If you're a UK National studying any of our mathematics degree programmes, you can apply for the Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme. The scholarship covers tuition fees. It also provides an annual bursary and paid work placements during the summer, and offers permanent employment following your graduation.
STEM sponsorshipWe welcome applications from the United States of America
We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.
Overview
Top reasons to study with us
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10
10th for Mathematics
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)
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11
11th for Mathematics
The Complete University Guide (2026)
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100% of our research impact rated outstanding (REF2021)
Our UK Foundation Years offer the opportunity for Home students who don’t meet our standard entry grades to prepare for a STEM degree at Lancaster University.
You’ll study your Foundation Year at the Lancaster University School of Mathematics, based at our delivery partner, Cardinal Newman College in Preston. However, with accommodation on Lancaster University’s campus and access to all our facilities, you’ll still be fully involved in university life.
Our Foundation Years will follow the same semester dates as Lancaster University, with taught sessions taking place at Cardinal Newman College on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will not carry any formal teaching hours, but might be utilised for project or practical work on site at Lancaster University or remotely.
The teaching day will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with free transport from our Lancaster campus to Cardinal Newman College provided four days a week during term time.
Timetabled sessions for Foundation Year students will be structured to incorporate elements of university-style learning, to include a combination of taught sessions, group work, problem-based learning and project work.
You will study three modules linked to your chosen degree during the year. Your timetable will include a combination of compulsory and optional STEM based modules, which will reflect your chosen degree pathway.
Careers
Mathematics is fundamental to the way our modern world works and is an essential tool to solving many of the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis. The problem-solving and analytical thinking skills you’ll gain from a degree in mathematics will be applicable in almost every industry and sector, making you a highly in-demand employee. From business and finance to technology, IT and health, there are a wealth of opportunities open to graduates of mathematics. Many are grounded within mathematical principles (including data analysis and programming), but there are also less traditionally mathematical roles that rely on skills gained during your undergraduate degree, such as positions within higher management, engineering, and teaching. Our graduates are well-paid too, with the median salaries of those from our Mathematics degrees being £30,000, 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Here are just some of the roles that our BSc and MSci Mathematics and Mathematics with Statistics students have progressed into upon graduating:
- Actuarial Analyst – Just Group Plc
- Analytics Engineer – Thread
- Statistical Officer - HMRC
- Data Analyst – William Hill
- Finance Modelling Analyst – KPMG
- Trial Statistician – Liverpool Clinical Trials
- Lead Data Analyst – NFU Mutual
- Programmer – Quanticate
- Statistical Officer – Department for Education
- Statistician – AstraZeneca
- Technology Associate – Goldman Sachs
- Consultant - Deloitte
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Entry requirements
These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.
Qualifications and typical requirements accordion
CCC. This should include Mathematics and one other science from: Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Considered on a case--by-case basis. Our typical requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to meet the subject requirement.
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.
MMM considered on a case-by-case basis, alongside A level Mathematics grade D, and to include sufficient science units at Distinction.
Our typical requirement would be A level grade C plus BTEC(s) at MM, or A levels at grade CC plus BTEC at M, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.
27 points overall with 14 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 4 in Mathematics HL, and 4 in either HL Biology, Chemistry or Physics
We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.
May be considered on a case-by-case basis
Important information
We do have some flexibility when considering your application. If you do not meet the entry requirements given here, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to explore whether we can still consider you.
Help from our Admissions team
If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, complete our enquiry form and one of the team will get back to you.
We also have more details on our website about:
- Other qualifications we accept
- International qualifications
- How to apply and what happens afterwards
International foundation programmes
Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.
Contextual admissions
Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.
Course structure
Course structure
As part of Mathematics (with a Foundation Year), you will study three subject-specific modules, designed to align with your intended undergraduate degree.
You will study two compulsory modules: Additional Maths and Scientific Maths. Alongside these, you will pick one additional STEM module. You can choose from:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
This structure ensures you build a strong academic foundation in subjects most relevant to your future studies. Please see below for an overview of the compulsory and optional modules available for this programme:
Additional Maths (Compulsory)
Take your maths skills to the next level with a deep dive into pure mathematics. This module is all about understanding patterns, structures, and logical thinking. You’ll master essential techniques, explore the power of proof, and tackle challenging problems that stretch your reasoning. It’s ideal if you’re preparing for degree subjects that demand strong analytical skills, like maths, physics, or computer science.
Biology (Optional)
Explore the science of life in this engaging introduction to biology. You'll also develop a range of key scientific skills, including practical investigation. This will include investigating the molecules that make up living things, discovering how cells function, the immune system and learning about genetic diversity and gene expression. This module gives you the foundation you need for life sciences at university - whether you’re fascinated by health, the environment, or how living organisms work.
Chemistry (Optional)
Get hands-on with the building blocks of the universe. In this module, you’ll explore essential chemical principles that form the backbone of STEM degrees. You’ll boost your confidence in solving problems, sharpen your skills in chemical calculations, and gain practical experience through lab work. From designing experiments to using specialist equipment, you’ll develop the knowledge and techniques needed for university-level science.
Physics (Optional)
Ever wondered how the world works at its most fundamental level? This module helps you make sense of the forces, energy, and laws that govern everything around us. You’ll build a solid understanding of key physics concepts and learn how to apply your maths skills to real-world situations. Along the way, you’ll develop problem-solving techniques that will support your future studies in science and engineering.
Scientific Maths (Compulsory)
Discover how maths works in the real world. In this module, you'll build up your skills in algebra and statistics by exploring topics like probability, data interpretation, and modelling. Whether you’re comparing data sets or solving practical problems, you’ll learn how to use maths as a powerful tool for understanding the world - and making decisions that matter.
Next steps
To progress from your Foundation Year to the first year of your undergraduate degree, Mathematics BSc Hons (G100), you'll need to achieve an overall average of 50%, and at least 50% in each of your modules.
Fees and funding
Home undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to UK Government approval. They will be confirmed later in the year.
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting at the beginning of each academic year.
Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2026/27 are:
| Home | International |
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| TBC | n/a |
Additional fees and funding information accordion
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.
For students starting in 2025, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Some countries may require proof of funds.
Placement and industry year courses
In addition to possible commuting costs during your placement, you may need to buy clothing that is suitable for your workplace and you may have accommodation costs. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example.
The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. International fees (including EU) are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
- Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee
- Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee
International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will also be charged in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are:
- Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard international tuition fee during the Study Abroad year
- Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard international tuition fee during the Placement year
Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
Scholarships and bursaries
You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
| Scheme | Based on | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Based on {{item.eligibility_basis}} | Amount {{item.amount}} |
We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
A place for Cerys
Lancaster has been the perfect place for me. The campus feels like its own little world and the sense of community has been a really key part of my experience at Lancaster. You can find your place in colleges, liberation forums, and societies – there really is somewhere for everyone.
The way that the Mathematics course is structured at Lancaster means that by the end of first year every student is caught up to the same level so you don’t have to worry about being behind if you studied different qualifications at school. Then second year builds on that foundation to give a breadth of teaching across pure maths, statistics, and mathematical methods so that you can study what interests you in third year knowing that you have a strong basis to work from.
I decided to do a placement year, and I spent 14 months working for NHS England as a data analyst in the performance analysis team. I had the opportunity to work on official statistics that were discussed on the news and used by Number 10, the CEO of the NHS, and the general public. I was able to use the coding skills I learned in my degree to improve processes within my team which significantly increased efficiency and reduced errors.
I absolutely loved working in a sector that I feel passionately about and now know that data is the career I want to work in after I graduate. My placement experience helped me choose third-year modules that will be relevant to the graduate jobs I plan to apply for and the assessments I did during my placement year have helped me reflect on what sort of jobs I want to apply for.
Cerys Evans, BSc Hons Mathematics (Placement Year)
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Mathematical Sciences
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- Mathematics with Computer Science (Study Abroad) BSc Hons : GG2L
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- Mathematics with Philosophy BSc Hons : GV15
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- Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) BSc Hons : GLN0
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- Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) (Study Abroad) BSc Hons : GLN2
- Theoretical Physics with Mathematics BSc Hons : F3GC
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Important information
The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
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