MMath Mathematics

Expand your mathematical skills and knowledge, and develop master’s-level expertise, with our four-year MMath Mathematics degree.

You'll follow the same curriculum as our BSc Mathematics course for the first three years of study, before undertaking a piece of advanced project work in your fourth year.

The depth and breadth of our MMath Mathematics course allows you to extend your studies and further your knowledge in preparation for postgraduate research studies or employment. In your final year, you'll acquire master’s-level knowledge of applied and pure mathematics.

Choose MMath Mathematics at the University of Reading

Enjoy an enviable staff to student ratio, with a personalised focus on your education. 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).
98% of our mathematical research is world leading or internationally excellent. 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (Research Excellence Foundation 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The University of Reading is in the top 125 in the world for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, by Subject).
The University is ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League, 2023/24), and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

What you'll study

On our MMath Mathematics course you'll gain specialist skills for a career as a research mathematician, whether in industry, academia or elsewhere.

Your first two years of study will cover the essentials of mathematics and develop your knowledge in areas such as:

algebra
analysis
calculus
differential equations.

The second year features a skills module, designed to improve your transferable skills and enhance your employability. You'll explore topics such as mathematical computing, communication and teamwork.

You'll also have the option to select modules from outside our department. For example, you could study the causes and consequences of climate change with our Department of Meteorology, or learn a language through the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP).

In the third year of your degree, you'll focus your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The majority of modules in this year are optional, and include subjects from pure and applied mathematics or statistics, including:

number theory and cryptography
dynamical systems
numerical analysis
methods of machine learning.

You will also undertake mathematical and/or statistical project work.

Throughout your degree, we'll extend your skills, knowledge and resilience and play to your strengths, tailoring your degree to suit developing career aspirations.

Chartered Mathematician designation

Our BSc Mathematics degree is approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications to meet the educational requirements of Chartered Mathematician designation, when followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain competencies equivalent to those specified by the QAA for taught masters degrees.

A supportive learning community

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, we are passionate about creating a friendly, inclusive learning environment.

You'll be taught by academics with a wealth of experience in industry, who are actively contributing to relevant research in a wide range of areas. Our real-world expertise will enhance your learning and understanding, keeping you updated with the latest developments in mathematics. 97% of our students said it was easy to contact teaching staff when they needed to (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).

You will enjoy an enviable staff to student ratio, with a personalised focus on your education. We also encourage students to join our Department's Student-Staff Partnership Group, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In addition to regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

Professional placements with MMath Mathematics

We offer a variety of summer placements – in areas such as finance, statistics or modelling – to provide you with valuable experience and insight into industry.

Our dedicated placements officer can offer advice and support to find your ideal placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

Alternatively, you can choose our MMath Mathematics with Placement Year, a five-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your second and third years.

Read about the experiences of our Mathematics students

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, please visit the Study Abroad website.

Overview

Expand your mathematical skills and knowledge, and develop master’s-level expertise, with our four-year MMath Mathematics degree.

You'll follow the same curriculum as our BSc Mathematics course for the first three years of study, before undertaking a piece of advanced project work in your fourth year.

Choose MMath Mathematics at the University of Reading

Enjoy an enviable staff to student ratio, with a personalised focus on your education. 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).
98% of our mathematical research is world leading or internationally excellent. 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (Research Excellence Foundation 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
The University of Reading is in the top 125 in the world for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, by Subject).
The University is ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League, 2023/24), and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.

What you'll study

On our MMath Mathematics course you'll gain specialist skills for a career as a research mathematician, whether in industry, academia or elsewhere.

Your first two years of study will cover the essentials of mathematics and develop your knowledge in areas such as:

algebra
analysis
calculus
differential equations.

number theory and cryptography
dynamical systems
numerical analysis
methods of machine learning.

You will also undertake mathematical and/or statistical project work.

Throughout your degree, we'll extend your skills, knowledge and resilience and play to your strengths, tailoring your degree to suit developing career aspirations.

Chartered Mathematician designation

Learning

A supportive learning community

In the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, we are passionate about creating a friendly, inclusive learning environment.

In addition to regular contact time with your lecturers, you'll receive plenty of support, including:

small group problem-solving tutorials
materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics.

Professional placements with MMath Mathematics

We offer a variety of summer placements – in areas such as finance, statistics or modelling – to provide you with valuable experience and insight into industry.

Our dedicated placements officer can offer advice and support to find your ideal placement, as well as developing your CV and interview skills.

Alternatively, you can choose our MMath Mathematics with Placement Year, a five-year version of this course with an integrated work placement between your second and third years.

Read about the experiences of our Mathematics students

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, please visit the Study Abroad website.

Entry requirements A Level ABC

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABC with an A in Maths, and if you place us as your Firm choice we will accept you with one grade lower than this, including accepting a B in Maths at A-level (e.g BBC with Maths at B or ABD with Maths at either A or B).

If you are studying an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to your A levels and achieve a B in the EPQ we will accept ACC at A level with an A in Mathematics. If you place us as Firm choice we will accept BCC with a B in Mathematics alongside a B in the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall including 6 in Maths at higher level. If you place us as your Firm choice we will accept you with 28 points overall including 5 in Maths at higher level.

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC

Not accepted unless studied alongside A level Maths. The BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted on its own to cover the Maths subject requirement.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Real Analysis I

Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.

Calculus

Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order and learning how programming has mathematical applications.

Foundations of Mathematics

Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at university-level. You’ll focus on the concept of sets, functions and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.

Linear Algebra

Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of liner and inner-product spaces.

Mathematical Communication

Discover the importance of expressing mathematical concepts and results clearly, logically and concisely and how to implement basic problem-solving strategies such as data visualisation, pattern exploration and programming.

Probability and Statistics

Understand probability and probability distributions, results and techniques for statistical reference and data science, and regression and hypothesis testing.

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Differential Equations

Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You’ll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations and Laplace’s equation.

Algebra

Understand the concepts of abstract algebra, including groups, rings and fields and the connections between them.

Mathematical Modelling and Professional Skills

Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You’ll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.

Real Analysis II

Expand your understanding analysis to cover continuity of functions, integration and differentiation.

Optional modules

Mathematical Methods and Physical Applications

Discover how vector calculus and variational principles are applied to various areas of physics, such as classical mechanics, elements of electromagnetism and diffusion.

Numerical Analysis I

Describe, analyse and implement numerical methods for problems in continuous mathematics, including solution of linear equations and nonlinear scalar equations, interpolation, scalar optimisation and solution of ordinary differential equations.

Linear Models and Data Analysis

Gain understanding of the most common models, including multiple linear regression and completely randomised designs, and explore the key principles of planned experiments. Learn how models are applied to practical problems and gain experience of real-life data analysis.

Probability and Statistical Theory

Uncover the interplay between probability theory and fundamental areas of mathematics, and formulate general real or abstract problems in a probabilistic model.

Compulsory modules

Portfolio of Projects

Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.

Optional modules

Complex Analysis

Gain an introduction to complex analysis and how its functions can be represented, exploring aspects such as power series, exponential functions, trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions.

Metric Spaces and Functional Analysis

Study analysis from a more general perspective based on the concepts of distance, including Normed, metric spaces, the concepts of convergence, continuity, compactness and completeness.

Number Theory and Cryptography

Explore a range of topics within number theory and cryptography, including the RSA cryptosystem and error correcting codes.

Probability and Measures

Explore measure theory, integration and measure theoretic probability.

Asymptotic Methods

Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.

Applied Stochastic Processes

Learn how to solve problems using stochastic processes and concepts from a variety of applications, including molecular motion, population dynamics, weather and finances.

Dynamical Systems and Applications

Analyse dynamical systems and their applications to real-world problems. You’ll explore systems of linear and nonlinear differential equations, and understand how they’re applied to biological issues such as population growth, cell systems, and the spread of infectious diseases.

Partial Differential Equations and Applications

Examine partial differential equations and how they appear in practical applications and natural phenomena, in particular fluid mechanics, water waves and wave scattering theory.

Mathematical Physics

Explore the core topics of mathematical physics, in particular Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

Numerical Analysis II

Motivate, develop and analyse a range of algorithms for the approximate solution of problems of continuous mathematics and techniques in numerical linear algebra.

Advanced Statistical Modelling

Develop an understanding of situations in which different models are likely to be appropriate, learning more about generalised linear models, repeated measurement data, and traditional and modern approaches to data analysis.

Methods of Machine Learning

Gain familiarity with the range of methods used in statistical machine learning and demonstrate how these are used in research and industry. You’ll have the opportunity to implement machine learning methods using statistical software and interpret and communicate your findings.

Summer Placement

Gain experience applying for, and completing, a summer work placement or internship with an employer.

Peer Assisted Learning

Gain a deeper understanding of your own learning and that of your peers through a series of weekly sessions. You’ll develop your coaching, organisational, presentation and communication skills by leading peer study groups and can be excellent experience if you’re considering postgraduate teacher training.

Compulsory modules

Part 4 Project

Develop an independent project in an area of mathematics of your choice, and present your findings in the form of a presentation or dissertation.

Optional modules

The selection of modules available to you in Year 4 will be influenced by the modules you choose to study in Year 3 as you will not repeat topics. The modules you'll study in Year 4 are master's-level and are designed to build on your knowledge and skills, enabling you to develop a deeper perspective on mathematics content.

Complex Analysis

Gain an introduction to complex analysis and how its functions can be represented, exploring aspects such as power series, exponential functions, trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions.

Further Topics in Algebra

Continue your study of finite groups and apply your knowledge to Galois Theory.

Number Theory and Cryptography

Explore a range of topics within number theory and cryptography, including the RSA cryptosystem and error correcting codes.

Probability and Measures

Explore measure theory, integration and measure theoretic probability.

Asymptotic Methods

Discover the basic ideas of asymptotic analysis and further develop your skills in solving a range of problems involving nonlinear equations, integrals and differential equations.

Applied Stochastic Processes

Learn how to solve problems using stochastic processes and concepts from a variety of applications, including molecular motion, population dynamics, weather and finances.

Dynamical Systems and Applications

Partial Differential Equations and Applications

Examine partial differential equations and how they appear in practical applications and natural phenomena, in particular fluid mechanics, water waves and wave scattering theory.

Mathematical Physics

Explore the core topics of mathematical physics, in particular Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

Numerical Analysis II

Motivate, develop and analyse a range of algorithms for the approximate solution of problems of continuous mathematics and techniques in numerical linear algebra.

Methods of Machine Learning

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Career opportunities with MMath Mathematics

Maths plays a key role in many aspects of modern life, from technological development to programming, coding and data analysis. Your mathematical knowledge – combined with the computing, teamwork and presentation skills you’ll gain during your degree – are highly valued by a range of employers.

Learn how Alice Windruss’s studies at Reading led to a graduate role in the University’s Planning and Strategy Office.

Overall, 90% of graduates from Mathematics and Statistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Mathematics and Statistics responders).

You could choose to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or find a career in the private sector.

Your mathematics degree is well-suited to a range of careers, including:

accountancy
financial analysis
engineering
modelling
computing
actuarial work.

Previous Reading graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:

BDO
Civil Service
Deloitte
EY
Grant Thornton
JLL
Lloyds Banking Group
IBM
IQVIA
KPMG
NHS
Pepsi Co
PwC.

You could also further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training, or postgraduate study.

Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2020-2024, Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017/18-2021/22, includes undergraduate responders from the Department of Mathematics.

MMath Mathematics

Choose MMath Mathematics at the University of Reading

What you'll study

Chartered Mathematician designation

A supportive learning community

Professional placements with MMath Mathematics

Read about the experiences of our Mathematics students

Study Abroad

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Career opportunities with MMath Mathematics

Ready for more?