Mathematics with foundation year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Apply your existing maths skills while gaining new knowledge and techniques.

• Understand the vital ways we use maths in modern life and real-world contexts.

• Explore technological, scientific and digital developments with far-reaching impacts.

• Use the latest technology to enhance your mathematical understanding.

• Develop your skills through real-life projects and work placements.

At Sheffield Hallam we’re especially keen to use mathematical modelling to address sustainability challenges. Whether you’re modelling the spread of infectious diseases, managing the sustainable use of renewable resources, designing for energy efficiency, or simulating sustainable transport – maths is at the heart of some of the biggest global issues we face.

This foundation year course is for those who don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc Hon Mathematics course, or would like extra preparation before starting degree-level study.

How you learn
Our approach to teaching and learning puts students at the centre, supporting you to develop your understanding of mathematical concepts and your ability to apply them in various contexts. These contexts are informed by our links with industry, including live projects where you work in partnership with local companies and charities on issues they’re facing.

You learn through:

• Diverse lectures emphasising peer collaboration.

• Tutorials to practise and apply your knowledge ahead of assessments.

• Hands-on lab experience in computational modelling and simulation.

• Q&A and discussions for self-assessment and understanding.

• Support sessions for receiving feedback and preparing for assessments.

• Teamwork activities for collaboration in an innovative environment.

• Project-based learning to apply knowledge, creativity, design, critical analysis and professional skills to real-world projects.

We use a variety of assessment types designed to allow you to show your best mathematical work and to prepare you for a range of future careers. You’ll get feedback on your developing ideas through tutorial exercises and your skills and knowledge will be assessed via exams, presentations, reports and interviews.

Course Topics
You’ll learn all the core maths techniques you need – algebra, calculus and data analysis – with a strong focus on how to apply them to the real world. Key themes include mathematical modelling, how mathematics is used in society and how it can help tackle global sustainability challenges.

You’ll begin the course by deepening your mathematics knowledge and skills – from computer programming and rigour to core principles of proof and reasoning. You’ll then learn how to apply your learning, gaining practical experience by analysing and presenting data for businesses. You’ll encounter logistical problems and build mathematical models to solve them – in a project that’s often run by Sheffield United FC.

You’ll refine your modelling skills, develop your communication skills and improve your mathematical reasoning skills. By the end of the year you’ll have an excellent grounding in key mathematical thinking and understanding, ready to explore further ideas in your final year.

Applied learning
Live Projects
We embed real-life case studies and work experience into the course to support your development into a professional mathematician. You’ll explore case studies from areas such as mathematical modelling, machine learning, AI, data analysis and climate science.

Live projects form an essential part of our teaching. You’ll work on live data sets from local businesses, government, health trusts or charities – developing essential skills such as project management, teamwork and reporting, and presenting results to both technical and non-technical audiences.