Mathematics with Computer Science

Mathematics and computer science is one of the most powerful combinations available at degree level, uniting the rigour and depth of pure and applied mathematics with the practical and theoretical foundations of computing. Mathematics develops your capacity for abstract reasoning, proof and the analysis of structure and pattern. Computer science gives you the tools to build and analyse computational systems, from algorithms and data structures to software engineering and artificial intelligence.

Together they prepare you for a world where quantitative thinking and computational power are increasingly inseparable.

At the University of Plymouth, this programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich year, a work placement and a year abroad, making it a thorough and well-supported pathway into a demanding field. The foundation year allows you to build the essential mathematical and computing foundations before progressing to the full degree. The sandwich and placement elements give you direct professional experience in computing, software, data science or a related field, and the year abroad broadens your perspective by exposing you to different academic and technological environments.

You will develop skills in mathematical analysis, algebra, differential equations and statistics alongside programming, algorithm design, software development, databases and aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The combination trains you to approach computational problems with genuine mathematical depth, which is a distinctive and valuable capability.

Graduates go on to careers in software engineering, data science, machine learning and AI, financial modelling, cryptography, operational research, scientific computing and academia. The mathematical rigour the programme develops is particularly valued in finance, technology and research-intensive sectors. Postgraduate study in mathematics, computer science, data science or related fields is a natural route for those who want to specialise further or pursue research.