Subject

Mathematics

Mathematics actively addresses real-world challenges daily. Whether it's shaping government policies, contributing to advancements in medical research, or untangling logistics dilemmas, studying Mathematics at Essex opens doors to diverse and captivating career opportunities.

Mathematics

Start your journey through mathematics

We are at the forefront of innovation in mathematics and data science. At Essex we actively integrate these disciplines into our daily lives and the broader world through a variety of exciting projects. Here’s what sets us apart:

Cutting-edge projects

  • Teaching AI to uncover gender and ethnic biases in markets.
  • Crafting super-detailed mathematical models of the human brain.
  • Exploring intricate social networks of cows (yes, you read that right!).

Real-world impact

  • Students actively contribute to problem-solving, from optimising scheduling processes at the Port of Felixstowe to leading the data revolution in London’s “Tech City”.
  • We are at the forefront of our university’s initiatives in big data.

Collaborative environment

  • Collaborative workspace for students to foster creativity and teamwork.
  • Dedicated mathematics peer mentoring scheme to support your academic journey.
  • Excellent staff-student relations create a friendly and open learning environment.

Be part of our community and help push the boundaries of what mathematics and data science can achieve. Shape a future where these disciplines play a vital role in understanding and improving the world around us.

Why study here?
  • 86% of Essex graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024).
  • We’re ranked 25th in UK for mathematics (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • We consistently expand the spectrum of knowledge within our School, offering a diverse array of options that enable you to customise your degree according to your interests.
Image of a student working with a member of staff
Work alongside academic staff in our IT labs
Image of a student working with a member of staff
Our academics are world-leading researchers - you'll have the chance to collaborate
Image of people working together over a collection of textbooks on a desk
Work closely with your peers to understand mathematical theories and principles

Career prospects

From engineering to healthcare, and finance to marketing, your mathematics degree can lead to exciting careers in unexpected fields.

While you’re with us, you’ll get employability support through our Careers modules. We offer extra events and programmes by our Careers teams and Student Development Department.

Find out more about careers, skills and employability with Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science

Image of Leon Philbert, BSc Finance and Mathematics graduate
"In my first year, I was exposed to new areas of mathematics and economics, and adjusting to this, as well as being away from home for the first time, was a big learning curve. In my second year I applied for industrial placement schemes, captained the men’s tennis team to a league win, and launched an online clothing business with my dad. During my placement at Volkswagen Financial Services, I dedicated time to our business, and received a summer internship with Barclays Investment Bank. I’ve gained skills that will prepare me for the rest of my working life. Barclays have since offered me a place on their graduate scheme and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the future holds."
Leon Philbert BSc Finance and Mathematics, 2019
Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place

Masters degrees

Unlock the power of independent thought and apply advanced mathematical concepts to real-world challenges by pursuing a postgraduate course in mathematics at Essex. While you may already possess the skills to integrate complex functions and solve ordinary differential equations, we empower you to elevate your thinking.

Delivered by active researchers in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, applied statistics, applied probability, and operational research, our postgraduate courses offer a diverse range of topics.

Our passionate lecturers, who are experts in innovative teaching methods, ensure that learning complex mathematical concepts becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Join us in shaping your mathematical journey and gaining the tools to make a real-world impact

Why study here?
  • Immerse yourself in a supportive community where hierarchies are non-existent, doors are always open, and a dynamic mathematics peer mentoring program ensures meaningful connections between students and staff.
  • Join a community committed to pushing boundaries in teaching and research. Our lecturers not only guarantee cutting-edge knowledge but also lead the charge in revolutionizing the landscape of mathematics education.
  • Be part of something bigger – our students drive a prestigious. Maths Support Centre, extending their expertise beyond our campus. From advising other departments at Essex to receiving calls from as far as China, our impact reaches across borders. Join us in making a global difference in mathematics education.
Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place

Continue your research journey

Embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in the mix of mathematics research at Essex. Our commitment is rooted in unravelling the complexities of abstract mathematical questions and applying robust tools and ideas to address real-world challenges.

Within our vibrant community, we offer a dynamic and stimulating environment tailored for doctoral research in mathematics. Our team of expert researchers is at the forefront of ground-breaking exploration, covering a diverse spectrum of pure and applied mathematical domains. From algorithms to analysis, algebra to animal behaviour, combinatorics to differential equations, geometry, and mathematical physics - our research spans an expansive landscape.

Join us in shaping the future of mathematical inquiry and its practical applications.

Start your application with us

Explore our Mathematical Science, Actuarial Science and Statistics research by theme or your area of interest and find a supervisor that can support your through your studies. More information can be found about research degrees on our school pages. Our courses below will help guide you through the various research degree programmes we offer.


Explore funding opportunities Ready to apply? Start your application today
Photo of mathematics research student, Liudmila Mikheeva
"Everybody knows each other and is super friendly. All the experience I’ve gained from doing research, teaching and supervising has made me realise that I really enjoy academia and want to develop my career as a researcher. I have loved my time at Essex so much. The international student and research communities are open and friendly, so I’ve not felt scared of living in a new country, choosing a new career path and speaking English all the time."
Liudmila Mikheeva PhD statistics student
Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place
A student walking on campus at the University of Essex.
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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.