Mathematics

Mathematics underpins much of the modern world. It is increasingly central to science, technology, medicine, and economics. A maths degree at Trinity should challenge and inspire you, but it will also empower you and open doors to an enormous range of career opportunities.

Our undergraduate students obtain a rigorous understanding of modern mathematics, and are stretched to explore areas of active research. We encourage a spirit of discovery; regardless of your background, if you have a passion and a talent for mathematics, this can be a course for you.

You will be taught by our team of college tutors and lecturers, who also conduct world-leading research in climate modelling, partial differential equations, and geometry, among other specialisms. We pride ourselves on having a diverse and supportive mathematical community within the college (including graduate as well as undergraduate students, and tutors). We look for outstanding students who show genuine excitement to learn about this subject.

Trinity is located just a 5-10 minute walk away from the Mathematical Institute.

Course Details

The course syllabus is the same across the university, and more information can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions pages. There is the option of both a three-year BA, or a four-year MMath (which is an integrated Masters). All students are admitted initially to the four-year course, and they can choose at the start of their third year whether they want to stop after three or four years. There are also options to transfer to the joint degree Mathematics & Statistics or, in the fourth year, to the MMathPhys in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. College tutors will help to discuss all these options as they get to know you.

More Information

Oxford Mathematical Institute

Trinity and the Mathematical Institute (Google Maps)

A maths tutorial led by Trinity tutor Ian Hewitt.

Teaching Structure

The first year involves core modules for all students – a mix of pure maths, applied maths, and statistics. Lectures happen at the Mathematical Institute, a short walk away from college, and are accompanied by tutorials, which happen in college. Students will typically have two or three tutorials a week with the college tutors, in groups of between 2 and 6.

The second year follows a similar format, but there is an increasing selection of modules from which students begin to choose, and some tutorials may be held together with students from other colleges. By the third and fourth years, there are many different modules to choose from, with each student charting their own path depending on their interests. The college tutors take an advisory role at this stage, with all teaching – lectures and accompanying classes – taking place in the department along with students from other colleges. The fourth year includes a dissertation on a mathematical or related topic.

Admissions

Trinity typically takes 6 students per year for Mathematics. The admissions process is co-ordinated across the University, but allows you to express your college preference; more details are available on the University's application information pages. Applicants are required to take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) in November, following which around 3 applicants per place are shortlisted for online interviews in December. As much as possible the interviews recreate the informal atmosphere of a tutorial, with the time spent solving mathematical problems in discussion with the college tutors.

We are looking for students who love Mathematics. In assessing the applications, we consider your existing knowledge and experience, your capacity to absorb and use new ideas, and your motivation and potential to flourish through the Oxford degree course.

Maths course details and admissions criteria

Oxford Undergraduate Admissions

Academic Study Support

All students have access to non-means-tested grants to support their studies; further funding is available to support research projects and placements, including travel grants. More detail is available on our Student Support pages.

Travel and Academic Funding for Students

Undergraduate Financial Support

Two students stand talking on a staircase landing in the maths department. The image is taken from above.

Google Maps

This map shows the distance from the main entrance to Trinity, but most Maths students use the back gate to get to lectures, which cuts the distance in half again!

View map

Career Prospects

A maths degree develops logical thinking and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across many sectors. In an increasingly data-rich age, mathematics graduates are particularly in demand for their ability to analyse data and extract useful information. Recent graduates have gone on to successful careers in data science, software development, teaching, banking, consultancy, weather forecasting, as well as founding start-up companies. Many have also pursued further studies for a PhD or a specialist Masters course.