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BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with a Placement Year

  • UCAS code
    GG41
  • Typical offer
    ABC
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with a Placement year is a technical course which will develop your digital and mathematical skills, and enable you to gain an insight into industry.

The modern world is increasingly reliant on computers and digital information, and this degree will provide you with skills highly prized by a vast range of employers. You be given a thorough grounding in computer science, backed up by an in-depth knowledge of mathematics. Furthermore, you can gain valuable industry experience through a year-long paid placement. The split between the two subjects is roughly two-thirds mathematics and one-third computer science.

In mathematics you will study areas such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis. In the second year you will also take a skills module, which is aimed at improving your transferable skills and enhancing your employability. 

As mathematics can be a challenging subject, you will be given plenty of support to help you get the most of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In computer science, explore the essential skills for computer scientists, such as programming, software design, computer systems, networking and operations, web technology and computer security. Get to grips with several programming languages including C++, Java and Python.

In the final year of the degree you can develop your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The vast majority of modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as data mining, cryptography, virtual reality or number theory. During this year you will also carry out a project on a mathematical topic and produce a report and presentation on it.

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.

Placement

Between your second and final year you will carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting around 12 months. Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and occasionally take place abroad.

You could take on a wide variety of roles such as statistician, business analyst, actuarial intern and radiation protection scientist. You will also have the chance to work for a range of national and international organisations such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP or the NHS.

You will be given advice and support for finding the ideal placement, as well for writing a CV and improving your interview skills, by our dedicated placements officer.

For more information about securing and completing a placement for your placement year, please visit our Important Information page.

For more information, please visit the Department of Computer Science website.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £24,500

UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

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.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

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.

Your mathematical and computational knowledge, combined with teamwork and presentation skills, will make you highly desirable to a range of employers.

As a mathematics graduate, you can choose to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or areas of the private sector, including commerce and information technology. Furthermore, you can move into a range of related careers such as accountancy, financial analysis, engineering, modelling or actuarial work.

Furthermore, Reading is at the heart of the Thames Valley; the capital of the UK’s high-tech industry. Top multinational businesses, such as Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Fujitsu, Cisco and IBM, are located within a short distance of the University. Many of these companies visit the University in order to directly recruit our best graduates. Companies such as IBM and Ernst and Young even provide a mock assessment centre, in which they put you through the paces of their recruitment process and give you valuable feedback before you actually apply for their jobs.

Alternatively you can choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.