip, are very different and insightful, it’s cheap and most importantly serves hot tasty meals.

There is a wide selection of mathematics modules at King’s that you are free to choose from, so you can select those that you will most enjoy. I have taken the option of doing a project in a topic of my choice, in my third year, with the help of a supervisor. I am able to conduct my own research for the project and do it in my own time; it gives me great pleasure when I’ve learnt something on my own which is why I love writing this project.

I am a course representative, which involves meeting with senior members of the Mathematics Department and discussing improvements and any issues raised by students. Students are given the opportunity to give feedback anonymously about each of their courses and lecturers. The students and Staff and at King’s maintain a good relationship. Each student is assigned to a personal tutor, which you can turn to for most things. Lecturers also open their doors to any student that may have questions, you can easily email them too.

After my undergraduate degree I am going to do a Masters in Mathematics followed by a PhD. 



Staff profiles

Mathematics BSc
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.