Course Overview
Studying for a combined honours degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at Lancaster gives you the opportunity to learn in two of the country's leading teaching and research departments. Lancaster's Department of Mathematics and Statistics is fifth in the UK, as ranked by The Guardian University Guide, 2012.
Your degree unites the fundamentals of Computer Science - including languages and logic, systems, communications and software engineering - with Pure Mathematics concepts, including algebra and analysis. Lectures and tutorials are combined with projects and practical laboratory sessions where you can put theory into practice.
You'll start your degree with courses covering Calculus, Matrix Methods and Probability. In your second year, you'll move on to subjects such as Software Project Management and Linear Algebra before completing your degree with modules including Hilbert Space, Number Theory, Bayesian Inference, and Geometry of Curves and Surfaces.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Mathematics and Statistics department.
Year 1
- Calculus
- Integration
- Matrix Methods
- Probability
- Statistics
- Numbers and Relations
- Discrete Mathematics
- Geometry and Calculus
- Series and Functions
- Differential Equations
Year 2
- Real Analysis
- Complex Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Groups and Rings
- Probability
- Statistics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Software Design
- Computer Science Group Project
Year 3
- Differential Equations
- Probability and Measure
- Integration
- Hilbert Space
- Groups and Symmetry
- Rings Fields and Polynomials
- Representation Theory of Finite Groups
- Number Theory
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces
- Bayesian Inference
- Stochastic Processes
- Statistical Models
- Topics in Modern Statistics
- Networking
- Multimedia Computing
- Mathematical Education
- Project Skills
- Developing Business Information Systems
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Mathematics and Statistics department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: A(Maths or Further Maths)AB
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best three grades if four A-levels are presented
Key Skills: Not included in the offer
GCSE: Maths (C) and English Language (C)
Scottish Highers: ABBBB plus Grade A at Advanced Higher Maths
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 points overall with 16 points from best three HL courses, inc 6 in HL Maths
BTEC: DDD/DDM
IELTS: 6.0
HNC/D in Computing: Distinctions in all relevant units with merits in remaining units considered for direct entry to Part II
Mature students: Applications welcome. Evidence of formal study required, including Access to Higher Education courses, within the past three years. We always interview mature students. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
Careers
Lancaster's Computer Science graduates have the skills required to work in a professional software and systems development environment. Our Mathematics graduates are valued by employers recruiting for a range of positions in technology, computing, financial services or management.
Combining both disciplines with transferable skills such as communication and teamwork, you will be prepared for a wide variety of positions in all sectors - from business, government, health and education, among others.
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics organises talks throughout the year on suitable careers, which help to inform students about potential career options and create useful links with employers.
Many graduates also choose to go on to further study and you'll find Lancaster offers excellent graduate opportunities on Masters and PhD programmes.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
