Why?
Mathematics and Philosophy forms an exciting, challenging course - the study of which combines two intellectually-stimulating subjects, and offers a grounding in highly applicable skills. Through enhancing their mathematical ability, students will be better able to tackle quantitative problem-solving, whilst philosophical training facilitates a highly analytical mindset. The appeal of this course can also be seen in the natural bridge between the two subjects, found in areas such as logic and the philosophy of mathematics. This course offers the chance to study at the largest Philosophy faculty in the UK, and one of the best and largest Mathematics departments in the country.
Course
The Mathematics and Philosophy course comprises two different degrees, varying in length: students can either undertake a three year course attaining a bachelor’s degree, or a four year course attaining a master’s degree, although decisions about continuing to fourth year only need to be made at start of third year. Most units in the Mathematics and Philosophy course can be found in the other Philosophy joint honours courses, as well as in the single-subject Mathematics course.
In first year, all course modules are compulsory and include areas such as algebra and deductive logic. In second and third year, some core Mathematics and Philosophy papers, as well as some bridge papers, remain compulsory modules, for instance the philosophy of Mathematics, however students also have the opportunity to select an individual choice of papers, ranging from Complex analysis to ‘Knowledge and Reality’. In fourth year there are no compulsory papers, with students able to choose to study either wholly Maths, wholly Philosophy or a mix of the two.
The structure of the first two years of this degree includes an average week of 10 lectures and 2-3 tutorials a week, decreasing to 8 lectures in third and fourth year, combined with weekly and fortnightly tutorials and classes.
Applying
The standard offer for Philosophy and Mathematics is A*A*A, with A*s specified in Mathematics & Further Mathematics. If Further Maths is unavailable, the required offer is either A*AAa with A* in Mathematics, and a in AS Level Maths, or A*AA with A* in Maths. Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A Level with A* and Further Mathematics is highly recommended. Oxford also expect you ‘to have taken and passed any practical component in your chosen science subjects’.
The application process includes taking the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT), in which candidates are expected to achieve 60-70+, although this will vary depending on the difficulty of the test. The ideal applicant for Mathematics and Philosophy will illustrate a critical and analytical viewpoint at interview, as well as sound argumentative skills. An ideal candidate will not be thrown when faced with abstract questions and unfamiliar problems, instead responding to suggestions and demonstrating an enthusiasm to tackle something new.
Statistics
2017 - Applications: 108, Offers: 17, Acceptance Rate: 15%.
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