Oxford – Mathematics

Maths requires a fascination for problems, whether solvable or impossible. This four-year course pushes students to think in a logical way and set out their reasoning clearly and concisely. In applied mathematics, undergraduates look at how maths is used in real life, like in the stock market or disciplines such as engineering. The skills needed to tackle tricky problems while remaining unphased will be vital for whatever career path a student may take after graduation. The annual intake is normally a little under 190, of which about 27% are female. It’s also one of the more competitive courses at Oxford with 11% of applicants being successful.

Students are often amazed at how far the boundaries of maths and their own mathematical capabilities can be pushed. A range of different subjects is covered in this course, including compulsory topics such as algebra and complex analysis, and optional topics such as number theory, geometry, and fluid dynamics. In the final two years, the range is expanded to include multiple branches of mathematics.

Teaching is split between lectures and tutorials. Students will have ten lectures in an average week, along with two tutorials or classes to discuss and argue their answers. Problem sheets must be completed between these. It’s a large course, with an average annual intake of almost 190, of whom two-thirds were men between 2017 and 2019.

An A Level (or equivalent) in Maths is required, and Further Maths is also recommended if it is offered at your school or college.