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CONTENTS
- Maths degree entry requirements
- What subjects are needed to study Maths?
- Best universities for Maths in the UK
- How to compare Maths degrees
- How to compare Maths degrees in Clearing
- What if you can’t find a Maths degree in Clearing?
A Maths degree suits those with a talent for numbers and solving puzzles. Maths lies at the heart of some of the world’s biggest achievements and unanswered problems. As such, a Maths degree will set you up for an array of potential careers, in industries across science, engineering, business and finance.
Maths degree entry requirements
The UCAS points to study maths range from 80 (CCE at A Level; MMP-DM at BTEC level) to 160 points (A*A*A at A Level; D*D*D at BTEC level).
| Type | Minimum Grades/Points Required (with Foundation Year) | Minimum Grades/Points Required | Maximum Grades/Points Required | Average Grades/Points Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS Points | 32 | 112 | 152 | 136 |
| A-Levels | EE | BBC | A*AA | AAB |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | PPP | DMM | D*DD | DDM |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 | 29 | 37 | 30 |
STEP or MAT
Most universities will require you to sit either the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) or the Maths Admissions Test (MAT). This is to test your mathematical ability, with questions similar to those studied at degree level.
What subjects are needed to study Maths?
A Levels
Some universities will require you to have studied both Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Other universities will only ask for one of the two, with an A or higher. Some universities accept relevant subjects such as Physics, Computing, Information Technology or Engineering. General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally excluded from the points total.
BTECs
Many universities will ask for a BTEC Level 3 qualification combined with an A Level in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Further Mathematics at a grade B or higher. You may be accepted with just an applied science BTEC National/Extended Diploma.
GCSEs
Entry onto a maths degree requires five GCSEs or equivalent, with a grade C/4 or higher. Two of these have to be English and Maths. Some universities ask that your Maths grade be at least a B/6, or A/7. This varies from course to course.
International Baccalaureate
Most courses require at least a 6 or 7 at Higher Level Maths. Top universities will want you to have at least 19 points from Higher Level.
You’ll also be assessed on your personal statement and some universities will invite you to attend an interview (either on the phone or in-person). These are both chances to impress admissions tutors with your passion for the subject and to convince them you’ll be a great fit for the university.
Best universities for Maths in the UK
Our sister site, the Complete University Guide, publishes university league tables every year ranking UK unis nationally and in 70+ subject areas. Check out the latest rankings to see the best UK unis for Maths.
How to compare Maths degrees
You can use Whatuni’s Find a Course tool to compare Maths degrees. Type ‘Mathematics’ in the search bar and you will see what maths degrees are available:
Personalise the results with filters, based on what you find important. When you select a course, you’ll see the full course information, including course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fees and key course stats.
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of courses, begin your research. Order each university’s prospectus to give you an overview of learning facilities, accommodation, social activities, support and much more.
Booking an open day will let you scope the campus, speak to current students and potential tutors. Open day events will give you an idea of what your student life may be like.
Reading student reviews will also offer an honest insight into what you can expect from student life. Simply enter the university and subject to see what students are saying.
How to compare Maths degrees in Clearing
You'll have another opportunity to apply for maths degrees that still have places available through Clearing, which opens in early July. You'll also be able to use Whatuni’s Clearing tool to search for and compare what’s available.
Pre-register for Clearing in the meantime to stay up to date. You’ll have access to monthly Clearing content via newsletters, Whatuni’s Clearing Guide and be able to start saving and comparing any maths courses that have places in Clearing.
What if you can’t find a Maths degree in Clearing?
Don’t be disheartened as you still have other options:
- Apply for a Clearing course in a similar subject: Subjects such as Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Engineering, Accounting, or Finance, all cover some aspects of Maths. Check the module choices and graduate outcomes before making any decisions.
- Apply for a joint honours degree: Consider a joint honours degree with Maths as one half. Subjects that are usually paired with maths on a joint honours degree include Physics, Engineering, Business Studies or Languages. Entry requirements vary between courses but may be lower than a Maths bachelor’s degree.
- Study a Maths foundation year: The first year will provide you with the necessary academic and practical skills to study the full degree programme. Entry requirements for these courses are a lot lower, but consider the extra time and cost this year will bring.
- Study a Maths CertHE or DipHE: CertHE and DipHE qualifications are worth the equivalent of either one-third (CertHE) or two-thirds (DipHE) of a full bachelor’s degree. Entry requirements are typically around 32 UCAS points. You’ll gain a solid grounding in the same mathematical topics covered on a degree, alongside key transferable skills valued by employers. These courses are typically offered part-time and via distance learning, meaning you can study and work at the same time. They can be topped up to a full degree later if needed.
- Apply for a degree apprenticeship: Degree apprenticeships in Data Science, Economics and Accounting enable you to work and gain a Maths-based qualification at the same time. Entry requirements for these apprenticeships might be lower than a maths degree but research these opportunities carefully first to see if they’re the right fit for you.
- Take a gap year and resit your exams: If none of these alternatives suit, consider taking a gap year, resit your exams and then apply to start university next year. You could use your gap year to travel if Covid restrictions ease, get work experience and explore both your education and career options.
