The Summer School aimed to introduce modern mathematics to the best UK mathematics undergraduates, who are not in their final year of study, and to make them think seriously about an academic career. The school was a combination of short lecture courses, problem-solving sessions and colloquium talks, from a range of leading mathematicians. The number of participants was limited to 50, and there was strong competition for places.

John Hewetson says, "I thoroughly enjoyed my time [at the Summer School]. Over the fortnight there were a number of different lectures on a wide range of topics, most of which had a slight link to work done at university, but then went far beyond any undergraduate syllabus. Whilst quite a shock to the system at first, all the topics started in a way to get people on board, and then stepped it up a level, to make it more interesting as well as more challenging. The vast majority of lecturers spoke very well, with a clear passion for their subjects.

"As well as the lecture courses, the other big part of the school was the series of colloquium speakers. Some of these were also lecturers, but the format was very different and it also offered a few very high-powered researchers a chance to speak. These sessions were very enjoyable, as they were also about research at a high level. Overall I found the school a rewarding experience, with lots of interesting maths across the subject. There was something for everyone, and if given the chance to go, anyone with an interest in maths should take it".

John and Joshua are now in their third year with the department, studying for our four-year MSci Mathematics degree. Joshua is presently attending the University of Western Ontario, Canada, as part of our Study Abroad programme.

The department hopes to send more students to the 2016 school.