Mathematics

Overview

Our Mathematics BSc will train you in all branches of maths. You will develop a broad understanding across the key aspects of mathematics and enjoy the freedom to pursue your own interests as you progress.

You may transfer to the four year Mathematics with a Year Abroad BSc pathway and spend your third year studying abroad before returning to complete a final year with us. This depends on you reaching a certain grade average and being accepted by a partner university.

Key benefits

Central location puts you at the heart of the business and financial world, and close to major libraries and many leading societies, including the London Mathematical Society.
Leading centre of research, with 87 per cent of research in the Department of Mathematics classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014).
Wide choice of modules taught by renowned experts.
Research-led curriculum encourages you to critically analyse and debate a wide range of contemporary issues.
Our graduates are highly employable, entering into careers that include banking, consultancy, accountancy, marketing, advertising and management.

Key information

UCAS code G100

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Department Department of Mathematics

Locations

Select location

Explore campuses

Undergraduate study

We spoke to Puja, a third year Mathematics student and asked her why she chose to study maths at King's and what she loves most about London.

Watch more videos

Course detail

Description

We have been teaching mathematics at King’s throughout our history, and the first Professor of Mathematics was appointed in 1830. Since then the Department of Mathematics has had many accomplishments in central areas of pure mathematics and applied mathematics.

This single honours course contains modules in all branches of mathematics. In pure mathematics, we offer modules in algebra, analysis, geometry and number theory. In applied mathematics, we offer modules in complex systems, probability, statistics and theoretical physics. During your first year you will follow a fixed group of modules, but in your second and third years you will have more freedom to choose modules and tailor your degree to suit your interests.

Teaching

You are expected spend approximately 10 hours work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.

Assessment

The primary method of assessment for this degree is written examination. You may also be assessed by essays, practical examination, oral presentation, reports, class tests and projects. The nature of assessment varies by module.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. In each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on our website for updates.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Calculus I (15 credits)
Linear Algebra & Geometry I (15 credits)
Sequences & Series (15 credits)
Introduction to Algebra (15 credits)
Calculus II (15 credits)
Linear Algebra & Geometry II (15 credits)
Introduction to Dynamical Systems (15 credits)
Probability & Statistics I (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In your first year there are no optional modules.

Year 2

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Real Analysis (15 credits)
Classical Dynamics (15 credits)
Groups & Symmetries (15 credits)
Applied Differential Equations (15 credits)
Complex Analysis (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take three modules from a range of optional modules that may typically include:

Introduction to Number Theory (15 credits)
Probability & Statistics II (15 credits)
Geometry of Surfaces (15 credits)
Statistical Modelling (15 credits)
Discrete Mathematics (15 credits)
Metric Spaces & Topology (15 credits)
Introductory Quantum Theory (15 credits)

Year 3

Required Modules

You are required to take at least two modules from a range of topics that may typically include:

Metric Spaces & Topology (15 credits)
Algebraic Topology (15 credits)
Special Relativity & Electromagnetism (15 credits)
Introductory Quantum Theory (15 credits)
Rings & Modules (15 credits)
Mathematical Finance I: Discrete Time (15 credits)
Fourier Analysis (15 credits)
Galois Theory (15 credits)
Mathematical Finance II: Continuous Time (15 credits)

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120, from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

Mathematical Aspects of Statistical Mechanics (15 credits)
Numerical & Computational Methods (15 credits)
Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits)
Introduction to Number Theory (15 credits)
Probability & Statistics II (15 credits)
University Ambassador Scheme (15 credits)
Space-Time Geometry & General Relativity (15 credits)
Third Year Project (15 credits)
Representation Theory of Finite Groups (15 credits)
Mathematical Biology (15 credits)
Statistical Modelling (15 credits)
Time Series Analysis (15 credits)
Statistical Inference (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Probability (15 credits)

Entry requirements

Required grades

AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-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.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) and three Higher Level subjects at 666

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 36 must be awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 D3

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) will be considered

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

85% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Preferred subjects

None

Further information and other requirements

Entry requirements
A-Level	AAA or A*AB	Must include grade A in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. or Must include grade A* in Mathematics and A in Further Mathematics or Must include grade A in Mathematics and A* in Further Mathematics Further Mathematics will be accepted at AS Level grade A only if you additionally achieve a 3 in any STEP paper or a Merit in AEA Mathematics. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A 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. NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Access to HE Diploma	D: 36 credits M: 9 credits P: 0 credits	Access to Maths/Maths & Computing Diploma (or similar subject) with 45 Level 3 credits: 36 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit. Syllabus must contain pure mathematics. Additionally, you may be asked to obtain either 3 in any two STEP papers or a Distinction in AEA Mathematics, if you do not have A-level equivalent study in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics.
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 D3 or D2 D3 M2	Must include grade D3 in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (full course) or Must include grade D3 in Mathematics and D2 Further Mathematics (full course) or Must include grade D2 in Mathematics and D3 Further Mathematics (full course) The one year Short Course in Further Mathematics will only be accepted only if you additionally achieve a 3 in any STEP paper or a Merit in AEA Mathematics. Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DDM with 11 Distinctions, in addition to grade A in A-level Mathematics and grade A in AS-level Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics will be accepted at AS-level grade A only if you additionally achieve a 3 in any STEP paper or a Merit in AEA Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DD with 8 Distinctions, in addition to grade A in A-level Mathematics and grade A in AS-level Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics will be accepted at AS-level grade A only if you additionally achieve a 3 in any STEP paper or a Merit in AEA Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)		D with 4 modules at Distinction and two A-levels at grades AA, including grade in A both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Further Mathematics will be accepted at AS-level grade A only if you additionally achieve a 3 in any STEP paper or a Merit in AEA Mathematics.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers	AAB at Highers and AA at Advanced Highers	Must include grade A in Advanced Higher Maths. Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate	35 points	Must include 6,6,6 at Higher Level, and including grade 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics. or Must include 7,6,5 at Higher Level, and including grade 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics. The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. Note: IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme
Other International Qualifications		Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band D	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements .

Non-academic requirements

Scholastic activities (Very Desirable):

The following are not required for entry, but you may find these useful further preparation for this degree:

Study of mathematical mechanics and statistics.
We also strongly encourage you to extend your mathematical interests by studying for the Advanced Extension Award or STEP (STEP:www.admissionstestingservice.org/our-services/subject-specific/step)

We will take your performance in STEP or AEA into account if you narrowly fail to meet your A-level offer

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th2020.

Help and support

View our English language entry requirements

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2020/21 (September 2020) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is £19,800 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

Additional costs

If you study abroad as part of your course, King's will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). Please see the Study Abroad webpages for details of the relevant partner universities.

King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. At present these are as follows:

Home students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for £1,350 for King’s tuition fees for the year.
Overseas students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for one third of the King's tuition fees for the year.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for:

Books if you choose to buy your own copies
Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
Library fees and fines
Personal photocopies
Printing course handouts
Society membership fees
Stationery
Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
Graduation costs

For further information, please visit our fees and funding pages.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

We will provide you with 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.

A degree in mathematics is one of the most flexible qualifications you can obtain, and as a result our 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. There is also considerable demand for graduates of mathematics in the teaching profession.

Career destinations

Our 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

Testimonials

Asuka

"The department was very friendly and welcoming. I was particularly impressed with the effort that the lecturers make to help any student with difficulties that arise both in and out of the lecture courses."

Zainab

"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."

Professor Jurgen Berndt

"The Department has established a record of accomplishments in central areas of pure mathematics and applied mathematics. A key feature of the undergraduate experience at King's for Mathematics students is automatic membership to the King's College London Mathematics Society."

Head of Department and Professor of Mathematics

Sarah

"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."

Salma

"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."