Stuart TownleyProfessor of Applied MathematicsEnvironment and Sustainability Institute

• Mathematics is the universal

language for analysis, abstraction,

explanation and prediction

• Development of mathematics is

stimulated by our observations of

the physical and natural world

Why study mathematics?

Why a mathematics degree• Builds generic skills in logic and reasoning• Enhances IT skills• Ranges from abstract to applied• Valued by employers in finance, commerce,

technology• Mathematics is vital for tackling multi-

disciplinary challenges faced by 21st century society

UNESCO’s Maths of Planet Earth

• Mathematics underpins analysis,

explanation and prediction of our

planet

• Our mathematical development is

inspired by observations of Earth,

its systems, processes and the

life it supports

Why study Mathematics and Planet Earth?

Typical make up of a maths applicant

• A level (or equivalent) in Maths• Common to have A levels in Physics

and/or Chemistry• Some would have Further Maths• Many would have A levels in History

and/or English, Biology, Geography, Business Studies, …

Make up of a maths applicant - ctd

• ABB is the bench mark for entry into Russell group universities

• Passion for mathematics … and • Interest in its wider use and

development• Understanding of 21st century

challenges and the role of maths

Useful experiences

• http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest-awards

• http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements

• Maths and science enrichment workshops

• Maths Masterclasses

Typical “Russell Group” maths degree

Year 1: Core pure and applied maths, mathematical methods

Year 2: Mostly compulsory mix of pure and applied maths, mathematical methods & Statistics

Year 3: Diverse range of options, final year project, outside options, …

Some elements of group learning, student based investigations, employability, …

• Year 1 Classroom investigations based

around field work Expert lecturers inspire group based

research Cross curriculum assignments

• Year 3

• Year 2 Peer mentoring Topical, relevant applied options

Project work with dual supervision Iceland Field Course – putting maths in to action

HE Maths for the 21st Century

Useful Links

• http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/16-19/career_profiles.cfm

• http://www.ams.org/careers/

• http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching

• Maths of Planet Earth 2013

Average Starting Salaries*• IT graduates £21,179 (artificial intelligence), £20,855 (information

systems), £20,651 (software engineering) and £20,388 (computer science).

• Science graduates £21,721 (physics), £18,917 (chemistry), £17,390 (environmental science), £17,232 (biology) and £16,462 (sports science).

• Average starting salary for maths graduates was £21,724.

*Based on 2009 graduates six months after graduating - by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)

Destinations of Mathematics graduates

3M

Allianz

BP

Centrica

Commerzbank

Ernst & Young

Grant Thornton

KPMG

Ocado

Princess Yachts

PwC

Renishaw

Royal Bank of Scotland

Royal London Insurance

Siemens

Towers Watson

Actuarial analyst

Assistant finance analyst

Audit associate

Bond processor

Consultant

Data analyst

Software engineer

Maths teacher

Market risk analyst

Pricing analyst

Sales consultant

Web designer

Employers of exeter maths graduates