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 graduates3MAllianzBPCentricaCommerzbankErnst & YoungGrant ThorntonKPMG

OcadoPrincess YachtsPwCRenishawRoyal Bank of ScotlandRoyal London InsuranceSiemensTowers Watson

Actuarial analystAssistant finance analystAudit associateBond processorConsultantData analystSoftware engineer

Maths teacherMarket risk analystPricing analystSales consultantWeb designer

Employers of exeter maths graduates