Mathematics at UEA
Find out more about studying Mathematics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23Why BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year at UEA?
This course opens the door to a mathematics degree if you don’t meet traditional entry requirements. It offers a supportive pathway for mature students, career changers or those without A-levels.
What is BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year?
Mathematics is the language of science, technology and finance. This course offers an accessible route into our Maths degrees for anyone eager to deepen their understanding.
In your foundation year, you’ll build essential knowledge and skills for higher-level study of mathematics. You’ll also choose some modules in other areas such as computing, science or languages to broaden your learning.
On successful completion of the initial foundation year, you'll automatically continue to study the three years of our main BSc Mathematics(opens in a new window) degree. You could also choose to switch to any of our other BSc Mathematics degrees at that point. Subject to academic performance, you may also be able to switch to one of our MMath degree programmes later on.
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Find out more about studying Mathematics at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreThis 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.
With a degree in BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year from UEA, you’ll have excellent career prospects across a wide range of sectors. Potential careers include:
Your future degree goes beyond technical mathematics. You’ll develop the transferable skills you’ll need to succeed in your future career. Critical thinking and problem-solving are at the heart of mathematics and these skills are highly valued by employers across many industries. We work closely with the University’s Careers Service to support you throughout your studies. Employability is built into the course, with opportunities for group work and communication across different formats.
Discover more at Mathematics Careers.
After graduating from your BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year degree, you’ll be well prepared for a wide range of careers. Many students go into fields such as accountancy, banking and finance, data analysis and education. Your skills will also open doors to careers in IT, engineering, logistics and government. Problem-solving and logical thinking are valued across many industries. You may also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Half of your foundation year focuses on mathematics. You’ll explore core topics such as algebra and calculus, alongside key ideas, notation and mathematical thinking.
You’ll also choose three optional modules from science, computing or languages. These will complement your studies and give you a broader foundation for the future.
Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll automatically 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 as the course progresses.
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.
In year one, you’ll build on the material studied in the foundation year. You’ll be encouraged to develop strategies for approaching unfamiliar problems, and you'll also have the opportunity to collaborate in groups with like-minded peers, strengthening your communication and teamwork skills.
You’ll also be introduced to fascinating new mathematical concepts and ideas that will lay the groundwork for more advanced topics later in your degree. In addition, you’ll begin working with mathematical software that will support your studies throughout the course.
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.
As you progress year two, you’ll continue to learn essential mathematical principles through compulsory modules, while also taking a selection of optional modules to suit your personal interests and career aspirations.
The optional modules on offer change each year but include options to study further topics in mathematics, statistics, physics, business, computing, or environmental science.
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.
There are no compulsory modules in your final year. Instead, we offer a wide choice of optional modules for you to choose from, covering topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. You’re also able to study mathematics-related subjects from another school within UEA.
You’ll also have the option to undertake an undergraduate mathematics project, which will give you a chance to immerse yourself in a mathematical topic that really inspires you.
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
You’ll learn through interactive lectures, supported by online notes and recordings. Regular problem sheets help you test your understanding and apply new techniques.
Workshops provide hands-on support, with worked examples and individual guidance. Some modules also include computer labs and group work.
You’ll have access to weekly office hours with your lecturers. These give you the chance to ask questions and explore topics in more depth.
In your foundation year, you’ll have around 9–12 hours of timetabled teaching each week. This rises to around 15 hours in year one, then reduces as you become a more independent learner.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module and usually include a mix of coursework and written exams.
Coursework takes many forms, including problem sheets, reports, presentations, programming tasks, group work and oral assessments.
You’ll receive detailed feedback to help you improve. Lecturers are also available during office hours to offer further guidance and support.
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.
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(opens in a new window) page.
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(opens in a new window).
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
Obtain an overall Pass
28 points overall
6 subjects at H4
BBCCC
DDD
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: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) 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.
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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.
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.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
UK Students: £10,050
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. You may wish to use 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 general information about course-related costs.
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. (opens in a new window)
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:
Mathematics with a Foundation Year starting September 2027 for 4 years