Mathematics with Computer Science BSc Hons

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Course Summary

This course brings together topics from both mathematics and computer subjects where there is a common relevance. It offers the opportunity to explore both theory and practice, developing computational skills to test theoretical concepts experimentally through computational modelling and algorithm design and testing.

A student enrolled on this programme can expect the following:

To be taught by academics research-active in computational mathematics, numerical analysis, computational modelling and software development, machine learning, deep learning, cybersecurity
To develop practical IT and programming skills using state-of-the-art software and hardware, which can be found in industry, commerce and academia
To develop a skill for using computational tools to further explore and test mathematical hypotheses, through algorithms, simulation and modelling
To develop skills and knowledge appropriate to preparation for postgraduate study or further research, and to a range of vocations and careers
To provide effective, structured learning opportunities which promote the practical application of Computer Science in industry, business and research domains

Why you'll Love it

Highly valued mathematical skills, and problem-solving ability

Students studying mathematics with wall screen in background.

Small group teaching and student involvement

Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA)

computing students sitting in forun of a pc in a classrooom

Mathematics at the University of Chester

BSc (Hons) Mathematics

What you'll study

In the Foundation Year, you will study the following modules: Pure Maths, Physics, Applied Maths, Introduction to Programming and Data Sciences, University Study Skills.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 1, you will be exposed to a diverse range of topics, laying a solid foundation to help your transition to being an undergraduate mathematician. You will study: computation; communication and employability; probability and statistics with applications to data sciences and machine learning; foundation of mathematics and differential equations with their applications; and analysis and linear algebra.

In Year 2, you will explore key theoretical results from applied mathematics and computer sciences which are highly valued in a variety of industries. You will study linear algebra, theory and practice programming. You will also study two computer science modules which are related to software development, machine learning, data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students get to put skills into practice in a work-based learning module towards the end of this year.

In Year 3, you will study topics related to the research interests of academic staff which are closely linked to real-world applications. You may also have the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary projects and solve challenging real-world problems. You will study numerical analysis and quality control. You will also study two computer science modules which are related to software development, machine learning, data analysis, and artificial intelligent. You will also work on a final year mathematics and computer project under the supervision of an academic staff member.

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term students will study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 9 and 14 hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered through in person. Students can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and peer-led seminars.

Students should expect to spend an average of 25-35 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment.

Teaching will be delivered by experience academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

Assessment in each module is selected with the aim that the form of assessment chosen should be the most effective way to assess students’ attainment of the learning outcomes of that module. This implies that it must both assess the learning outcomes and also be selected so as not to disadvantage any group of students. Therefore, in many modules assessment balances coursework and formal written examination. The coursework is selected to assess skills that are more effectively assessed through project work, investigations and the writing of computer programs. It is carefully designed to reduce the likelihood of cheating, and steps are taken to monitor student submissions for evidence of malpractice. Formal written examinations provide the most effective way to assess many mathematical skills. The balance between examination and coursework serves to help many students (who would otherwise lack confidence) to gain reassurance through successful completion of coursework before attempting a formal examination and this makes a significant contribution to equality of opportunity.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Study a Common First Year

This course shares a common first year with students on Mathematics, Mathematics with Finance and Mathematics with Data Science courses.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within mathematics and computer science, developing your skills to become a World Ready graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	112 points
GCE A Level	Typical offer – BCC-BBC Must include A-level Maths
BTEC	Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DMM Considered alongside A-level Maths
International Baccalaureate	28 points - Including 5 in an appropriate HL Mathematics course
Irish / Scottish Highers	Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 (Including H3 in Maths) Scottish Highers - BBBB (Including Maths at grade B)
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above, including at least 15 in Maths
T Level	Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: DMM
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff	72 points
GCE A level	72 points overall, including grade D in A level Must include A level Mathematics
BTEC	Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): MMP Considered alongside A level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate	24 points - Including HL Mathematics grade 4
Irish / Scottish Highers	Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H4 H4 H4 H4 H4 (including H4 in Maths) Scottish Highers: CCDD (Including Mathematics)
Access requirements	Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall, must include Mathematics
T Level	T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)
OCR Cambridge Technicals	OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
Extra Information	Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Fees and Funding

£9,250per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course.

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

There are no mandatory additional costs required to study the course. Students often elect to purchase a laptop; where students choose to do so, the cost is likely to be around £800-£1000.

Occasional, optional, field trips may be offered, depending on student demand; these are typically within the UK and where chargeable the cost is likely to be under £100. Students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who you'll Learn from

Associate Professor Yubin Yan

Programme Leader in BSc Mathematics

Dr Rhian Taylor

Deputy Programme Leader in BSc Mathematics

Dr Justin McInroy

Programme Leader for MSc Mathematics

Dr Zachiri McKenzie

Senior Lecturer

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Fitness facilities

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Our graduates have excellent employment prospects. In the last five years, our maths graduates have successfully obtained roles in a variety of different sectors and industries:

Teacher, education sector
Maths Analyst, software development
Operational Statistician, Central Government
Information Analyst, NHS
Actuary, insurance firm
Pricing Analyst, insurance firm
Auditor, banking sector
Chartered Accountant, financial sector
Credit Risk Analyst, financial sector
Tax professional, HMRC
Java Development Consultant, industry
Software developer, industry
Utility Expense Analyst, Energy sector
Team Manager, retail sector
Business Intelligence Developer, law firm

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Mathematics with Computer Science BSc (Hons)

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