Mathematics and Computer Science

Mathematics and computer science share intellectual roots so deep that the boundary between them has been genuinely contested since the origins of both modern disciplines. The theory of computation, algorithms, cryptography, formal logic and many of the foundational ideas of software engineering were developed by mathematicians, and the modern relationship between the two fields remains one of the most productive in science. Graduates who are genuinely fluent in both are exceptionally versatile and highly valued across technology, finance, research and a growing range of other sectors.

At Queen's University of Belfast, this three-year joint degree is delivered in conjunction with the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, ensuring that both disciplines are taught to genuinely high standards. You will study mathematics and computer science at each level of the programme, building rigorous analytical and problem-solving skills in mathematics alongside practical expertise in programming, algorithms, software engineering and the theoretical foundations of computation. The combination develops your ability to reason precisely about computational problems and to bring the formal tools of mathematics to bear on real engineering challenges.

Graduates of mathematics and computer science programmes are in high demand across the technology, finance and research sectors. Software engineering, data science, algorithm development, cryptography, financial modelling, artificial intelligence, machine learning and academic research in computer science or mathematics are all well-established career directions. The depth of mathematical training distinguishes graduates in roles where formal reasoning and novel problem-solving are essential.

Many graduates proceed to postgraduate study in computer science, mathematics, data science or a discipline at the intersection of the two.