Program Overview
The Mathematics and Philosophy BSc program at the University of Leeds combines the rigor of mathematical analysis with the critical thinking and ethical reasoning of philosophy. Students study core modules in both disciplines, along with optional modules that allow them to tailor their studies to their interests. Graduates develop a versatile skillset that is highly valued by employers in various fields, including business, finance, computing, and education.
Program Outline
Mathematics and Philosophy BSc | University of Leeds
Degree Overview:
This joint honours degree offers the opportunity to study two different subjects together, whilst having the freedom to follow your own interests. You’ll think about morality, knowledge, the self, logic, philosophy of the mind or the nature of reality alongside algebra and calculus. It’s an excellent way to gain a broad range of expertise and graduate with both the knowledge and transferable skills that employers value.
Outline:
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same compulsory topics as students on each single honours course, but you'll take fewer optional modules so you can fit in both subjects. It’s designed to give you a solid foundational core in each subject with flexibility, through a wide and exciting range of optional and discovery modules, to shape your degree to your interests and ambitions.
Philosophy:
- Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- How to do Philosophy (20 credits): This introductory module offers you a foundation in some of the formal and informal reasoning skills used in philosophy.
- Knowledge, Self and Reality (20 credits): This module introduces you to central issues in philosophy of mind, epistemology, and metaphysics which concern the self and its relationship to the rest of the world.
- The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong (20 credits): This module introduces you to some of the key themes, debates and ideas in moral and political philosophy.
- Optional Modules (selection of typical options shown below):
- Philosophy Meets the World (10 credits)
- Thinking About Race (10 credits)
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (10 credits)
- How Science Works (10 credits)
- Optional Modules in areas of Philosophy such as:
- Do The Right Thing: Topics in Moral Philosophy (20 credits)
- How to Live Together: Topics in Political Philosophy (20 credits)
- How Do You Know?
- Topics in Epistemology (20 credits)
- Reality Check: Topics in Metaphysics (20 credits)
- God, Thought and The World: Topics in Philosophy of Religion (20 credits)
- Universal Science: Topics in Formal Logic (20 credits)
- Why Trust Science?
- Topics in Philosophy of Science (20 credits)
- Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Final Year Project (in either Mathematics or Philosophy) (40 credits)
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics (20 credits): This advanced level module critically explores philosophical issues concerning the nature and application of logic or mathematics
- Optional Modules in areas of Philosophy such as:
- War, Terror & Justice (20 credits)
- Feminist Philosophy (20 credits)
- Philosophical Issues in Technology (20 credits)
- Continental Philosophy (20 credits)
- Philosophy of Sex and Relationships (20 credits)
- Philosophy of Language (20 credits)
- Philosophy of Biology (20 credits)
- Philosophy of Physics (20 credits)
Mathematics:
- Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Core Mathematics (40 credits): This module will introduce you to core skills and key knowledge that any mathematician needs, from understanding the fundamentals of number systems through to being able to solve ordinary differential equations. The skills and knowledge from this module will be foundational for later years' studies across diverse areas of mathematics, as well as applying directly into your studies of probability and statistics or informing your studies in real analysis. This module prepares students to pursue either pure maths with statistics or applied maths with statistics in years 2 and 3.
- Real Analysis (20 credits): Real analysis is concerned with the rigorous study of real numbers and real-valued functions, providing a precise framework for understanding and proving mathematical statements about these objects. This module prepares students to pursue either pure or applied maths in years 2 and 3.
- Year 2:
- One of four Mathematics pathways:
- Pure Mathematics (60 credits)
- Statistics and Pure Mathematics (60 credits)
- Applied Mathematics (60 credits)
- Statistics and Applied Mathematics (60 credits)
- Year 3:
- Optional modules in Mathematics must be taken from the pathway selected in year 2 and will include topics such as:
- Pure Maths – Graph Theory, Numbers and Codes, Differential Geometry, Proof and Computation
- Applied Maths – Entropy and Quantum Mechanics, Mathematical Biology, Fluid Dynamics, Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos
- Statistics – Statistical Models, Groups and Symmetry, Multivariate Analysis and Classification
Assessment:
We use many different types of assessment, including essays, exams, group work and oral presentations. At the upper levels, assessments may be student-led, with students selecting their own essay questions or designing their own independent research project. There will also be support on hand. New students will have a suite of study skills modules to help with the transition to University teaching and assessment. Assessment is not just a way of testing you, but a key way to consolidate your learning on the degree. You will learn how to interpret both quantitative and qualitative data, and develop good analytical, reasoning and research skills.
Teaching:
Our tutors are experts in their fields and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research. We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You’ll be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a final year research project on a topic of your own choice in either mathematics or philosophy. We provide resources to improve your skills in essay writing, exam technique, presentations and research. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Careers:
A joint honours degree in Mathematics and Philosophy will equip you with varied subject knowledge as well as an impressively broad set of skills, all of which is attractive to employers. You’ll be confident interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data, and have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. You’ll also be comfortable working independently or in a team and have good research skills. Crucially, you’ll also be able to look at a situation from different points of view and communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing – and you’ll have the organisational skills needed to manage two very different subjects. Graduates have pursued diverse careers as a result, covering a range of fields such as accountancy, business and finance, computing, the media, the civil service, the charity sector and education. Many others have also progressed to postgraduate study in related disciplines.
Other:
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area. This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support. All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It’s a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV. The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain – language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience. Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science. Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
