Mathematics and Computer Science with Industrial YearMSci

You’ll explore statistics and computer systems, programming and security while studying in a supportive and fun community. Discover how to apply analytical, statistical, computational and programming skills to formulate and tackle problems. Take advantage of the invaluable opportunity of working with a company or institution and take your studies to a higher level with the final year research project.

Course structure

Join our five year full-time MSci programme comprising of taught and optional modules including a research skills project in year 4 and a substantial research project in year 5 on a topic that interests you. You'll be assessed using a combination of exams, class tests, coursework and research projects.

• Spend a year working within industry and obtain valuable hands-on experience
• Study the most powerful and exciting ideas from across Mathematics and develop an understanding of the many real-world applications
• Benefit from our links with industry including Jaguar Land Rover, Caterpillar, IBM
• Take advantage of our supportive learning experience
• Participate in extra-curricular activities with student societies

• Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material
• Actively participate in workshops through practical exercises which promote hands-on learning
• Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
• Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through practical assignments that will challenge you to tackle real-life issues independently
• Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning which gives you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs

Assessment

Developing your skills as a rounded mathematician means a variety of learning and assessment methods. You will take exams and class tests, plus carry out coursework and research projects.

We'll give you regular feedback and assessment, helping you to build on your existing skills. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed for that particular module.

You will receive feedback on each assessment within 15 working days, so that you can learn from, and build on, what you have done. You will be given generic feedback on any exams that you take and can have longer conversations about your performance with your personal tutor.

Modules are either worth 10 or 20 credits, and you will take modules totalling 120 credits each year. Year 1 is exclusively compulsory modules. Years 2, 4 and 5 are a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You'll spend Year 3 working within industry. 

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics or Further Mathematics grade A.

For students taking other qualifications we may make alternate offers. For instance we do not require the STEP examinations but if you are taking a STEP paper and achieve a grade 2 or better we will reduce your offer to AAA including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

For students taking an EPQ and achieving a grade A we will reduce your offer to AAA including an A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

General Studies is not accepted, but a grade A may be considered if you fail to meet your offer.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? If you are not studying A-level Mathematics, you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Course scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is GG41

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.