Computer Science and Mathematics

Computer science and mathematics is a combination that sits at the heart of the theoretical and applied foundations of computing. Mathematics provides the logical, algebraic and analytical tools that underpin the most important ideas in computer science, from the theory of computation and the analysis of algorithms to the mathematical structures used in cryptography, data compression and machine learning. Studying both together gives you a depth of understanding that goes well beyond practical programming skills, equipping you to understand why algorithms work, when they are efficient and what the fundamental limits of computation are.

At the University of Exeter, this three-year full-time programme develops rigorous mathematical training alongside comprehensive computer science education. You will study calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and statistics alongside algorithms, data structures, programming, software engineering and the theoretical foundations of computer science. The combination gives you the analytical rigour to engage with cutting-edge research and the technical breadth to work across a wide range of applied computing domains.

A sandwich year gives you extended professional experience in industry or a research setting, and a work placement provides further hands-on exposure, so you graduate with both academic depth and direct professional experience. A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the mathematical preparation the programme demands.

Graduates from computer science and mathematics programmes are exceptionally well placed for careers in data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, where mathematical rigour is essential, as well as in software engineering, financial technology, cryptography and cybersecurity, scientific computing and academic research. The combination of mathematical and computational thinking is valued across virtually every sector that relies on sophisticated analytical or technical capability. Postgraduate study in computer science, mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence or a related field is a natural progression for those who wish to deepen their expertise or pursue research careers.