Course Overview
Lancaster's joint Mathematics and Philosophy degree is delivered by internationally renowned academics in our Department of Mathematics and Statistics - ranked fifth in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2013 - and our Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion - ranked first for Philosophy in the North West by The Guardian University Guide 2013.
Both Mathematics and Philosophy seek to find the truth behind the underlying workings and meanings of the universe. Over the course of your degree, you'll learn about the fundamentals of pure Mathematics as well as the formulation of proofs and concepts. Through your studies in Philosophy, you'll look into the nature of values and the theoretical basis of our social organisation and social relationships.
You'll begin your degree with courses including Series and Functions and an Introduction to Philosophy. In your second and final years, you'll study subjects such as Real Analysis; Linear Algebra, and Philosophy of the Mind. You'll also be able to tailor your studies to your own interests by choosing from various options.
Related Courses
- Psychology and Statistics : BSc Hons
- Theoretical Physics with Mathematics : MSci Hons
- Theoretical Physics with Mathematics (North America) : MSci
- Theoretical Physics with Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Mathematics : BSc Hons / MSci Hons
- Mathematics (Study Abroad) : MSci Hons
- Mathematics with Statistics : BSc Hons / MSci Hons
- Mathematics with Statistics (Study Abroad) : MSci Hons
- Statistics : BSc Hons / MSci Hons
- Statistics (Study Abroad) : MSci Hons
- Environmental Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Computer Science and Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Economics and Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Financial Mathematics : BSc Hons
- French Studies and Mathematics : BA Hons
- German Studies and Mathematics : BA Hons
- Spanish Studies and Mathematics : BA Hons
- Mathematics and Philosophy : BA Hons
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics : BA Hons
- Politics : BA Hons
- Politics (Study Abroad) : BA Hons
- Politics with International Relations : BA Hons
- Economics and International Relations : BA Hons
- Economics and Politics : BA Hons
- Politics and Sociology : BA Hons
- Peace Studies and International Relations : BA Hons
- History and Politics : BA Hons
- Politics and Religious Studies : BA Hons
- Law and Politics : LLB
- Management Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Accounting, Finance and Mathematics : BSc Hons
- Film and Philosophy : BA Hons
- Linguistics and Philosophy : BA Hons
- English Literature and Philosophy : BA Hons
- English Literature and Religious Studies : BA Hons
- French Studies and Politics : BA Hons
- German Studies and Politics : BA Hons
- Spanish Studies and Politics : BA Hons
- French Studies and Philosophy : BA Hons
- German Studies and Philosophy : BA Hons
- Spanish Studies and Philosophy : BA Hons
- History, Philosophy and Politics : BA Hons
- Philosophy : BA Hons
- Religious Studies : BA Hons
- History and International Relations : BA Hons
- Philosophy and Politics : BA Hons
- Religious Studies and Sociology : BA Hons
- History and Religious Studies : BA Hons
- Ethics, Philosophy and Religion : BA Hons
- Philosophy and Religious Studies : BA Hons
- History and Philosophy : BA Hons
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
- Introduction to Philosophy
Year 2
- Real Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Groups and Rings
- Complex Analysis
- History of Philosophy
- Philosophy of Science
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-levels: A(Maths or further Maths)AB. We normally expect three A-levels
General Studies: Accepted as one of 3 A-levels
Preference: At least 2 A-levels
Key Skills: Not included in offer
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 pts overall with 16 pts from best three HL courses with 6 in higher level Maths
BTEC: Overall grades DDM/DDD
Mature students: Applications welcome, and given individual consideration. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
IELTS: 6.5
Careers
Your degree will allow you to develop a host of analytical, logical-thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve you well in any career field. Our Philosophy graduates have gone on to a great variety of careers, using their skills in jobs requiring analysis, assessment and evaluation of arguments. Recent Philosophy graduates have been employed in law, computing consultancy, finance and government positions.
Career paths include roles in computing, accounting, information technology and teaching. Your transferable skills will open doors into management, consulting, journalism and the Civil Service.
You may also choose to continue your education and gain a postgraduate qualification in Philosophy or Mathematics from Lancaster University or another institution.
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