Mathematics

About the course

Mathematicians have always been fascinated by numbers. One of the most famous problems is Fermat’s Last Theorem:

if n≥3, the equation xⁿ+yⁿ=zⁿ has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero integers.

An older problem is to show that one cannot construct a line of length ³√2 with ruler and compass, starting with a unit length.

Often the solution to a problem will require you to think outside its original framing. This is true here, and while you will see the second problem solved in your course, the first is far too deep and was famously solved by Andrew Wiles.

In applied mathematics we use mathematics to explain phenomena that occur in the real world. You can learn how a leopard gets its spots, explore quantum theory and relativity, or study the mathematics of stock markets.

We will encourage you to ask questions and find solutions for yourself. We will begin by teaching you careful definitions so that you can construct theorems and proofs.

Above all, mathematics is a logical subject, and you will need to think mathematically, arguing clearly and concisely as you solve problems. For some of you, this way of thinking or solving problems will be your goal. Others will want to see what else can be discovered. Either way, it is a subject to be enjoyed.

There are two Mathematics degrees, the three-year BA and the four-year MMath. Decisions regarding continuation to the fourth year do not have to be made until the third year.

The first year consists of core courses in pure and applied mathematics (including statistics).

Options start in the second year, with the third and fourth years offering a large variety of courses, including options from outside mathematics.

'The Mathematics course is absolutely fantastic and is essentially problem-solving on a daily basis, which I love. You attend lectures to learn the material and then complete problem sheets on the topics. Certainly, for me, the most rewarding aspect of mathematics is solving problems, especially when they have been initially unyielding, or seemingly unapproachable; and this is right at the core of the course. I chose to read mathematics at university because I have a real passion for the subject, and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of some of the beauty it holds. I’ve found the course has really pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could achieve, which is extremely rewarding.' Chris		'Studying Mathematics at Oxford has been a massive change from A-Level but I have been really enjoying it, I especially love having tutorials as they are a fantastic opportunity to work through problems that specifically you and your tutorial partner are having difficulties with and ask questions that allow you to improve yourself as a mathematician.' Beth

Unistats information

Discover Uni course data provides applicants with Unistats statistics about undergraduate life at Oxford for a particular undergraduate course.

Please select 'see course data' to view the full Unistats data for Mathematics.

Please note that there may be no data available if the number of course participants is very small. 

Visit the Studying at Oxford section of this page for a more general insight into what studying here is likely to be like.

Academic requirements 

Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.

Read further information on how we use contextual data.

Subject requirements

The majority of those who read Mathematics will have taken both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level (or the equivalent).

Applying

All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown on our Applying to Oxford pages.

The following information gives specific details for students applying for this course.

Admissions test

All candidates must take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) as part of their application.

All the information you need to arrange to take your test as well as how best to prepare can be found on your test page.

Written work

You do not need to submit any written work when you apply for this course.

What are tutors looking for?

Tutors are looking for a candidate’s potential to succeed on the course. We recommend that candidates challenge themselves with Mathematics beyond their curriculum, question their own understanding, and take advantage of any available extension material.

Ultimately, we are most interested in a candidate’s potential to think imaginatively, deeply and in a structured manner about the patterns of mathematics. 

Visit the Maths Department website for more detail on the selection criteria for this course.

Fees

Additional Fees and Charges Information for Mathematics

There are no compulsory costs for this course beyond the fees shown above and your living costs.