Mathematics/Theatre Studies

Mathematics and theatre studies is a combination that might seem surprising, but it reflects the genuine intellectual breadth that some of the most creative and analytically capable graduates bring to their education. Mathematics is the study of structure, pattern, number and space through precise reasoning and proof, developing one of the most rigorous forms of abstract thinking available in any discipline. Theatre studies is the academic and practical analysis of drama, performance and the making of theatrical work, drawing on history, theory, text analysis and live practice to understand how theatre has functioned culturally, politically and aesthetically across different periods and societies.

Together they develop complementary cognitive strengths that are individually impressive and collectively distinctive.

At the University of Glasgow you will study mathematics and theatre studies over four years of full-time study on a programme that allows you to pursue both disciplines to Honours level. A year abroad is built into the programme, broadening your academic experience and providing an international perspective on both quantitative inquiry and performance culture. The mathematics component offers a wide range of courses across pure and applied mathematics, and the ambassador scheme gives students the opportunity to spend time in schools, developing teaching and communication skills alongside their mathematical training.

The typical tariff of 216 reflects the combined demands of two disciplines that each require genuine commitment and ability.

Graduates of this combination pursue careers across two very different domains. Mathematics graduates work in finance, data science, actuarial science, engineering, research, statistics and education. Theatre studies graduates enter performance, directing, arts administration, community arts, education and the media.

The combination itself is particularly well suited to roles in science communication, education (especially mathematics teaching with arts enrichment), creative technology and the kind of interdisciplinary projects that increasingly characterise both arts funding and technology innovation. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in mathematics, theatre, education or a field that draws on both.