BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year)
About this course
BSc Hons in Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year), a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy encompassing rigorous analytical enquiry and logical reasoning. Core topics include Signal Processing, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme incorporates a dedicated third-year professional placement role within an industry or sector to build practical experience prior to final-year study. The first year establishes core foundations through modules such as History of Philosophy: Ideas that Shaped the West, Knowledge and Reality in a Complex World, Logic and Discrete Mathematics, Matrices and Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and Symmetry and Sequences. In the second year, students advance their mathematical capabilities via Abstract Algebra, Complex Analysis, Linear Algebra, and Real Analysis, alongside optional choices including Continental Philosophy, Language, Communication and Knowledge, Mind, World and Science, Philosophy Guided Project, and Applied Philosophy: Decisions that Change the World. Following the third-year placement, the fourth year offers advanced optional modules spanning Commutative Algebra, Graph Theory and Algorithms, Hilbert Spaces, Knots and Geometry, Linear Systems, Mathematical Cryptography, Metric Spaces and Topology, Philosophy and Popular Culture, Philosophy For Times of Global Crisis, Philosophy Independent Project, Questions at the Frontiers of Philosophy, Representation Theory, and Textual Explorations in Philosophy.
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: AAA. This should include Mathematics grade A or Further Mathematics grade A. The overall offer grades will be lowered to AAB for applicants who achieve both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at grades AB, in either order. IB: 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)
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What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 95%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 55%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 40%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 25%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 20%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- History of Philosophy: Ideas that Shaped the West
- Knowledge and Reality in a Complex World
- Logic and Discrete Mathematics
- Matrices and Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
- Symmetry and Sequences
- Abstract Algebra
- Complex Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Continental Philosophy
- Language, Communication and Knowledge
- Mind, World and Science
- Philosophy Guided Project
- Applied Philosophy: Decisions that Change the World
- Placement
- Commutative Algebra
- Graph Theory and Algorithms
- Hilbert Spaces
- Knots and Geometry
- Linear Systems
- Mathematical Cryptography
- Metric Spaces and Topology
- Philosophy and Popular Culture
- Philosophy For Times of Global Crisis
- Philosophy Independent Project
- Questions at the Frontiers of Philosophy
- Representation Theory
- Textual Explorations in Philosophy
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,500 and £40,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £9,000 less than the UK median for Mathematics.
What do graduates of BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 132 UCAS points.
Does BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Mathematics with Philosophy (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.