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Overview
- Degree awarded
- BSc (Honours)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades A*AA with an A* in Mathematics A-level.
A-level Further Maths is preferred but not essential but where taken will be included in the offer.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
We make contextual data offers to students who are eligible . This is likely to be A* (Maths) AB (if Further Maths is taken a grade A would be required).Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
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37 points overall with 19 points at Higher Level with 7 in Maths and 6 & 6 in two further Higher Level subjects. We will only accept Higher Level Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
- Number of places/applicants
- No data available.
- How to apply
Please apply in the usual way via UCAS.
This course is now closed for 2022 entry.
- UCAS course code
- NG31
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course description
The BSc Actuarial Science and Mathematics programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Students graduating from the programme may be recommended for exemption from the CS1, CS2, CM1, CB1 and CB2 subjects depending on the performance in a particular set of course units. The course gives a firm foundation in Mathematics, together with specialist course units in Actuarial Science whilst giving you the opportunity to develop team working, communication and leadership skills.
The mathematical skills involved include most of the topics taught to students on the first year of the specialist mathematics degree i.e. covering aspects of pure and applied mathematics and statistics as well as some more general mathematics. As the course progresses, the statistical topics are explored in more detail. Courses in all areas of mathematics are used as a basis for some of the actuarial units.
Although the mathematics topics are more prevalent in the early years of the programme, there are opportunities to select from a wide range of mathematics options in the final year.
The actuarial topics start off with Economics, followed by Finance, and then consider the various actuarial models and contingencies used in the profession.
Supporting skills include options in leadership, enterprise and sustainable energy. These can be taken as options with alternatives including a wide range of mathematics units.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Mathematics
- Contact name
- Department of Mathematics
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 5819
- ug-maths@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.manchester.ac.uk/maths
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Further Maths is preferred but not essential but where taken will be included in the offer.
Duration of A-level study
AS-level
GCSE
For applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England we require:
-
5 GCSES at Grade A/7 or B/6 (both numeric and letter grade) including:
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Mathematics (usually a Grade 8)
-
English Language is required at GCSE level with a minimum Grade of C / 4. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.
-
Other applicants will be expected to demonstrate a broad general education and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact us for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
37 points overall with 19 points at Higher Level with 7 in Maths and 6 & 6 in two further Higher Level subjects. We will only accept Higher Level Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AAABB in Scottish Highers. In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers A (Maths) AA are normally required.
English Language not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: 85% overall and 85% Maths (5 periods). Advanced Maths should also be taken. If this is not possible, please contact us.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Business/Engineering, are required to achieve A* (Maths) & AB with B in EAP overall with B in writing and nothing below a C. If Further Maths is taken we will request a grade A in this subject.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year in Business/Engineering are required to achieve A* (Maths) & AA with B in EAP overall with B in writing and nothing below a C.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact us to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD plus an A Level in Mathematics at grade A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an A Level in Mathematics at grade A*.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at A*(Maths) and A in another subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Level grades at A*(Maths) and A in another subject.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic Department for clarification.
Please contact us if you require further clarification about these qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry with grades DDD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Cambridge Technical Diploma
We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry with grades DD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider the Cambridge Foundation Diploma for entry with grade DD plus a grade A* in A level Mathematics and another A level (not General Studies or Critical Thinking) at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry with grade D plus a grade A* in A level Mathematics and another A level (not General Studies or Critical Thinking) at grade A.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3). The 45 credits at Level 3 to be at Distinction (to include seven specific Maths units). Applications are considered on an individual basis. For further information on the specific units required please contact the Department of Mathematics.
Cambridge Pre-U
A typical offer would be D2 (Mathematics) and D3 in two additional subjects.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE English Language grade C or better , or 4 or better;
- IELTS for all courses are to be: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and nothing below 5.5 or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here . Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact us for clarification.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Please apply in the usual way via UCAS.
This course is now closed for 2022 entry.
Advice to applicants
Where mitigating circumstances have already been taken into account, for example by the relevant Exam Board, we will not be able to make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Once your application has been received it will be considered, on merit, by Department of Mathematics admissions staff. A number of factors are considered including your reference and whether you are likely to meet our entrance requirements. In addition, we will look at your personal statement to see the nature and extent of your interest in Mathematics. We are also keen to hear about your interests, hobbies, extra-curricular experiences, work experience and career aspirations and how these have prepared you for success on your chosen course.
We do not normally accept transfer of application between Departments.
Interview requirements
Many of our applicants will be invited to attend a Virtual Visit Day which will give you a taste of life as a Mathematics student at Manchester. There will be a short talk by the Admissions Tutor, a mini-Mathematics lecture, information about student support and a Question and Answer session. The Q&A session will include current students and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the Department or course. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.
Due to Covid-19 we are not interviewing applicants for this academic cycle.
Aptitude test requirement
Students who have met the appropriate entry requirements but whose qualifications are more than 2 years old may be asked to sit a Mathematics test.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
The BSc Actuarial Science and Mathematics programme is accredited by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Students graduating from the programme may be recommended for exemption from the CS1, CS2, CM1, CB1 and CB2 subjects depending on the performance in a particular set of course units. The course gives a firm foundation in Mathematics, together with specialist course units in Actuarial Science whilst giving you the opportunity to develop team working, communication and leadership skills.
The mathematical skills involved include most of the topics taught to students on the first year of the specialist mathematics degree i.e. covering aspects of pure and applied mathematics and statistics as well as some more general mathematics. As the course progresses, the statistical topics are explored in more detail. Courses in all areas of mathematics are used as a basis for some of the actuarial units.
Although the mathematics topics are more prevalent in the early years of the programme, there are opportunities to select from a wide range of mathematics options in the final year.
The actuarial topics start off with Economics, followed by Finance, and then consider the various actuarial models and contingencies used in the profession.
Supporting skills include options in leadership, enterprise and sustainable energy. These can be taken as options with alternatives including a wide range of mathematics units.
Special features
- Small group teaching is a significant part of the first year.
- A wide range of options is available in the third year.
- All undergraduate students have affiliate membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
- Students have an opportunity to spend a year on a work based placement. This gives an opportunity to gain invaluable work based experience and learn more about themselves and the workplace so that they are better able to make good choices about a career post-graduation. Many students who have a year placement are taken on by the same employer once they have finished their studies. The placement happens after two years study, with the student returning after their placement year to take their third year here. Whilst students wanting to take the work based placement are responsible for finding their own placement, they will be supported in this through a special programme set up to help them. This will be done by working closely with dedicated advisers from the Careers Service and support and mentoring within the Department.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Most course units have some continual assessment (which may be, for instance, a combination of homework and in-class tests), which is put together with the result of an end-of-semester examination to provide the final mark. Some course units (such as a project) are assessed entirely by your submitted work during the semester. The class of your degree is normally based on only your last two years' work.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory |
Linear Algebra B | MATH10212 | 15 | Mandatory |
Financial Mathematics for Actuarial Science 1 | MATH10951 | 10 | Mandatory |
Linear Algebra | MATH11022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Real Analysis | MATH11112 | 10 | Mandatory |
Mathematical Foundation & Analysis | MATH11121 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Vector Calculus | MATH11411 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | MATH11412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Probability I | MATH11711 | 10 | Mandatory |
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 1 | |||
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Managing My Future | MATH20040 | 0 | Mandatory |
Real Analysis A | MATH20101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Partial Differential Equations and Vector Calculus B | MATH20411 | 10 | Mandatory |
Probability 2 | MATH20701 | 10 | Mandatory |
Statistical Methods | MATH20802 | 10 | Mandatory |
Practical Statistics | MATH20811 | 10 | Mandatory |
Financial Mathematics for Actuarial Science 2 | MATH20951 | 10 | Mandatory |
Contingencies 1 - Actuarial Science | MATH20962 | 10 | Mandatory |
Actuarial Insurance | MATH20972 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 25 course units for year 2 | |||
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Statistical Inference | MATH38001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Time Series Analysis | MATH38032 | 10 | Mandatory |
Regression Analysis | MATH38141 | 10 | Mandatory |
Generalised Linear Models | MATH38172 | 10 | Mandatory |
Actuarial Models | MATH39511 | 10 | Mandatory |
Survival Analysis for Actuarial Science | MATH39512 | 10 | Mandatory |
Contingencies 2 | MATH39522 | 10 | Mandatory |
Risk Theory | MATH39542 | 10 | Mandatory |
Financial Derivatives | BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Engineering | BMAN30242 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 46 course units for year 3 | |||
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Scholarships and bursaries
The Department of Mathematics offers scholarships for academically excellent students from the UK and around the world; contact the Department for more details.
What our students say
Facilities
The Department of Mathematics is based in the brand new, purpose built £40 million Alan Turing Building, set at the heart of the University Campus. Students benefit from extensive facilities for computing and study, relaxation and refreshment, in an attractive, light and comfortable environment. Computing: The Department of Mathematics has a number of computer clusters that run the standard software as well as powerful mathematical and statistical software, such as Matlab, Minitab and Mathematica. All our students have free access to email and the internet. Other larger clusters are available in the University libraries and clusters are situated in most Halls of Residence; most student rooms also have Ethernet connection. Library: You will have access to the John Rylands University Library of Manchester, one of the largest and best-equipped libraries in the UK. A special section of this library provides a short loan facility, where you can reliably obtain textbooks that are recommended for particular courses and borrow them on an overnight basis. The Department of Mathematics also houses a mathematical library of more advanced books and other material used mainly by research students and staff.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

The careers team were also amazing in helping with interview preparation,
allowing me to practice interview technique and gain confidence for my applications.
Hannah Levell / Trainee Accountant at PwC

The support network, careers events, and extracurricular activities provided by the university all helped me significantly.
Without them I would have found obtaining a job post university much more difficult.
Nicolas Brusby / Rolls Royce
Studying a Mathematics degree with The University of Manchester will equip you with highly sought after skills and knowledge that are of huge value in a wide variety of professions.
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the country by employers*. 89% of mathematics graduates are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating**. You can read some of our graduates' stories on the Department of Mathematics blog.
Your studies will be fantastic preparation for any area of employment requiring clear and logical thinking. Plus, our award-winning careers services will support you on your journey to finding the right career path for you.
The main areas of employment that graduates enter are:
- Finance
- Industry
- Computing (including operational research)
- Management
- Administration
- Statistics
- Teaching (schools and colleges)
- Postgraduate study
Many of our graduates have pursued careers in finance in firms such as:
- KPMG
- Goldman Sachs
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Deloitte
- Barclays
- Deutsche Bank
A substantial number of previous graduates have undertaken further programmes of study such as MSc in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Finance, Business, Management and Computer Science. Some have also gone on to train as teachers.
Calculating Careers Fair
The Department of Mathematics puts significant emphasis on careers and holds a number of events throughout the year. These include talks, workshops and networking sessions.
We also host the annual Calculating Careers Fair. This takes place in early October each year and is attended by a large number of international graduate recruiters. Previous attendees have included- Amazon
- Amec
- Barclays
- BP
- BT
- Credit Suisse
- GCHQ
- IBM
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- RBS
- Teach First and Deloitte.
This fair is a great opportunity for students to network with a number of graduate employers early in their academic careers.