MATHEMATICS
MAKE YOUR MARK IN
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics has played a big part in science and technology for a long time, providing theory that has underpinned many of the biggest ideas and discoveries in these fields. But in the modern world, mathematical techniques are now central to all kinds of work, from business and economics to computing and the social sciences. By sitting at the heart of so many disciplines, a degree in mathematics offers a gateway into all kinds of fascinating – and unexpected - career paths. At Staffordshire University we can help open that gateway and kickstart your career. Our mathematics undergraduate degree is designed to give you both a good knowledge base of the subject area, and show you how to confidently apply a broad range of skills that employers are looking for.
Emily Raeburn Course Leader, BSc (Hons) Mathematics
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Our highly experienced lecturers will be there to support you along the way, by widening your knowledge and analytical abilities, developing your key professional skills, and teaching you the latest maths software. As you progress in your course, you’ll develop the attitude, the knowledge and the skills you need for a successful future, capable of tackling challenges from all kinds of angles. You’ll leave a good decision maker, with the kind of enterprising, adaptable and problem solving instincts you’ll need to embark on the career you want.
I HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE, START TO FINISH, AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY; MEETING SOME FANTASTIC PEOPLE AND BEING TAUGHT BY EXCELLENT LECTURERS. Thomas McLaughlin BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Applied Statistics. Now Data Analyst, Holland and Barrett Customer Insight Team. Main tasks are assisting with customer segmentation to aid with marketing efforts and customer behaviour analysis.
Mathematics and Applied Statistics UCAS code: G100
CONTENTS: 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
Introduction Key Facts Why Staffs? Our Brilliant People A Better Campus Choose More Open Days Application Process
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HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS WHY WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD STUDY WITH US. TO REALLY FIND OUT IF WE’RE RIGHT FOR YOU, PLEASE COME ALONG TO ONE OF OUR OPEN DAYS. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU.
KEY FACTS WORK-READY WORLD-READY
We’ll equip you with everything you need to become ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ – a world-ready professional, with the key knowledge, attributes and expertise that employers are looking for.
FOLLOW IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
Our past graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers, including the financial sector, logistics, the government statistical service and business analyst roles. You could also follow those who have gone on to postgraduate study, or even teach mathematics yourself.
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SUPERB SUPPORT
At Staffordshire University you’ll always feel supported. Our friendly and approachable lecturers are on hand to help and advise you every step of the way, and your personal tutor will be available for additional guidance at any time. Because we opt for small group teaching, we’ll get to know you better and be able to give you higher levels of support than normal.
TOP-NOTCH TEACHING
Our lecturers have a wealth of experience in teaching mathematics and applying mathematical techniques to real-world problems, and they’re eager to share it all with you.
THEORY + PRACTICE
Facts and theories are the cornerstone of the course, but you also need to know how they apply to real life situations. Our course looks closely at how maths and statistics are applied to solve a variety of real world problems.
TOP MARKS FROM STUDENTS
Our 2015 graduates say they’re 90% satisfied with the course whilst our 2014 graduates were 100% satisfied, according to the National Student Survey. We’re very proud of this, but we’re still working hard to make sure that our future students feel the same way.
SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT
In your final year you’ll have the opportunity to display your work at our Graduate Exhibition (Gradex). Here you can showcase your final year project to people from industry, professional bodies and your own friends and family.
WORK PLACEMENTS
You’ll have the option of a workbased placement between your second and third year. This is an ideal opportunity to put some of the theory you have learnt into practice, gain valuable work experience and earn some money!
VISITING PROFESSIONALS
Every year we invite guest speakers to come and share their knowledge and experience first hand with you. Some of them will be professionals who use mathematics and statistics in the real world as part of their work, whilst others will give more general career guidance.
THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
In learning to apply your knowledge, you’ll get your hands on the latest versions of software tools currently used in mathematical and statistical analysis. Experience of these packages is often desirable or essential in the workplace, so a working knowledge will give you an instant advantage in your career.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
CAREERS IN TEACHING
If you’re already thinking about a career in teaching, we offer option modules specifically designed to help prepare you for teacher training. These are integrated with your mathematics degree, and will help you obtain the necessary experience in a school that is required to study for a PGCE. There is also the possibility of following your degree course directly with a PGCE at Staffordshire University.
GET ACCREDITED
Our mathematics award is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). This means that once you graduate you can join the IMA as an associate member, and with subsequent training and experience could become a Chartered Mathematician. 5
WHY STAFFS? Mathematics today covers a lot more than just algebra and geometry - it’s a diverse discipline that involves observation, measurements and data. To be a 21st Century mathematician you need to be well versed in estimation, testing, modelling, simulation and pattern recognition, all of which have been developed as part of the subject to help us better understand the world around us, in any field of study. The universal nature of mathematics is what gives it such broad appeal. It can be applied to almost all industries, making mathematicians very much in demand, and some of our highest earning graduates. This is partly because it’s not just about what you learn, but how you are taught to think. A degree in mathematics will equip you with a broad range of problem solving skills, from logical reasoning to more flexible, creative thinking. These kind of analytical and quantitative skills are what employers are looking for, and developing them will help lead you towards the kind of careers that are exciting, challenging and rewarding. Because of this our course is ideal for you if you’re as much of a ‘doer’ as a ‘thinker’. We focus on the
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practical application of mathematics and statistics and are proud to be accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). By the time you graduate you’ll be able to analyse problems, formulate models, find solutions and understand their limitations, work with applied examples and make use of a range of specialist software, opening up job options in a wide range of careers
PREPARING FOR YOUR CAREER To give you the greatest scope for future employability, the course will develop your skills across three main areas: • Mathematical modelling • D ecision making through operational research • Statistical analysis In mathematical modelling you’ll learn how to develop models for a variety of situations. Some of these will look at probability or uncertainty, whilst others will use deterministic methods or rates of change involving differential equations. These kind of models are used in financial, biological, engineering, and
environmental industries to name just a few. Decision making techniques are a key feature in a lot of transportation and assignment tasks, or as part of critical path analysis in project management. As well as looking at these kind of decision making strategies you’ll also learn how to use modern simulation techniques to critically analyse the way that changing parameters can affect the decision making process. It’s difficult to find a discipline that doesn’t make use of statistical analysis somewhere! From studying behavioural trends to industrial applications, having good statistical knowledge and data analysis skills is an excellent asset. We’ll help you develop a thorough understanding of the most common statistical techniques that are used all around us every day, so that you can apply them to a variety of problems. You’ll also study more sophisticated areas such as statistical modelling and designing of experiments. You’ll also gain the kind of broader skills that employers value, including time management, team working and communication. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice these kind of essential tools so you
can hit the ground running in the workplace when you graduate. You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your employability even further with an optional oneyear placement between years 2 and 3. Then in your final year, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned and complete an individual project in your chosen area of interest.
HOW WILL I STUDY? Once accepted onto our course you’ll experience a wide range of teaching and learning methods. We use lectures, smaller group tutorials, laboratory sessions, problem based or design tasks, and individual and team activities to bring each different module to life. Since software is so often used for analysis in the workplace, we’ll make sure you are comfortable and confident with the kind of packages you’re likely to encounter. As well as further developing your skills in widely available software, such as Excel, we will introduce you to more specialist programmes, such as Maple, R, Simul8 and SPSS. You’ll use these to develop solutions to problems which are either too time consuming, or too complicated, to attempt by hand. We’ll help you to develop transferable skills too, such as giving presentations, writing reports, working in groups and time management. Group work will give you a chance to interact with others and get a feel for being part of a busy team, by organising and managing meetings and understanding different roles. When you graduate you’ll be able to present yourself with confidence and communicate effectively - essential attributes when you get out there into the workplace.
HOW EXACTLY WILL I BE ASSESSED? You’ll encounter lots of different kinds of assessment, most of which will involve tests/examinations and coursework. There will be traditional written examinations as you’re used to, but lots of the tests will take place in computer laboratories. For example, you may use the Maple algebra package to produce solutions to mathematical problems, or use Excel to develop and enhance previously considered case studies. Your coursework will include assignments, presentations and report writing (individually and in groups), such as undertaking a survey in order to analyse the data obtained. You’ll then need to present the results of your investigation via a written report and presentation. In group work, you will be set mathematical problems to solve, statistical data to analyse, or be challenged with developing analytical models. Because the workplace demands that graduates have a wide range of skills, our whole course is designed to make sure you’ve developed everything a new employer will want to see.
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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OUR BRILLIANT PEOPLE
An inspirational teacher sparked Martin’s interest in Mathematics fairly early on, and after Sixth Form he set off for the University of Birmingham, where three years later he graduated with a degree in Mathematical Sciences. He then went to study on an MSc program at Reading University in the areas that interested him most: numerical methods and fluid mechanics (which means being able to find approximate solutions to tricky things like the weather, the aerodynamics of cars and aircraft, and physiological flows like breathing and blood flow). He undertook further research at Oxford University looking at improving the accuracy of methods used to calculate the airflow patterns around the wings of commercial aircraft, in collaboration with the Royal Aerospace Establishment at Farnborough, and was awarded his DPhil in 1987. Following a brief period at Farnborough the call to do something different led to 3 years at the University of Malawi in Southern Africa, 1988-1991. Martin was lecturing in the Mathematics Department while his wife did the same in Physics. On his return to the UK he spent a further 2 years at the University of Surrey as a researcher again, this time investigating atmospheric flows. Following this he started at Staffordshire University in 1993. In this time he has taught on various courses in applied mathematics to both mathematics students and engineering students, and this has always been his favourite part of the role. He has continued to be interested in fluid mechanics and numerical methods, and teach them at Level 6 and Masters. In the summer of 2015 Martin had the chance to spend a few weeks back in the Maths Department at the University of Malawi. This was a great opportunity to meet former colleagues and friends from 25 years ago, to teach again some hard-working students and to see how things have changed and moved on. With the ever-increasing role of technology across the world STEM subjects are needed more than ever in developing countries. Whether it’s in the UK or Malawi mathematicians are still in demand. Dr Martin Paisley Senior Lecturer Mathematics
MATHEMATICIANS ARE STILL IN DEMAND
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I graduated from Staffordshire University in 2013 with a 1st Class Honours in Mathematics and Applied Statistics. Since graduating I started a graduate role for a company called GeoPost (DPD & Interlink). My role is a Linehaul Planner, I love it! In summary, I have to optimise the truck drivers’ routes. It’s the crux of the operational side of things, we are responsible for the largest budget in the business. The role uses the knowledge gained from operational research and optimising is the main focus. On a daily basis I have to solve problems throughout the business, always the emphasis to cause as little cost as possible. My time at Staffs was very inspiring. I made some good friends who I still keep in contact with. The skills gained from the course has given me an advantage in my career and I’m sure it would in many careers which you may wish to pursue. Matt Kiteley BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Applied Statistics Now Linehaul Planner, Geopost
After graduating in 2013 I considered postgraduate study but also applied for a statistical post with the Department of London Transport. I was successful in my application and now as a statistical officer I provide an informational and statistical advisory service to government, Parliament and the wider community. I work as part of a team that analyses data from a wide variety of surveys and other sources and we ensure that statistics play an effective role in shaping and monitoring government policy and performance. Benhom Havaei-Ahary BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Applied Statistics Now Statistical Officer, Departmentof London Transport
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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A BETTER CAMPUS
AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE’RE COMMITTED TO INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE – LITERALLY. OVER A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS, WE’RE SPENDING MILLIONS OF POUNDS ON OUR UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES, SO WHEN YOU JOIN US, YOU’LL BE COMING TO A PLACE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START OPENING DOORS AND BREAKING BOUNDARIES.
In recent years, our Stoke-on-Trent campus has undergone a massive transformation, with the students at the heart of our plans. From the amazing Science Centre to environmental improvements, we’re focused on building the best campus for our students. But whilst it’s all well and good a university saying they care what students think, we’re putting our money where our mouth is. This all stems from a decision to make Stoke-on-Trent the main campus of Staffordshire University. In 2016 the majority of students from our Stafford Computing and Technology courses will be
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moving to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. So we’re making sure that when you arrive, you enter a university that is fit for purpose. One with a great mix of study and social spaces. One that feels safe and thrives on the friendly reputation we’ve built. What we found was that a modern edge-of-city campus is ideal. Close enough to the city for the social life, but far enough away to focus on studying. Great transport links around the city, but also great spaces around the campus. The best of both worlds. So, starting in Summer 2015, we’ll be working on the College Road and Leek Road sites of our Stoke Campus. We’ll be creating great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, venues and teaching rooms. Bringing the best teaching facilities together with fantastic student areas – making it feel safe and easy to jump between your lectures and your life outside University. As well as that, we’re also investing £12m in a new Computing and Games facility. This project, called Digital Kiln, will merge beautiful learning space with state-of-theart technology to support all sorts of courses from Cyber Security to Games Design.
This investment is continuing the work we’ve already started to create great social spaces and easy access between the Students’ Union, halls of residence, and other facilities. We’ve committed to doubling the investment that’s already started to create enhanced facilities. Come 2016, it’s going to have the buzz and the feel of the edge-of-city campus that students want. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Gunn Healthcare Centres of Excellence This redevelopment work isn’t just happening in Stoke-on-Trent though. Healthcare and Midwifery students won’t miss out with significant further investment in our Centres of Excellence in Stafford and Shrewsbury – adding new student spaces and learning resources to make these campuses totally self-contained and right up to date. So, with all this to come, maybe it’s time you joined us at Staffordshire University?
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
KEY FACTS WORK STARTS: SUMMER 2015 ADDITIONAL £40M INVESTMENT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT CAMPUS MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT IN STAFFORD CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AND SHREWSBURY CENTRE OF HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE COMPLETION DATE: AUTUMN 2016.
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CHOOSE
MORE AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AN EDGE OVER THE COMPETITION. WE WANT YOU TO TAKE AWAY SOMETHING EXTRA. SO WE MAKE SURE YOU’LL GET SOMETHING EXTRA WHEN YOU’RE HERE. A LOT EXTRA ACTUALLY. To help you open doors as well as your mind, we’re spending millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus. When you’re here, you’ll be able to work with brilliant academics and access a whole load of cutting edge facilities; from animation studios to photography darkrooms to surface decoration workshops. Past students have gone on to exhibit at prestigious galleries, museums and festivals across the world.
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You can also get more back with grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study whilst enjoying a cost of living ranked the third lowest in the UK.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR TIME HERE • Improve your skills with online training platform Lynda.com and access over 3,000 online tutorial videos • Want to get fit while you study? Take advantage of our special student rate gym memberships • Don’t just learn while you’re with us, earn. Take a job at the Students’ Union, become a paid Student Ambassador with Unitemps or turn working while you study upside down with a seasonal role at Alton Towers Resort • Then spend. We’re a hop, skip and a short walk from shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs • Catch the latest musicals, opera, drama at the Regent Theatre and Stafford Gatehouse
MORE WAYS TO STUDY YOUR WAY • Grants, loans and bursaries to help fund your study • More hands-on, real world learning, fewer lectures • Hit the books whenever you want - access to our 24- hour library • Get all the software you need including access to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and download Microsoft Office 365 on up to five devices for free • Professional guest lecturers - previous presentations included Microsoft, Marvel Comics and Epic Games
At Staffordshire University, you’re in the best place to do more, with City Centre shops, boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars and clubs all just a short stroll away. Plus, with student rate gym memberships and over 100 sports, clubs and societies to join – including skydiving, snow sports and our very own Beard Society – you can experience more too. So, if you’re looking for a place that gives you exactly what you need to succeed (and more), then open the door and your mind to Staffordshire University.
A CAMPUS WITH MORE TO OFFER • We’ve spent and continue to spend millions of pounds on our edge-of-city campus • We’re a place literally in the middle of things with easy access to Manchester, Birmingham, London • Get your film fix at our on-campus Film Theatre • Take advantage of our brilliant and friendly Student Support team • Stay fit and well with our NHS Healthcare centre with two doctors • Enjoy a cost of living ranked third lowest in the UK
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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There’s only one real way to experience Staffordshire University, and that’s to come and see it for yourself.
University is where you’re due to spend the next few years of your life, so before you decide on somewhere, it makes sense to have a good look around. That’s where an Open Day comes in. This is your opportunity to get to know the place. Test it out. Immerse yourself in every aspect of Staffordshire University and see if it’s right for you. We’ll give you the chance to see everything, from the Students’ Union and the library to the IT suites and our impressive sports facilities. We’ll also show you the halls of residence, so you can start planning exactly where to put your TV and laptop. You’ll then meet our expert lecturers, see live demonstrations of lab and studio sessions, and delve deeper into your chosen subject with an informative talk. Advice is available on managing your student finances and ways to fund your study, as well as tips on writing a strong personal statement to include in your application.
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Best of all, you’ll have time to speak with current students about their experiences of Staffordshire University – which means you can hear exactly what it’s like to be at the heart of things in the centre of the country. It’s the best way to get a real feel for life here. Our Open Days give you an idea of everything Staffordshire University has to offer, so you’ll be ready to make one of the most important – and most exciting – decisions of your life.
LEARN MORE OR BOOK YOUR PLACE AT
www.staffs.ac.uk/opendays GO ONLINE TO WATCH OUR VIRTUAL TOURS
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CLEARING
The UCAS clearing process gives students another opportunity to find a place.
MISSED THE UCAS DEADLINE?
Don’t worry, apply via UCAS until the end of June and if we have vacancies left on your course we’ll consider your application. We accept CLEARING applications from mid July. Visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/clearing
Discover more: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
t: 01782 294400
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For more detailed information on courses or studying at Staffordshire University, visit: www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate
www.staffs.ac.uk/socialmedia The information in this guide is correct at time of publication, but may be subject to change.
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