King's College London

King’s College London is set to launch a new undergraduate degree in mathematics designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world and competitive job market.

Funded by the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences, the Mathematics for Quantitative Problem-Solving degree will focus on developing innovative problem-solvers who can apply mathematical methods to a wide range of real-world societal challenges. 

Applications for the programme will open in September 2026, with the first cohort starting in the 2027/28 academic year. The course is being developed in close collaboration with industry partners, who are actively contributing to the curriculum to ensure strong alignment with workforce needs.

Students will study core modules in foundational mathematics, mathematical modelling, and computation, all embedded within employer-linked projects. These will provide real-world experience across sectors such as digital technology, banking and finance, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. 

Professor Anne Taormina, Head of the Department of Mathematics and lead for the project, said:

“Mathematicians are among the world’s great problem-solvers. Their ability to combine creative and deductive thinking in data-rich environments makes them highly employable across a diverse range of sectors. The demand for such skills is rising, particularly in areas like big data, machine learning, and AI.

“Graduates from this programme will be distinguished by their mathematical expertise, their confidence as problem-solvers, and their readiness to work collaboratively in professional settings. The degree will emphasise a creative, joyful approach to mathematics grounded in real-world applications.”

Teaching will combine interactive lectures with small-group tutorials to enhance students’ problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills. Assessments and long-term research projects will be co-designed with business and industry collaborators to ensure their relevance and rigour. 

The Department of Mathematics has a strong track record of working with major employers, including Santander, Microsoft, NASA, and Johnson & Johnson. New partnerships are also being developed to expand training and collaborative opportunities for students.

“We’re using these partnerships to identify the skills employers are looking for in mathematicians and to ensure our students develop those skills,” said Professor Taormina. “Through early engagement with industry, students will build meaningful connections and gain valuable experience from the outset.”

A central aim of the programme is to broaden access to undergraduate mathematics, especially for students from under-represented backgrounds. The entry requirements for this degree are A*AB, including A* in Mathematics, and it is specifically designed for students who have not taken A Level Further Mathematics — ensuring opportunities for talented applicants whose schools may not offer the subject or who have chosen a different academic path. 

A range of outreach initiatives will support this inclusive approach, including:

• A three-day summer school in 2026 for Year 12 students from under-represented backgrounds, with priority given to Black students and those taking only a single maths A Level.

• A series of online problem-solving workshops for girls and non-binary students in Year 12, designed to widen participation and engagement with advanced mathematics.

Dan Abramson, Professor of Practice in the Department of Mathematics, CEO of U-Maths, and former Headteacher of King’s Maths School, is a key contributor to the project. He commented:

“This programme is inspired by the nationally leading work of King’s Maths School, particularly its commitment to supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. We aim to build on that legacy to shape the next generation of mathematical thinkers.”