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Applying for a Mathematics Degree
Mathematics can be studied as a single honours degree or as a combined/joint honours degree in conjunction with another subject.
Before applying for a Mathematics degree course, look at the features of the course, for example:
How many modules are optional? The number of optional modules often increases in the second the third years of the course - sometimes all first year modules are compulsory.
Does the course include several areas of applied mathematics, for example, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics (Operational Research) or does it specialise in one of these?
Are any of the modules assessed via coursework?
Do you know what each of the modules listed will involve?
Is the course delivered entirely by lectures? Most universities also provide support via seminars, tutorials and additional examples classes which expand on the material covered in the lectures.
Application, interview and additional tests
Application
All applications for degree courses are made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.
Guidance about personal statements can be found on this website here.
Interview
Interviews are not always required as part of the admissions process to a maths degree. However, the following general links provide useful information when preparing for a Mathematics degree course interview.
General guidance on the application process for The University of Cambridge.
An overview of mathematics at the University of Cambridge.
A tutor’s eye view of the Admissions Process at Oxford University.
An overview of mathematics at Oxford University.
Preparing for interviews from NRICH.
Additional tests - STEP, MAT and TMUA
Several more selective universities ask students applying to their maths-related degree courses to take admission tests.
These tests may form a part of the offer for a place on the course or may reduce the UCAS points score required.
These are generally required in addition to specific A level grades (or alternative qualifications).
The maths admission tests they may require are:
Also look at this brilliant resource from Underground Mathematics.
It is a helpful database of older questions from University entrance exams, A Levels, ...
The questions in these tests are longer and less-structured than most A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics examination questions.
In early October 2020, the Admissions Testing Service announced that from 2021, STEP 1 will no longer exist. STEP 2 and STEP 3 will continue to be offered.
Are there other admissions tests that involve maths?
Some universities require applicants to take admission tests for other types of degree courses.
Often the level of mathematical knowledge needed for these is no more advanced that GCSE Mathematics; however they may involve quite challenging problems.
There are many different types of these tests.
Some examples are CSAT (Computer Science Admissions Test) and TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment).
Which tests do universities ask for?
Details of the admissions requirements for specific courses are detailed on the universities’ websites.
Some universities use admissions tests to help them decide who to interview, some make them a condition of offer, and some use them to make a reduced offer.
Check the pages about applying for the courses you are interested in.
Further resources
Further resources
You may wish to take a look at the following online resources to help expand your mathematical knowledge.
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