Program Overview

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Mathematics (with a Foundation Year) BSc Hons

The Mathematics (with a Foundation Year) BSc Hons program at Lancaster University is designed for students who do not meet the standard entry grades for a STEM degree. This foundation year provides students with the opportunity to prepare for a degree in Mathematics at Lancaster University.

Overview

The program is based at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, with accommodation available on Lancaster University's campus. Students will have access to all university facilities and will be fully involved in university life. The foundation year follows the same semester dates as Lancaster University, with taught sessions taking place at Cardinal Newman College from Monday to Friday.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• 10th for Mathematics in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (2026)
• 11th for Mathematics in The Complete University Guide (2026)
• Joint 13th for satisfied with teaching (Mathematics) in the Guardian University Guide (2026)

Your Department

The School of Mathematical Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Mathematics at Lancaster

Discover what studying Mathematics at Lancaster is like from our students and academics.

Careers

Mathematics is fundamental to the way our modern world works and is an essential tool for solving many challenges. The problem-solving and analytical thinking skills gained from a degree in mathematics will be applicable in almost every industry and sector, making graduates highly in-demand employees.

Skills for Your Future

A degree in mathematics will provide students with both specialist and transferable skills sought after by employers across various sectors.

Careers Support

The university is committed to developing students' employability skills. A dedicated Careers Officer works in partnership with the University's Careers Service to offer workshops and talks.

Interested in Teaching?

The education sector has an increasing demand for mathematics graduates to inspire the next generation of students.

Project Skills Module

The second-year Project Skills module develops skills that enhance employability, including scientific writing and using LaTeX software.

Placement Year

Choosing a Placement or Industry pathway degree involves spending the third year working full-time in a business, providing students with a strong advantage when looking for employment after graduation.

Internship Scheme

Undertaking relevant work experience while at university helps students apply for graduate-level jobs. The Internship Scheme offers paid work placements that give students the opportunity to practice skills and knowledge learned during their degree.

Entry Requirements

These are the typical grades required to study this course.

Qualifications and Typical Requirements

• A levels: CCC, including Mathematics and one other science from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Access to HE Diploma: Considered on a case-by-case basis, with a typical requirement of 45 Level 3 credits at Merit.
• Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in place of one A level, as long as subject requirements are met.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM considered on a case-by-case basis, alongside A level Mathematics grade D, and including sufficient science units at Distinction.
• BTEC in combination with A levels: Typical requirement of A level grade C plus BTEC(s) at MM, or A levels at grade CC plus BTEC at M.
• International Baccalaureate: 26 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.
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: Five Highers, with an Advanced Higher in a specific subject if required.
• T levels: May be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• GCSE requirements: Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.
• English language requirements: IELTS score of 6 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

Course Structure

The foundation year consists of three subject-specific modules designed to align with the intended undergraduate degree.

Compulsory Modules

• Additional Maths: A deep dive into pure mathematics, focusing on patterns, structures, and logical thinking.
• Scientific Maths: Building skills in algebra and statistics by exploring topics like probability, data interpretation, and modeling.

Optional Modules

• Biology: An introduction to the science of life, developing key scientific skills, including practical investigation.
• Chemistry: Essential chemical principles, boosting confidence in solving problems and gaining practical experience through lab work.
• Physics: Understanding key physics concepts and learning how to apply mathematical skills to real-world situations.

Fees and Funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting at the beginning of each academic year.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2026/27

• Home: £9,790
• International: Not applicable

Additional Fees and Funding Information

• Additional costs: Related to items such as books, stationery, printing, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
• College fees: A small college membership fee that supports the running of college events and activities.
• Computer equipment and internet access: Students will require access to a computer and reliable internet access.
• Study abroad courses: Additional costs for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
• Placement and industry year courses: Possible commuting costs, clothing, and accommodation costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Students will be automatically considered for main scholarships and bursaries when applying.

Funding Opportunities

• Lancaster Bursary: £1,000 in each year of study, based on household income.
• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship – Home: £3,000 in the first year of study, based on entry grades.
• International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on entry grades.
• Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship: £3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study, based on nationality or country of domicile and entry grades.

A Place for Cerys

Lancaster has been the perfect place for Cerys, with a sense of community and a structured Mathematics course that allows students to catch up to the same level by the end of the first year.

Similar Courses

• Mathematics BSc Hons
• Mathematics MSci Hons
• Mathematics (Placement Year) BSc Hons
• Mathematics (Study Abroad) BSc Hons
• Mathematics and Statistics BSc Hons
• Mathematics and Statistics MSci Hons
• Mathematics with Computer Science BSc Hons
• Mathematics with Economics BSc Hons
• Mathematics with Philosophy BSc Hons

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 reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses.

Our Students' Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff, articulating this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire.