BSc Mathematics and Philosophy
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy, a natural sciences degree in which mathematics and philosophy are studied side by side. Core topics include mathematical modelling and research methods. Both subjects run through all three years, and the final year is centred on a capstone chosen from either a Philosophy Dissertation or a Mathematics Group Project and Individual Project. The first year establishes both subjects: mathematics through Calculus I, Linear Algebra I and Analysis I, and philosophy through Knowledge, Minds and Reality and The Philosophical Traditions, which surveys a range of philosophical approaches. The second year covers abstract and linear algebra in Algebra II, complex functions in Complex Analysis II, and multivariable and vector calculus in Mathematical Methods II. Philosophy options at this stage include Philosophy of Mind, Early Modern Philosophy and Fundamentals of Logic. The final year centres on a capstone taken in one subject: either a Philosophy Dissertation or a Mathematics Group Project and Individual Project. Mathematics options then span Galois Theory, Groups and Geometry, Mathematical Biology, Quantum Mechanics and Codes and Knots, while philosophy options include Metaphysics, Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science and Formal and Philosophical Logic.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including either A*A in any order in Maths and Further Maths at A level or A* in Maths plus A in AS Further Maths. IB: 37 including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and 66 in two other Higher Level subjects.
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What students say
Based on about 88 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 81 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 11%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 71%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 48%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 345 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 295 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Calculus I
- Linear Algebra I
- Analysis I
- Knowledge, Minds and Reality
- Science, Medicine and Society
- The Philosophical Traditions
- Algebra II
- Complex Analysis II
- Mathematical Methods II
- Example optional modules
- Philosophy Dissertation (40 credits) OR Mathematics Group Project and Individual Project
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £61,500.
What do graduates of BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University do next?
88% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 196 UCAS points.
Does BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Mathematics and Philosophy at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.