Studies & Degrees in Mathematics
Mathematics Study Programs
Mathematics is the study of number, structure, space and change, and of the reasoning used to prove statements about them. A degree usually has two sides. Pure mathematics works on fields such as abstract algebra, analysis and topology for their own sake. Applied mathematics uses calculus, computing, statistics and operations research to solve problems in science, industry and government. Most programmes teach both before students specialise.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's courses usually include calculus, differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra, and mathematics students commonly take courses in a related field such as computer science, physics or statistics. Proof writing, probability, numerical methods and programming are part of most curricula. The first year of the BSc Mathematics at London Metropolitan University, for example, includes Calculus, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Proofs, Graph Theory, Data Analysis and Financial Mathematics.
Qualifications and levels
The length and structure of a mathematics degree depend on the country.
- Spain. Official degrees follow a fixed structure: a bachelor's degree (grado) of 240 ECTS credits, master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits, and the doctorate. The Grado en Matemáticas of the Universidad de Cádiz has 240 ECTS credits over four years and is taught in Spanish. The same faculty offers a double degree in mathematics and computer engineering, and an inter-university master's degree in mathematics.
- United Kingdom. The BSc Mathematics at London Metropolitan University is organised in three years of modules. Applicants need A levels that include mathematics or a numerate subject. The course is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) as meeting in part the educational requirement for chartered status.
- United States. A bachelor's degree is usually completed in four years of full-time study, and students combine their major with general education courses. At Penn State, the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics requires a minimum of 120 credits. Students choose an option by the end of their second year, oriented toward actuarial science, applied and industrial mathematics, computational mathematics, graduate study, machine learning and AI, or systems analysis.
- Canada. The University of the Fraser Valley offers a mathematics major within a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts, a minor in statistics or applied statistics, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in data analysis.
After the bachelor's degree, many universities offer master's and doctoral degrees in theoretical or applied mathematics. San Diego State University, for example, lists bachelor's degrees in mathematics and statistics that include applied mathematics, data science, actuarial science and teaching, followed by master's degrees.
Where to study mathematics
SpainExchange lists 593 active schools that teach mathematics. The United States has the most (241), followed by the United Kingdom (44), Spain (38), Germany (20), France (19) and Canada (17). Brazil, China, Chile, Colombia, Australia and Ireland each have between six and ten.
Mathematics is normally taught in the language of the country: English in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Ireland, and Spanish in most degrees in Spain, Chile and Colombia. Check the language of instruction of each programme, and whether the university asks for a language certificate, before applying.
When comparing programmes, look at the balance between pure and applied courses, the amount of statistics and programming, whether a double degree or a minor in another subject is possible, and which master's programmes the degree gives access to.
Careers
Mathematics graduates work in any field that uses data analysis. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics names education, government, healthcare, and research and development. Teaching is a common route: London Metropolitan University states that many of its mathematics graduates go on to a postgraduate teaching qualification and become mathematics teachers. Others move into finance, insurance, computing and statistics.
For jobs with the title of mathematician or statistician, the Bureau states that employers typically ask for at least a master's degree, although some positions are open to holders of a bachelor's degree, and that a doctorate is the usual route to a university professorship. It projects overall employment of mathematicians and statisticians in the United States to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035. This figure describes the US labour market only.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a mathematics degree take?
It depends on the country. An official bachelor's degree in Spain has 240 ECTS credits and takes four years. A US bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study. The BSc at London Metropolitan University is organised in three years.
Do I need a master's degree to work as a mathematician?
Often, yes. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians typically need at least a master's degree, although some positions are available with a bachelor's degree.
Can I combine mathematics with another subject?
Yes. Many universities offer double degrees, minors or options. The Universidad de Cádiz has a double degree in mathematics and computer engineering, and Penn State offers options such as actuarial science and computational mathematics within its mathematics degree.
In which language is mathematics taught?
Usually in the language of the country. The Grado en Matemáticas of the Universidad de Cádiz, for example, is taught in Spanish. Ask each school about its language requirements.