Mathematics with Spanish BSc drafted

Program Overview

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Mathematics is the universal language of science and a beautiful subject in its own right. It is a discipline that also has important applications in industry and commerce, and well-qualified mathematicians are in great demand, with a wide choice of careers. For mathematicians with an interest and background in Spanish this degree is ideal. It is a four-year degree programme with a year spent abroad typically studying mathematics through the medium of the chosen language.

Mathematics with Spanish Degree highlights

In 2020, more than 90% of 1st and 2nd year Maths students expressed overall satisfaction with their course

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Global Opportunities

As part of this degree programme you will have the opportunity to study mathematics at a French university. Additionally, we participate in the IAESTE and Turing student exchange programmes, which enable students to obtain work experience in companies and universities throughout the world.

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Industry Links

We have key links with local companies who hire mathematics graduates. Several local financial services companies (including Clarus FT, EFFEX Capital and AquaQ Analytics) were founded by our former maths graduates.

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World Class Facilities

The school has its own dedicated teaching centre which opened in September 2016. This building houses lecture and group-study rooms, a hugely popular student social area and state-of-the-art computer and laboratory facilities. The centre is an exciting hub for our students and is situated directly adjacent to the Lanyon Building on the main university campus. This makes us the only school with a dedicated teaching space right at the heart of the university.

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Internationally Renowned Experts

The School of Mathematics and Physics is a large school with staff from 13 countries, including UK, US, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Russia, Argentina, Cuba, Germany, China, Greece, Kenya, Niger, The Netherlands and Romania. Many of our staff are leading international experts in their fields of mathematical research. Thus the ethos of the School is one of excellence in research informing excellence in teaching.

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Student Experience

Many students find the transition from school to university somewhat daunting. In order to help with this transition, mathematics students have pioneered a Peer Mentoring scheme that is generally regarded as one of the most effective in the University. As well as providing a forum for first year students to obtain support, it also provides mentors with transferable skills which will increase graduate employment opportunities.

After graduating I joined Allstate (in Chicago and Belfast) to work as a Predictive Modeller. Two years ago I moved to my current position. Unlike some careers, I am given the opportunity to put into practice what I have learned at university daily, whether that is computer programming, critical thinking, problem solving or presenting. Many of the courses I studied at Queen’s are fundamental for my day to day work: my notes from these courses still sit on my desk!

Padraic Sheerin - Vice President, Data Science at Pramerica (Prudential Financial), Ireland

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Course content

Program Outline

Course Structure

Course Content	Students will study a combination of Mathematics and Spanish. The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Stage 1	• Introduction to Algebra and Analysis • Mathematical Reasoning • Mathematical Methods 1 • Algorithmic Thinking • Spanish 1
Stage 2	Students have a choice from the modules listed, those with an * are compulsory • Linear Algebra * • Analysis • Metric Spaces • Group Theory • Mathematical Methods 2 * • Classical Mechanics • Spanish 2 *
Stage 3	Students will take an approved Turing programme of study at a Spanish speaking university or alternatively, an approved placement in a Spanish speaking country.
Stage 4	Students must take an approved selection from the modules listed below • Project • Investigations • Rings and Modules • Dynamical Systems • Discrete Mathematics • Numerical Analysis • Modelling and Simulation • Financial Mathematics • Classical Fields • Quantum Theory • Set Theory • Metric and Normed Spaces • Functional Analysis • Topological Data Analysis • Statistical Mechanics • Geometry of Optimisation • Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equations • Quantum Fields • Spanish 3

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People teaching you

Dr Gleb Gribakin

Associate Director of Education for Mathematics

School of Maths & Physics

Dr Gribakin is a Reader in Mathematics, with an active research program in the area of antimatter.

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Contact Teaching Times

Medium Group Teaching	4 (hours maximum) 4 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week.
Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial	1 (hours maximum) 1 hour of tutorials (or later, project supervision) each week.
Large Group Teaching	10 (hours maximum) 10 hours of lectures.
Personal Study	21 (hours maximum) 21 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

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Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc in Mathematics we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

Fieldword and practical training

The year spent abroad, studying at a Spanish speaking university, provides a rich cultural and educational experience which enhances graduate prospects of working o studying in Europe and further afield.

Lectures

These introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

Personal Tutor

Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and Level 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Tutorials

Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.

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Assessment

The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is available online via the school website.

Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of year examinations.

Some modules (eg, final year Honours Project module) are assessed solely through project work or written assignments.

Computer Based Assessment

Some modules use online quizzes/tests as part of the module assessment. This tests basic knowledge, understanding and problem solving.

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Feedback

As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.

Face to face comment. This may include occasions when students make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help address a specific query.

Online or emailed comment.

Placement employer comments or references.

General comments, or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.

Feedback and outcomes practical classes.

Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services including Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work.

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Overview

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Modules

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Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

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Core Modules

Algorithmic Thinking

(10 credits)

Mathematical Methods 1

(30 credits)

Mathematical Reasoning

(10 credits)

Introduction to Algebra and Analysis

(30 credits)

Spanish 1

(40 credits)

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Core Modules

Spanish 2

(40 credits)

Mathematical Methods 2

(20 credits)

Linear Algebra

(20 credits)

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Optional Modules

Group Theory

(20 credits)

Classical Mechanics

(20 credits)

Analysis

(20 credits)

Metric Spaces

(20 credits)

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Core Modules

International Placement – Year Abroad

(120 credits)

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Core Modules

Mathematical Investigations

(20 credits)

Modelling and Simulation

(20 credits)

Numerical Analysis

(20 credits)

Spanish 3

(40 credits)

Applied Mathematics Project

(20 credits)

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Optional Modules

Geometry of Optimisation

(20 credits)

Financial Mathematics

(20 credits)

Fourier Analysis and Applications to PDEs

(20 credits)

Quantum Fields

(20 credits)

Quantum Theory

(20 credits)

Rings and Modules

(20 credits)

Classical Fields

(20 credits)

Dynamical Systems

(20 credits)

Discrete Mathematics

(20 credits)

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Course content

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Entry Requirements

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Career Prospects

Introduction

Studying for a degree in Mathematics with Spanish at Queen’s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including mathematics.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, 5 years after graduation, Maths graduates earn 20 per cent more on average than other graduates (IFS 2018) and are the 3rd highest earners compared to all other subjects.

Although many of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching, banking and finance, significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is just a small selection of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

Management Consultancy

Export Marketing (NI Programme)

Fast Stream Civil Service

Varied graduate programmes (Times Top 100 Graduate Recruiters/AGR, Association of Graduate Recruiters UK)

Employment after the Course

Typical career destinations of graduates include:

• Teaching

• Finance and Banking (Financial Analyst, Predictive Modelling, Quantitative Analyst)

• Management (Consultancy, Risk Analyst, Insurance)

• Engineering and Information Technology (Data Scientist, Software and Process Engineer)

• Statistics, Market and Operational Research

• Research (academia and industry)

• Government and Defence

• Medical Science

• Export Marketing (NI Programme)

• Varied graduate programmes (Times Top 100 Graduate Recruiters/AGR, Association of Graduate Recruiters UK)

Companies working in the sectors above that often employ our graduates include: AquaQ Analytics, Civil Service Fast Stream, Citi, First Derivatives, AllState, Liberty Insurance, PwC, Santander, Clarus Financial Technologies, Kainos, Teach First.

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What employers say

At Citi, we value diverse thinking and we encourage Maths students to join our Graduate Programmes each year. The Maths graduates that we have hired have been extremely successful in their careers within Citi, in particular our Software Engineering opportunities. They excel in their profession with us as they are able to transfer their analytical, numerical and problem solving skills to their day to day responsibilities.

Aislinn Wilson, Applications Development Senior Manager, Citi group

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

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Prizes and Awards

Top performing students are eligible for a number of prizes within the School.

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Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding