Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

University of Surrey

Foundation courses

A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. It’s a great option if:

You don’t have the grades for a full degree course

You have non-traditional qualifications or experience

You’re starting university after some time away from education

You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student

During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Why choose this course

Mathematics forms the basis of many aspects of modern life and has applications across the sciences, technology, finance and management.

By studying mathematics, you’ll develop transferable skills such as creative problem-solving and logical reasoning, which are in great demand in a wide range of career sectors.

As a mathematics undergraduate at Surrey, you’ll be part of a vibrant and friendly community. You’ll benefit from a personal tutor, small group teaching, and a lively, research-active learning environment.

You can also take part in our award-winning Professional Training placements scheme, which prepare students for roles in various sectors.

What you will study

Our BSc and MMath courses help you build on your existing knowledge and gain a strong foundation across the fundamentals of mathematics.

In your first year, you will develop your fundamental mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills by studying a range of mathematics. You will also learn mathematical programming using Python and have training in professional skills, such as effective teamwork and technical report writing.

There is more flexibility in your second year, where you’ll get to choose some of your modules, and in your third year, what you study is entirely your choice. Available modules in third year include Riemannian geometry, mathematical theory of data science, quantum mechanics, and mathematical ecology and epidemiology.

This programme will meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation, awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competences to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for taught masters degrees.