Mathematics

Cambridge

Why?

Mathematics is a universally recognized discipline, accepted by most as being one of the most challenging and rewarding undergraduate courses. Mathematics graduates are in high demand with graduate employees, with the quantitative skills learnt being advantages within finance, consultancy and IT. The applied mathematics a Cambridge degree cultivates can help a student approach real world situations from a unique and advantageous perspective, be this finance, engineering, computer science or one of the many other disciplines with foundations in mathematics. At Cambridge there is key compulsory content that students are required to study. However, after year one, students can choose how many options they take, deciding between cultivating a broad knowledge across several areas of taking fewer in greater detail.

Course

As a subject, you will typically divide your time between lectures, tutorials and classes. Between these you will often be working on problem sheets and forming detailed notes. As a course, your workload will be more structured than humanities students, with less independent study. In addition to the three year BA, students who perform well, usually getting a first in their final year, can progress to a fourth year with an MMath if desired. 

Applying

Mathematics requires A*A*A with A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. In addition, students are required to take the STEP with necessary grades varying depending on which college you apply to.

A strong Mathematics applicant will have a passion for the subject, this should be shown in going beyond the syllabus. Examples of how students commonly show this is by taking parts in mathematics competitions, taking exams such as the STEP and advanced reading beyond the school syllabus. Fundamentally, this course is for passionate and talented mathematicians.

Statistics

2017 -  Applications: 1456, Offers: 532, Acceptance Rate: 17.7%.