Mathematics at City University London

A Brief History

• 1894 Northampton Institute was founded

• 1925 Creation of the Department of

Physics and Mathematics.

• 1931 Formation of a separate Department

of Mathematics.

• 1966 City University was created.

City Today

• 5th largest higher education institution within central London.

City has more than 21,000 students including undergraduate and

postgraduate.

• International focus. Students from over 160 countries and

academic staff from 50 countries.

• Produces some of the most sought after graduates.

• 9th in the UK for graduate level jobs (Sunday Times

University Guide 2013).

• 14th in the UK for highest graduate salaries (Sunday Times

University Guide 2013).

City Today

• Award-winning Student Services. City

University London has recently won the

prestigious Times Higher Education

Leadership & Management award for

Outstanding Student Services

• 21 out of 120 Universities in the UK

(Guardian 2013 League Tables

published in 2012)

• 35 out of 66 for Mathematics

(Guardian 2013 Subject League Tables)

University Structure: Schools

•School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (SEMS)

•Cass Business School

•School of Informatics

•School of Social Sciences

•School of Arts

•School of Health Sciences

•The City Law School

Why study Mathematics at City

Mathematics-based degrees provide students with skills which are

fundamental in many fields of academic, industrial and entrepreneurial

activity and highly valued by employers.

All City Mathematics graduates:

• Receive training in advanced

mathematical techniques.

• Develop problem solving skills.

• Learn to think abstractly and logically.

• Are taught how to recast problems in a

variety of fields in mathematical

language.

• Are given opportunities to work in a

group and to develop presentation skills.

Some Distinctive Features of our Courses

• All specialist modules are taught by experts in the relevant

discipline. Our courses involve modules from:

•Cass Business School

•School of Social Sciences (Economics Department)

•School of Informatics

• The courses at City adopt a modern approach, relevant to future

careers or further study.

• Student receive extensive careers support targeted at identifying job

opportunities for Mathematicians and applying for jobs.

• Have a good record in preparing students for finding employment

after completing their studies.

Our Courses

We offer five Mathematics based courses:

• BSc/MMath Mathematical Science

• BSc/MMath Mathematics and Finance

• BSc/MMath Mathematical Science with Finance and Economics

• BSc/MMath Mathematical Science with Statistics

• BSc/MMath Mathematical Science with Computer Science

BSc and MMath degrees have a common entry. To enter the MMath

you must obtain a 60% average at the end of the second year of the

degree.

Course Structure

• Like most Universities today, City

employs a credit-based system.

• This gives more flexibility to the study

programmes.

• Each degree program is organized

into modules.

• Each of our courses has compulsory

and optional modules.

• All students will undertake at least one

project in the final stages of their

degree.

Module Assessment

• For most modules, assessment is based both

on marked assignments that are carried out

as the module is taught (coursework) and a

final exam.

• Usually, coursework contributes 20% to the

final mark and exam contributes 80%.

• A minimum mark of 40% for each part

(coursework and exam) is required to pass a

module.

Module structure

• All modules in our courses are either 15

or 30 credits.

• 15 credit modules involve typically 3

hours of lectures/labs per week.

• An average week will involve about 15

hours of lectures/Labs.

• Every year of every BSc/MMath is

worth 120 credits.

Mathematical

Science

Maths with

Statistics

Maths with

Computer

Science

Maths with

Finance and

Economics

Maths and

Finance

Functions,

Vectors and

Calculus

Functions,

Vectors and

Calculus

Functions,

Vectors and

Calculus

Functions,

Vectors and

Calculus

Functions,

Vectors and

Calculus

Algebra Algebra Algebra Algebra Algebra

Programming Programming Computation and

Reasoning

Programming Programming

Intro. to Prob.

and Statistics

Probability and

Statistics 1

Java Intro to Prob. and

Statistics

Intro. to Prob.

and Statistics

Ciphers and

Number Theory

Intro. to

Microeconomics

Intro. to

Microeconomics

Computational

Mathematics

Computational

Mathematics

Computational

Mathematics

Intro. to

Macroeconomics

Intro. to

Macroeconomics

Mathematical

Communication

Mathematical

Communication

Mathematical

Communication

Math

Communication

Fin. and Inv.

Mathematics A

Year 1

Functions, Vectors, and Calculus

• This module is intended to provide a bridge between school and

university level mathematics.

• The first half of the module is largely a review of A-level (or equivalent)

mathematics, although the approach and style may be slightly different.

• The second half will concentrate on new material.

Mathematical Communication

• This module introduces the students to the

foundations of analytical thinking.

• The main aim is to study the notion of a

rigorous proof, that is how to reason

carefully from an initial set of hypotheses

to a conclusion.

• It covers the following topics:

• Logic (analysing arguments by

decomposing them and representing

them by mathematical symbols)

• Set theory (including a discussion on

how to 'measure' infinity)

• Techniques of proofs (writing your own

mathematical proofs)

Ciphers and Number Theory

• Governments and individuals have often needed

to send information in secure ways.

• Nowadays the need for encrypting messages is

important because we need to be able to

transmit data securely in the web.

• Lots of work to create new ciphers. One such

cipher is the RSA algorithm, which is currently

used to secure internet credit card transactions.

• At the heart of this algorithm lies an area of pure

mathematics called number theory.

• The module provides an introduction to the

history of ciphers, with practical examples, as

well as an introduction to Number Theory.

A Cipher Wheel

Mathematical

Science

Maths with

Statistics

Maths with

Computer

Science

Maths with

Finance and

Economics

Maths and

Finance

Calculus and

Vector

Calculus

Calculus and

Vector

Calculus

Calculus and

Vector

Calculus

Calculus and

Vector

Calculus

Calculus and

Vector

Calculus

Linear Algebra Linear Algebra Linear Algebra Linear Algebra Linear Algebra

Complex Var. Complex Var. Complex Var. Complex Var. Complex Var.

Real Analysis Prob. and

Statistics 2

Systems Arch. FFR A FFR A

OPTION (M) Net. & Op. Sys. Either Int.

Microecon. Or

Macroecon.

FFR B

OPTION (M) Stoch. Mod. OPTION (C) FAIM B

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M)

Year 2

Year 3 (BSc)

Mathematical

Science

Maths with

Statistics

Maths with

Computer

Science

Maths with

Finance and

Economics

Maths and

Finance

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Group Project Group Project Group Project Group Project Group Project

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) Diff Eq. for Fin.

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M)

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (F) OPTION (M)

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (F) OPTION (F)

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (E) OPTION (F)

Statistical Processes for Finance

• The aim of this module is to study the mathematical properties of

stochastic processes and to understand how those processes can be

used to model certain aspects of the financial market.

• Students explore how the concept of a random walk can be applied to

the modelling of stock prices and how based on this random walk

assumption pricing formulas for e.g. options can be obtained.

• Students learn that the Poisson process plays a central role in

insurance mathematics and we study models used by insurance

companies to determine the average claim size for a number of similar

insurance contracts.

• External speaker this year from GP Morgan

Fluid Dynamics

• This in an introductory course in fluid

dynamics that introduces the established

mathematical model for the motion of a

fluid and discusses some important

solutions.

Year 3 (MMath)

Mathematical

Science

Maths with

Statistics

Maths with

Computer

Science

Maths with

Finance and

Economics

Maths and

Finance

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Mathematical

Methods

Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic

Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (F) Diff. Eq. for Fin.

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (E) OPTION (F)

Year 4 (MMath)

Mathematical

Science

Maths with

Statistics

Maths with

Computer

Science

Maths with

Finance and

Economics

Maths and

Finance

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Individual

Project

Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic

Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic Special Topic

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M)

OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M) OPTION (M)

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (F) OPTION (F)

OPTION (M) OPTION (S) OPTION (C) OPTION (E) OPTION (F)

Evolutionary Game Theory

• Game theory is the mathematical modelling

of strategic behaviour.

• It was originally developed to model human

interaction in the field of economics, but with

different assumptions it has proved just as

useful in biology to model the behaviour of

animals.

This module will look at the key elements of a game: players,

strategies and payoffs. It will look at classical games (e.g. The

prisoner’s dilemma), matrix games, nonlinear and multiplayer games.

Placement Year

• After the successful completion of 2nd year of study, students can

undertake a period of paid work lasting between nine and fifteen months.

• Placements are not guaranteed, you will need to apply directly to

companies that interest you.

• However, our dedicated team of placement have extensive experience in

helping students to secure placement employment.

Job prospects

• In 2007, nearly 95% of our students employed or in further study 6

months after graduation.

• In 2009, this number did drop to 75% (wider issues in the financial

sector impacted on jobs for mathematics graduates).

• The most recent statistics are for those graduating in 2011:

• 86% of graduates had obtained employment or were undertaking

further study within 6 months of graduating.

• 44% of these students were in employment only.

• 26% were employed and studying.

• 30% were only undertaking further study.

Examples of the jobs taken by students

graduating in 2010 and 2011

Job Title Company

Commercial Analyst Deloitte

Financial Analyst Ernst and Young

Finance and Operations Manager Fidelity

Financial Consultant Financial Consultant

Analyst HSBC

Future and Options Analyst F J Church

Risk Modelling Analyst Post Office

Research Associate (Advertising) Momenta PPI Service

New Business Manager John Lewis

Trainee Consultant Rexan

Examples of Courses Undertaken by Graduates

in 2010 and 2011 Going on to Further Study

Course Institution

Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary

Education

UCL

MSc in Operational Research University of Kent

ACCA ACCA

MSc in Banking and International

Finance

City University London

Investment Management Certificate 7City

Research in the Centre for Mathematical Science

• Research active academic staff

and PhD students. 12 PhD students.

• Research Groups

Algebraic Representation Theory

Fluid Dynamics

Quantum Field Theory

Mathematical Biology

Scholarships

To support your studies, City University London is offering several scholarships. Find out more at www.city.ac.uk/engineering-maths/scholarships • The Lord Mayor of London Scholarships for Academic Excellence – up to £3,000 per year for UK and EU undergraduate students achieving ABB (or equivalent) or above at A-level

Common Questions

• Do I need to apply for the Lord Mayors Scholarship for Academic

Excellence?

No. So long as you are eligible you will be contacted during your first term

with payment in January 2014.

To be eligible you must:

• be a student from the United Kingdom (UK) or European Union (EU);

• be in your first year of undergraduate study in 2013/14;

• achieve grades ABB or above in 'A' levels

Common Questions • I am a UK student starting my first year of undergraduate study. I am

predicted A*AC from my A levels. Will I be eligible for the Lord Mayors

Scholarship for Academic Excellence?

To obtain a scholarship you need to achieve ABB from your A levels or

equivalent.

A*AA AAA AAB ABB

A*A*A* A*A*C A*A*D A*BC

A*A*A A*AB A*AC A*A*E

A*A*B A*BB AAC

A*AA A*A* + A at

AS level

A* A* + B or

C at AS level

A* A + A at

AS level

Common Questions • I am a UK or EU student starting my first year of undergraduate study but I

am not taking A levels. Will I be eligible for the Lord Mayors Scholarship for

Academic Excellence?

There are a number of other qualifications that can lead to a scholarship

including:

• Irish Leaving Certificate

• Scottish Highers

• International Baccalaureate

Please take a look at the University website or e-mail me if you want to find

out if you would be eligible.

Common Questions • I have applied to study Mathematics with Finance and Economics. However,

I have decided after finishing my A levels that I would rather study just

Mathematical Science. Is it possible to change?

Yes, we generally do allow changes particularly at this stage. It is best to

contact us as early as you can to request a change.

Please note that we do not allow students to change after the end of the first

week of the first term, or if a course becomes to large, and so it is important

that you think carefully about what you have selected as early as possible.

If you are unsure of what degree is best for you, and would like some

advice, then please do chat you the academic staff and students that you

will meet today.

Common Questions • My offer asks for 360 UCAS points. However, I am studying 4 A level’s

(Maths, Biology, French, Further Maths), do you count only the points from

my best 3 A levels?

No. In general we will include the points from all of your A levels and AS

levels that count. There are certain subjects that we do not include (e.g.

General Studies) and these will have been excluded in your offer. We also do

not include both the points from an AS and an A level in the same subject and

mother tongue languages are counted as half value.

Note, we include points from AEA Mathematics.

If you are unsure about the offer in your specific case do come and speak to

me today or e-mail me at a later date.

Common Questions • My offer asks for 360 UCAS points and I put City and my firm choice.

However, my results me that I only have a total of 340 points, will I still get a

place?

After the A level results are known the University will go through the list of

applicants. Anyone that has made the offer and has selected us as their firm

choice (or insurance choice if they are not taken by their firm choice) will have

a place.

Any student that does not make their offer, and list us as either their firm or

insurance choice, will be assessed individually and their UCAS application will

be reviewed. If there is availability, some students who narrowly miss the offer

may still be offered a place when their overall application is re-considered.

Dr Lara Silvers Lecturer in Mathematics and Admissions Tutor

E-mail: lara.silvers.1@city.ac.uk

Contact Details