University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
21 Mar 2026, 08:30
Portsmouth
This is a Connected Degree
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.
Overview
Mathematics and statistics underpin processes that keep society functioning. Clinical trials analysing life-threatening illnesses, supermarkets managing their product buying and distribution, and insurance companies assessing their exposure to risks all use sophisticated statistical models.
You'll build the analytical abilities you need to make sense of the vast amount of data available to organisations so they can make faster, smarter decisions. You'll discover how to apply mathematical models to the study of biology and infectious diseases, and model operational research solutions to areas such as planning, scheduling, forecasting and supply chain management.
At the end of the course, you'll have taken the first steps towards becoming a Chartered Mathematician, and be set for a career in industries such as government research, finance, healthcare and marketing.
Course highlights
Develop your knowledge of fundamental topics such as mathematical models, statistical theory and methods, operational research and quantitative supply chain management
Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as mathematics for finance, astrophysics, cosmology, financial derivative pricing and decision modelling
Learn to use industry-standard mathematical, statistical and operational research software
Apply your skills on optional work placements in the community, such as assisting math teachers in local schools
Learn from renowned researchers such as Dr Jamie Foster, who's calculated the formula to the perfect cup of coffee by modelling the brewing process – an efficient solution that could reduce waste and make the process more sustainable
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mathematics and Its Applications (IMA).
Careers and opportunities
A degree in mathematics shows that you have the ability to think analytically and conveys an intellectual maturity that many employers look for when they hire staff.
You'll graduate with the skills and understanding to work in many related areas, including:
mathematical modelling
marketing
manufacturing
government research
retail management
the police and armed services
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research
Eddie Stobart Logistics
Lloyds Banking
Babcock International Group
Tata Consultancy Services
Our graduates now work in roles including:
data scientist
trainee accountant
business analyst
teacher
medical statistician
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
logistics intern
data analyst
business intern
They've completed placements at organisations including:
Office for National Statistics
Rolls Royce
BMW
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsThis section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Choose a specific option to see funding information.
Course optionsUniversity House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP
Email:admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone:023 9284 5566
At University of Portsmouth