Mathematics with a Placement Year

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most powerful systems of human thought, underpinning everything from the laws of physics to the algorithms that drive modern technology, the models used to price financial instruments, and the statistical methods that allow us to draw reliable conclusions from data. Studying it at degree level means developing a capacity for precise, logical reasoning that is highly transferable and consistently valued by employers across a wide range of fields.

At Reading, this four-year programme with an integrated placement year gives you the flexibility to tailor your studies to the areas of mathematics you find most compelling, whether that is pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or some combination of these. You will build a rigorous foundation in the core areas of the discipline before developing your interests in later years. The placement year, integrated into the programme, gives you a full year of professional experience in a relevant industry or research setting, allowing you to apply your mathematical skills in a real-world context and to develop the professional confidence and networks that make a significant difference when you graduate.

Mathematics graduates are among the most sought-after in the graduate labour market. The analytical and problem-solving abilities the degree develops are valuable in finance, actuarial science, data science, software engineering, cryptography, operations research, scientific research, and many other fields. The placement year makes your application to graduate employers distinctly stronger, demonstrating that you can apply abstract skills in practical environments.

Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral programmes in mathematics, statistics, data science, or related disciplines.