Mathematics and Management (BSc)

We normally require three A-levels, including Mathematics with grade A, however individual circumstances are taken into account. Although we do not require Further Mathematics, we view a good grade in AS-level or A2-level Further Mathematics as a strong asset in an application, which might in some circumstances compensate for a weaker performance in a non-mathematical subject.

Applicants come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications in addition to A-levels. Special consideration will be given to mature applicants, and we are happy to consider applicants with QAA-approved Access to HE qualifications.

Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for further information on the entry requirements from their country and English language requirements.  Royal Holloway International offers an International Foundation Programme and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their undergraduate degree.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. More information on how your application will be assessed, and tips for your personal statement can be found on our Applying| pages.

We believe in meeting with all applicants where possible, and call all suitably qualified candidates either to an Open Day or to one of our UCAS days, when there is an opportunity for an informal interview and a chance to talk to current students. Applicants unable to attend these, such as overseas students, but who otherwise qualify for admission, will usually receive our standard offer.

• Study at a Mathematics Department rated highly for ‘Overall Student Satisfaction’ each year in the National Student Survey.
• The Department is internationally recognised for the quality of its research in Pure Mathematics, Information Security, Statistics and Theoretical Physics.
• Develop a creative approach to problem solving that produces effective management results.
• Learn how to provide direction, assess progress, and adapt your approach to changing circumstances.
• You will benefit from a strong focus on small group teaching led by inspirational staff who are acknowledged experts in their fields, with a dedicated support network, including a personal academic adviser to guide you in your studies.

Each year you will take two course units in each subject.    

The Mathematics element of the degree offers a variety of subjects ranging from core course units in algebra and calculus to optional units in areas such as statistical mechanics and advanced electromagnetism. Some course units provide the tools needed in a range of mathematical disciplines, while others apply these tools to areas of interest in real life.  There are also units that examine the logical basis for mathematics and the abstract patterns that run through both mathematics and nature.

The range of topics covered in the Management element of the course includes accounting, human resources, information systems, international business, marketing, production and operations, economics and business strategy.

Throughout the course, you will:

• advance your knowledge and enhance the basic techniques of mathematics first encountered at A-level
• learn to think logically and analytically
• see how mathematics can model and solve a variety of real-life problems
• choose and use the tools and techniques you need to succeed as a manager
• acquire the skills necessary for the development of your creative and decision-making capabilities. 

All undergraduate degree courses at Royal Holloway are based on the course unit system. This system provides an effective and flexible approach to study, while ensuring that our degrees have a coherent and developmental structure. In the case of combined degree courses, this approach also makes it possible to change the balance of your subjects during your time at Royal Holloway.

The websites of the Department of Mathematics| and the School of Management| give detailed lists of the course units taken for each different subject.

The course has a modular structure, whereby students take a total of 12 course units at a rate of four per year. Some course units are compulsory while others are elective thereby offering versatility and choice.  

In a typical week Mathematics students will attend 12 to 14 hours of formal teaching in lectures, tutorials, problem-solving workshop session, computer classes and practical sessions in statistics and computational mathematics. There is a strong focus on small group teaching. Outside these times students are expected to work on worksheets, revision, and preparation of projects.

Most course units are examined entirely by written papers in the summer term. Statistics and Computational courses may have project components, and the first year course units have a test which contributes 10 per cent of the final mark for these courses. In the first term of the second year all students work in small groups to prepare a report and an oral presentation on a mathematical topic of their choice which contributes to one of the core subject marks. There are two optional final year courses which are examined solely by a project and presentation.

Teaching in your management modules combines lecture elements with seminars and workshops. Lectures are used to introduce the subject matter and seminars provide students with the opportunity to discuss and develop their understanding. Outside of scheduled teaching sessions, students work independently and collaboratively on researching topics in preparation for seminars. The school makes extensive use of Moodle, the College’s online learning platform, in support of its classroom teaching and resources are made available to assist students with their independent study.

 

Mathematics graduates are equipped with a diverse range of transferable skills. The Department has strong links with a variety of companies and organisations, which enables it to stay in tune with current employer needs. Certain exemptions may be given by the Institute of Actuaries and other professional bodies to students who have taken appropriate course units as part of their Mathematics degree at Royal Holloway.

The careers team also holds regular sessions, specifically for Mathematics students, on summer internships, vacation employment and the careers available to them on graduation. In recent years our graduates have gained positions as statisticians, researchers and teachers and work for employers as diverse as the Department for Health and Barclays Bank.

To find out what our students are doing now, please see the Department’s website|.

Management is a highly employable degree; as well as gaining an advanced understanding of modern business and managerial functions such as information systems, marketing, human resources, accounting, production and operations; you will develop valuable skills in research, communication and data analysis. In recent years, our graduates have entered many different management roles including:

• Senior Finance Analyst at Vodafone
• Executive Director (Fixed Income and Economic Research) at J.P. Morgan
• Trader at Deutsche Bank
• Brand Manager at Nestle
• Senior New Media Consultant at Siemens
• Managing Director (Retail) at Credit Suisse Asset Management

For more information about what our graduates are doing now, please visit the School’s website|.