Maths is the subject, perhaps above all others, that underpins the new world that we live in. Whether you are a budding computer scientist, a future banker or a sports analysts having a firm grasp of maths is going to help you in your job applications and career progression. The University of Leeds states the benefits of studying maths wonderfully succinctly:

·       Understand the world - From everyday tasks such as counting and shopping, to more detailed mathematical problems such as interpreting data, we use maths everywhere.

·       Become a problem solver - Not only will you learn how to solve complex mathematical equations, but the skills you develop whilst working on mathematical functions will develop your problem-solving abilities in other ways.

·       Develop transferable skills - Data analysis, organisation, critical thinking, time management, communication and decision making.

·       Excellent graduate products - Many maths graduates go on to have high-earning and successful careers in computing, accounting, engineering, science, banking, and business. 

There are some lively debates out there in student forums that are well worth checking out. The overall points in this thread on The Student Room are that you’ll spend a lot time working on proofs rather than pure problem solving as you might do at A Level. This is absolutely correct – if you choose maths you need to be prepared to go beyond the thrill of solving issues that are presented to you and be prepared to dive into the fundamental principles that underpin the subject.

As ever UCAS provides us with some useful insights on the make-up of students studying mathematics across the UK and the possible employment options.

What does Oxford say?

·       Entry requirements: A*A*A,  with A* grades in Maths and Further Maths.

·       Admissions Test: MAT (with a test score of 60% or higher to be competitive).

·       34% are interviewed and 11% are successful.

“Mathematicians have always been fascinated by numbers. One of the most famous problems is Fermat’s Last Theorem: if n≥3, the equation xn+yn=zn has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero integers. An older problem is to show that one cannot construct a line of length 3√2 with ruler and compass, starting with a unit length.

Often the solution to a problem will require you to think outside its original framing. This is true here, and while you will see the second problem solved in your course, the first is far too deep and was famously solved by Andrew Wiles.”

What does Cambridge say?

·       Entry requirements: A*A*A + STEP.

·       STEP requires Grade 1 in 2 papers.

“Two aspects of the course that our students greatly appreciate are its flexibility and the breadth of subjects offered. The amount of choice increases each year and after Year 1 you can choose the number of options you study. Some students take as many options as they can; others take fewer and study them very thoroughly.

This structure allows you to keep your options open, giving you the opportunity to discover your strengths, extend your knowledge and develop your interests before specialising.”

What does Libra say?

Maths is undoubtedly a challenging subject that is getting harder each year but, if you are willing to work hard and love maths then go for it. No subject will set you up in life like a degree in maths will so this is your opportunity. Our consultants will guide you through the steps you need to take to succeed so take the first step and reach out to us today for a free assessment.