The idea of solving puzzles and problems lies at the heart of many mathematics courses. Whether you’re interested in statistics or mechanics, there are a wide range of mathematics courses available to students with a sharp mind and an inquisitive nature. If this sounds like you, then perhaps you ought to consider studying a degree in mathematics.

However, a degree in mathematics, whatever your specialised subject is, can be particularly hard work and there will be a significant gap between the maths you learn at school, and the knowledge you will acquire during your time at University. In order to gain the most out of your degree, you will be expected to read around the subject in order to strengthen your own knowledge of key subject matters in your own time.

In order to gain the most from your time studying mathematics, you should be hard working, self-motivated and organised.

The majority of students who decide to study maths do so because they have a passion for the subject. However starting salaries for maths graduates average out at £21,724, so for graduates with a particularly strong degree there are a wide range of careers available to pursue.

Employers hold maths degrees in high-esteem, so those who have studied maths can easily find entry level jobs in a wide range of industries such as banking, financing, marketing and admin as well as sales. Many graduates also opt to study at a post-graduate level in order to pursue more vocational careers such as legal work or teaching.

However there are also those who prefer to pursue careers in a maths-focussed industries such as scientific research, although the availability of this career path will very much depend upon the specialist area you chose to study while an undergraduate.

The majority of mathematics courses include the study of both pure and applied mathematics. Core modules covering basic mathematic theories will be required elements of the course, but students will also be expected to study further optional modules that demonstrate how different maths principles can be applied to the everyday world.

Maths courses will expect applicants to have a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivelant; with the subjects taken being predominantly science based. Most universities will also expect one of these subjects to be in maths and those who don’t speak English as a native language will be required to sit an IETLS test and score a minimum of 6.0 – 6.5.

The majority of maths courses will take place over a period of three years, although this will depend upon the university you choose for your place of study. Many establishments offer students the option of studying abroad or of undertaking work industry placements for those wishing to extend their degree for a further year.

The most important thing to consider when you’re deciding where to study is which module options are available at each of the universities. Many of the core degree modules are similar between courses, but the optional modules offered may differ depending upon the institution. it is always worth investigating whether your university of choice offers you module choices that appeal to your areas of interest and will benefit your post-graduate career.

It is also important to ensure that you attend a University that is both prestigious and has strong links within the industry you are interested in. Many top firms cultivate relationships with certain academic establishments from which they will recruit the majority of their entry level staff.

You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice. Do you have the right grades for entry? Are the fees manageable along with the cost of living? If you’re still struggling to secure funding there are a number of options available to you including scholarships and bursaries.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration when deciding where to study. You will be studying for a minimum of 3 years, so it is important that your university of choice is located in an environment where you will thrive both socially and academically. Discovering new cultures and meeting new people is a huge part of student life and it is vital that you make the most of your university experience. While some students prefer to study in big cities with large campus universities, others prefer smaller establishments with a more communal focus.