Reading, United Kingdom
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Develop expertise in mathematics and computing, and gain vital industry experience, with our BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with Placement Year degree.
Choose BSc Mathematics with Computer Science with a Placement Year
- Enjoy an enviable staff-to-student ratio, with a personalised focus on your education. 97% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 96.97% of responders from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics).
- In computer science, 100% of our research impact has been classed as outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics).
- In maths, 98% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent and 100% of our research impact has been classed as outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Mathematical Sciences).
- The University of Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for environmental and ethical performance (People and Planet University League, 2023/24), and won the inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
- The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Your study will take place on our parkland campus at Whiteknights, which has been voted among the best and most popular green spaces in the UK for 14 consecutive years in the Green Flag Awards.
What you’ll study
With learning roughly split into two-thirds maths and one-third computer science, this degree will equip you with skills in two disciplines that are highly valued by employers.
You’ll develop essential mathematical knowledge and skills through modules that cover:
- calculus
- logic and problem-solving
- probability and statistics
- linear algebra
- differential equations.
In computer science, you’ll study the latest techniques in computing and gain programming skills that are vital in the technology industry. Your modules will include:
- imperative and object-oriented programming
- artificial intelligence
- programming in Python
- computer graphics and game design
- virtual reality.
In your third year, we offer a range of optional modules in both maths and computer science, enabling you to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations.
Placement year
This four-year degree includes an integrated, year-long work placement between your second and final year.
We offer a variety of placements – in areas such as finance, IT, statistics and modelling – to provide you with valuable experience and insight into the industry.
Our dedicated placements officer can offer advice and support to find your ideal placement, as well as develop your CV and interview skills.
If you'd prefer not to do a year-long placement, you can choose our three-year BSc Mathematics with Computer Science degree, which offers a variety of summer placement opportunities.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Compulsory modules
Year 1
- Probability and Statistics: Understand probability and probability distributions, results and techniques for statistical reference and data science, and regression and hypothesis testing.
- Calculus: Extend your existing knowledge of calculus into two or more dimensions, exploring techniques of ordinary differential equations of the first and second order and learning how programming has mathematical applications.
- Foundations of Mathematics: Gain a solid introduction to fundamental topics in mathematics and develop the necessary skills to study mathematics at university-level. You’ll focus on the concept of sets, functions and various familiar number systems, as well as the importance of proofs and how to construct them.
- Linear Algebra: Learn how to solve systems of linear equations, determine eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and develop the algebra of matrices which are used as a stepping-stone to the more general theory of liner and inner-product spaces.
- Imperative Programming: Learn how to write small programs using Java, as well as basic algorithms and fundamental software development practices such as version control, specification and testing.
- Object-Oriented Programming: Collaborate as a team to develop a program and use it to share and merge source code. As well as developing key programming skills, you’ll increase your abilities in complex problem solving.
Year 2
- Differential Equations: Build on your knowledge of ordinary differential equations and explore partial differential equations and their applications. You’ll explore non-constant coefficients, integral and series solutions, Fourier series, the theory of boundary value problems, diffusion equations, wave equations and Laplace’s equation.
- Artificial Intelligence: Apply fundamental methods in artificial intelligence to various real-world problems. You’ll expand your critical thinking skills to solve large problems, together with your writing skills for algorithm development and software implementation.
- Mathematical Modelling and Professional Skills: Develop your problem-solving and independent research skills by applying mathematical modelling techniques to solve real-world problems across a broad range of scientific, engineering and economical areas. You’ll also expand your team-working, presentation, career management, technical, verbal and written communication skills.
- Numerical Analysis I: Describe, analyse and implement numerical methods for problems in continuous mathematics, including solution of linear equations and nonlinear scalar equations, interpolation, scalar optimisation and solution of ordinary differential equations.
- Programming in Python: Using Python programming languages, develop your skills and knowledge to use current tools in general program designs, development and data science. You’ll also develop transferable professional skills for a variety of fields that use programming.
- Real Analysis I: Explore mathematical analysis concepts including inequalities, sequences, series and functions.
Year 3
- Placement Year
Year 4
- Portfolio of Projects: Conduct a series of projects on mathematical or statistical topics and develop your technical and professional skills.
These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.
You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.
Career Opportunities
Overall, 90% of graduates from Mathematics and Statistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first-degree Mathematics and Statistics responders).
You could choose to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or find a career in the private sector.
Your mathematics degree is well-suited to a range of careers, including:
- accountancy
- financial analysis
- engineering
- modelling
- computing
- actuarial work.
Alternatively you can choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.