Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics with a Professional Placement Year (MMORS)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics with Professional Placement Year (MMORS) program at Cardiff University is a five-year program that combines advanced study in mathematics, statistics, and operational research with a year of paid professional experience. The program prepares students for careers in data science, finance, government agencies, and other relevant fields. Students gain practical experience through a professional placement year, develop advanced mathematical and statistical skills, and become candidates for the City and Guilds Senior Licentiateship Award (LCGI).
Program Outline
Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics with Professional Placement Year (MMORS) at Cardiff University
Degree Overview:
Overview
This five-year program combines advanced study in Mathematics, Statistics, and Operational Research with a year of paid professional experience.
Objectives
- Develop advanced mathematical and statistical skills.
- Gain practical experience through a professional placement.
- Prepare for careers in relevant fields.
- Become a candidate for City and Guilds Senior Licentiateship Award (LCGI).
Program Description
The MMORS program offers in-depth studies in mathematics and statistics, covering theoretical foundations, computational methods, and applications in real-world scenarios. Through a network of industry partners, students undertake a professional placement year during their third year, gaining valuable work experience in relevant fields such as finance, data science, and government agencies.
Outline:
Course Schedule
- Year 1: Focuses on foundational mathematics, including calculus, algebra, analysis, statistics, and probability.
- Year 2: Continues with core modules in calculus, algebra, analysis, statistics, and operational research, with a wider choice of optional modules in mathematics, statistics, and finance.
- Year 3: Professional Placement year working in a paid position as a mathematician or statistician.
- Year 4: Offers 120 credits of optional modules focused on research interests of the School of Mathematics.
- Year 5: Focuses on research training, presenting a substantial project demonstrating independent research skills and mastery of advanced mathematical techniques.
Individual modules
- Year 1:
- Core modules: Elementary Differential Equations, Computing for Mathematics, Geometry, Foundations of Mathematics, Foundations of Mathematics II, Linear Algebra I, Introduction to Probability Theory, Statistical Inference.
- Optional modules: Classical Mechanics, Finance I: Financial Markets and Corporate Financial Management.
- Year 3: Industrial Training (professional placement)
- Year 4: 120 credits of optional modules with a focus on research interests of the School of Mathematics, including Regression Analysis and Experimental Design, Optimisation, Functional and Fourier Analysis, Coding Theory, Algebraic Topology, Number Theory 2, Ordinary Differential Equations, Algebra II: Rings, Algebra III: Fields, Partial Differential Equations, Measure Theory, Knot Theory, Methods of Applied Mathematics, Finite Elasticity, Stochastic Processes for Finance and Insurance, Official Statistics, Multivariate Data Analysis, Algorithms and Heuristics, Game Theory, Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence, Quantitative Risk Management, Introduction to Secondary School Mathematics Teaching.
- Year 5: MMath Project (40 credits) and selection of optional modules from Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and Operational Research, including Lie Algebras, Quantum Information Theory, Calculus of Variations, Advanced Topics in Analysis, Mathematical Biology, Statistics of Big Data, Credit Risk Scoring, Statistical Programming with R and Shiny, Stochastic Search and Optimisation, Supply Chain Modelling, Healthcare Modelling, Reading Modules.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods
- Written examinations at the end of autumn or spring semesters
- Continuous assessments
- Problem-solving exercises
- Written reports
- Computer programs
- Oral presentations
Feedback
- Written feedback on in-course assessments
- Outline solutions to problems
- Examples classes and tutorials
- Discussions with individual lecturers
Year 3 placement assessment
- Report
- Poster
- Oral presentation
- Reflections on professional and personal development
Teaching:
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Exercise classes
- Small-group tutorials
- Guided study
Faculty
- Qualified academic staff with expertise in various areas of mathematics and statistics
- Open-door policy for individual queries and consultations
Unique Approaches
- Year 5 seminars allow for student participation and discussion.
- Regular updates and illustrations using contemporary research findings.
Careers:
Career Paths
- Data Scientist
- Operational researcher
- Internet technologist
- Medical statistician
- Banker
- Logistician
- Risk manager
- Marketer
Further Options
- PhD in mathematics
- PhD in sciences
- PhD in computing
- PhD in engineering
Career Support
- Spring semester masterclasses on work experience, CVs, application forms, interview skills, and LinkedIn
- Regularly-updated student jobs board with internships, placements, and graduate opportunities
- Presentations by employers and alumni
- Careers Management Skills Programme
- Student and employer presentations
- Sponsored prizes awarded for academic achievement
Other:
- The name of the academic school: School of Mathematics
- The program is housed in the new Abacws building, designed for interdisciplinary, flexible, and creative workspaces, specifically featuring innovative teaching areas and a simulated Trading Room for financial mathematics.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.
Additional costs
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Cardiff University
Overview:
Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.
Services Offered:
Study:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.Research:
The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.Work with us:
Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.Community:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.Global:
Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Living in Cardiff:
Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.Welsh Language and Culture:
Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.Campus Facilities:
The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Campus Facilities:
Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.Vibrant Student Life:
Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.Research Excellence:
Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.Community Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate:
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.Postgraduate:
The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.International:
Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.Other:
Rankings:
Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.Quality Marks:
The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.Russell Group:
Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.Entry Requirements:
A Level:
AAA-AAB. Must include grade A in Maths.
Extended/International Project Qualification:
Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject-specific requirements must still be met.
International Baccalaureate:
36-34 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Maths or Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Baccalaureate Wales:
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other UK Qualifications:
- BTEC DD in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
- T Levels: Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Other Qualifications from inside the UK:
- BTEC DD in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
- T Levels: Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
- Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied."
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- GCSE Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
- IELTS (academic) At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
- PTE Academic At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
- Trinity ISE II/III II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits. III: at least a Pass in all components.
Additional Notes:
- Applicants are also required to meet all other eligibility requirements, including English language proficiency and academic qualifications.
