BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G10F
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2022Course Overview
As one of the most fundamental academic disciplines, we believe mathematics should be accessible to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of it.
Our BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year course is designed to open the door to a mathematics degree without the need to meet traditional entry requirements. Whether you’re a mature student considering a career change, someone eager to explore a lifelong passion, or leaving education without the A-levels needed to enter a degree directly, this course provides a supportive and flexible pathway into higher mathematics.
The initial foundation year focuses on the essential concepts, techniques, and knowledge you’ll need to study mathematics at a higher level. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore optional introductory modules in computing, chemistry, or physics. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, you’ll automatically progress onto the full BSc Mathematics degree.
Our BSc Mathematics degree begins with a year of compulsory modules covering a range of fundamental mathematical topics, before progressing to more advanced subjects as the course develops. In later years, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies around your interests through a wide selection of optional modules. You can also choose modules from other Schools, like the School of Environmental Sciences, the School of Computing Sciences, or Norwich Business School, giving you a breadth of choice and the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary areas.
Mathematics is the language of science, technology, and finance, and our graduates go on to pursue a wide variety of exciting and versatile career paths.
Accreditations
This course is accredited to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain competencies equivalent to those specified by the QAA for taught master’s degrees. For further information, please see IMA University Degree Course Accreditation.
Study and Modules
Structure
Half of the modules you’ll study in your foundation year will focus entirely on mathematics. We’ll introduce you to fundamental theorems, standard notation, and core themes like algebra and calculus. Compulsory modules will be supplemented by a choice of optional modules in other related sciences, such as physics, computing, and chemistry, so you’ll gain an insight into other disciplines that use mathematical techniques.
Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll progress onto our three-year BSc Mathematics course. The degree programme builds on the mathematical knowledge developed during the foundation year, gradually introducing more advanced concepts that’ll be explored in greater depth as the course progresses.
Alternatively, you can also progress onto any of our other programme courses, such as:
- BSc Mathematics with a Placement Year
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics with a Placement Year
Subject to academic performance, you may also be able to switch to one of our MMath degree programmes later in your degree. The different options are:
Compulsory Modules
OPTIONAL A MODULES
(Credits: 40)OPTIONAL B MODULES
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material is typically delivered through lectures, supported by online notes and interactive workshops. In these workshops, you’ll work through examples either individually or in small groups, helping to deepen your understanding of the material.
Depending on the modules you choose, you can expect between 9-12 contact hours each week, made up of a mix of lectures, workshops, and labs.
Feedback and Support
We offer a wide range of feedback and support to help you succeed. You’ll receive written feedback on coursework and regular verbal feedback during workshops. In addition, each lecturer holds at least two office hours per week, providing a great opportunity to ask questions, go over material in more detail, or receive one-to-one feedback and guidance.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module. Many of the foundation year modules are assessed solely by coursework, which might include problem sheets, exercises and/or assessed labs. Some modules include a written examination. For those modules, the split is typically 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Employability
After the Course
There are many professions traditionally associated with mathematics, such as accountancy, banking and finance, statistics, data science, and teaching at secondary or higher education levels.
However, mathematical skills—like logical thinking and problem-solving—are highly valued in a wide range of other fields, including information technology, engineering, logistics and distribution, central or local government, and various business sectors. Many of our graduates also choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing a higher degree.
The School of Mathematics works closely with the University’s Careers Service to support you at every stage of your course—from finding paid or voluntary work opportunities and exploring career options, to preparing and applying for graduate roles.
Careers
Recent graduates have gone on to become:
- Data scientist
- Pension modeller
- Mathematical modeller in industry
- Secondary school teacher
- Accountant
- Researcher
Check out our Mathematics Careers web page.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C and Mathematics at minimum grade 6 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4
Scottish Highers
BBCCC
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. You may wish to consult textbooks, but these can be accessed through our Library, so you don’t need to purchase your own copies. A laptop or tablet computer may be useful, but there are also ample computing facilities available on campus for you to use.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: