Program Overview

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MSci Mathematics and Philosophy (GV15)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked in the UK top five for Maths research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for Maths, QS World University Rankings by subject 2024).

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem but also want to think about a broad range of intellectual questions in a rigorous way, this four-year course is for you.

Linked by the formal study of logic, the two components of the course complement each other. You will develop rigorous analysis and argument distinctive of the analytic philosophical tradition while developing mathematical maturity to reason through subtle ideas in abstract mathematics.

There is also the opportunity to use your mathematical knowledge in the study of philosophy for example through interdisciplinary units on the philosophy of various other disciplines, such as physics, political theory, and psychology. You will have the opportunity to undertake an independent extended essay project on a philosophical topic of your choice, supervised by a member of staff with relevant expertise.

The fourth year of the course allows you to explore mathematics and philosophy in depth, taking advantage of our research-inspired, specialist units, including learning alongside postgraduate MA students in philosophy.

Think Big bursaries of £3,000 are available to support first-year international undergraduate students in this subject area.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: GV15)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30,400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

In your first year, you will take mathematics units in common with all other first-year maths students. You will also take mandatory Introduction to Philosophy units.

From your second year on, you can choose a variety of units in both mathematics and philosophy, such as Number Theory, Quantum Mechanics, Philosophy of Science, and Ethics, besides a few mandatory units that bridge philosophy and mathematics, such as Logic, Set Theory and Philosophy of Mathematics.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• A*AA including A* in Mathematics

A-level contextual offer

• AAB including A in Mathematics

BTEC

• D*DD in either Engineering BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or any Applied General BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent). Applicants taking Engineering BTEC may be invited to take the University of Bristol mathematics test in place of A-level Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

European Baccalaureate

• 88% overall, with 9.0 in Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA including Mathematics, and Standard Higher: AAAAA

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Science, or Computing (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics (including algebra, calculus and trigonometry). plus either A in A-level Mathematics, or achieving the required level in the University of Bristol mathematics test.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Mathematics and Philosophy can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level C.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.