MMath Mathematics with a Placement Year

Develop master's level expertise in mathematics and gain valuable industry insight with our MMath Mathematics with a Placement Year course.

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

The depth and breadth of our MMath Mathematics with a Placement Year course allows you to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. In your final year, you'll acquire master's-level knowledge of applied and pure mathematics.

Choose MMath Mathematics with a Placement Year at the University of Reading

• Gain valuable industry insight with a paid year-long placement.
• Acquire specialist skills for a career as a research mathematician, whether in industry, academia or elsewhere.
• Our MMath Mathematics course is approved by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications to meet the educational requirements of Chartered Mathematician status.
• The University of Reading is in the top 100 in the world for Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, by Subject).
• 98% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent, and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).

Placement Year

This degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and third year.

We offer a variety of 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.

Your first two years of study will cover the main aspects 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 opt for the Science of Climate Change module led by the Department of Meteorology, or learn a language through the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP).

Between your second and third year of study, you'll undertake a paid placement – providing you with valuable experience and insight into industry.

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
• cryptography
• mathematical biology
• numerical analysis
• multivariate data analysis.

You will also undertake a project on a mathematical or statistical topic, culminating in a report and presentation.

You'll develop master's-level knowledge and skills in your final year, through a piece of advanced project work. You can also choose from a range of optional modules in advanced pure and applied mathematics.

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

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.

We aim to:

• deliver high-quality, interactive teaching
• collaborate with students to create an exceptional learning environment
• develop your knowledge and skills through varied teaching and assessment methods
• boost your confidence in mathematics and preparing you for employment.

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.

You'll also be encouraged to join our department's staff-student liaison committee, enabling you to have a direct input into the student experience.

Hear from our Mathematics students

• Alice Winduss took full advantage of the opportunities available during her degree, including a work placement, using her skills to land a role working at the University of Reading.
• Sally Cockayne completed a placement as a student statistician at GSK, allowing her to gain valuable experience and helping her decide on a future career.
• Gwen Perry had a positive experience during her placement with Thames Water, supporting her aspirations in statistics.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you could choose to spend two weeks, a term, 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.