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Mathematics Student Profile
Why study mathematics at King’s?
‘Having such inspiring lectures given by world-class academics has definitely made me consider a career in research. I was particularly impressed with the effort that lectures make to help any student with difficulties that arise both in and out of the lecture courses. The tutorial system meant that from day one there was someone in the department who knew me.’ Asuka Kumon Mathematics BSc
At King’s this subject is explored through a range of modules taught by renowned experts. Indeed, our department is acknowledged to be a leading centre of research, with 65 per cent of research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. In pure mathematics we have distinguished research groups in analysis and in number theory. In applied mathematics we have a large and distinguished research group in theoretical physics and also leading research groups in financial mathematics and in the theory of disordered and complex systems.
Teaching style Teaching is predominantly by lectures, supplemented with tutorials and problem classes. Mathematics is not a spectator sport: to become a competent mathematician you must have a go at solving problems. Lecturers provide problem sheets, and if a problem defeats you, we hope and expect that you will ask for help.
Structure of programmes and assessment Our students are assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations depending on the module.
Location and facilities The central location of our department gives easy access to major libraries and many leading societies including the London Mathematical Society.
Selection procedure
Contacts Address Department of Mathematics King’s College London, Strand Campus, Strand, London WC2R 2LS Contact Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions Email nms-ugadmissions@kcl.ac.uk Tel 020 7848 2271 www.kcl.ac.uk/maths Profile Students admitted: 167 Applicants per place: 8 Teaching staff: 36
Our requirement for mathematics at A-level is any syllabus that contains pure mathematics. We also require you to have taken or be taking A2 or AS Further Mathematics. We do not require you to have studied mechanics or statistics. However, if you can choose, we would prefer mechanics. Those who are made offers are invited to an open day (between February and early April). On these occasions you will meet staff and be taken on a tour by our students.
Career prospects and graduate destinations A degree in mathematics is one of the most flexible qualifications you can obtain, and as a result graduates are among the best paid and the least likely to be unemployed. Many mathematics graduates become statisticians, actuaries, scientists, accountants and so on. More and more often they are also going into careers in life sciences or the City. Opportunities also exist in teaching, and there is a real demand for graduates in this area.
Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Accountant (PricewaterhouseCoopers) • Assistant Tax Advisor (Ernst & Young) • Audit Assistant (KPMG) • Supply Analyst (Comet) • Graduate Trainee Analyst (Deutsche Bank)
Degree Programmes SINGLE HONOURS
Mathematics BSc UCAS Code G100 Study mode Full time Duration Three years Location Strand Campus Entry requirements See box on page 130 www.kcl.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ mathematics The single honours programmes contain modules in all branches of mathematics. In pure mathematics, there are compulsory courses in algebra and analysis and also (a particular feature of King’s) in geometry, a subject which is increasingly important in both pure mathematics and in applications. On the applied side, there are compulsory modules in applicable mathematics and mathematical methods, and also in dynamical systems and probability and statistics, as well as the algebra of symmetry. Year one Calculus I; Calculus II; Geometry I; Introduction to Dynamical Systems; Linear Methods; Numbers & Functions; Probability & Statistics I; Introduction to Abstract Algebra. Year two Analysis I; Geometry of Surfaces; Groups & Symmetries; Intermediate Dynamics; Linear Algebra; Partial Differential Equations & Complex Variables, plus two options. Year three Eight options from a wide range of modules. There is the possibility of specialising in applied or pure. Options cover probability, number theories, finance, analysis, methods, logic, history, geometry and others.
Mathematics MSci UCAS Code G103 Study mode Full time Duration Four years Location Strand Campus Entry requirements See box on page 130 www.kcl.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ mathematics_msci The programme lays the foundations of advanced mathematics necessary for applications of, and research in, a rapidly growing subject. It is designed for students aiming at careers in which mathematics is used technically, including industrial and academic