Mathematics is often called the language of the universe, and for good reason. It underpins nearly every scientific, technological, and economic breakthrough of our time. From decoding DNA sequences to leading financial markets, the role of mathematics in shaping contemporary life is undeniable.
Why Study Mathematics?
Studying mathematics sharpens your logical thinking, enhances your analytical abilities, and equips you with tools to solve complex, real-world problems.
Whether you dream of becoming a data scientist, financial analyst, academic researcher, or consultant, a strong foundation in mathematics opens doors across diverse sectors. With the rise of AI, data analytics, and global finance, the numbers truly speak for themselves, there has never been a better time to pursue mathematics.
Ready to unlock your mathematical potential in the UK? Book a Free Consultation with ScholarshipKart today to explore your perfect university program, craft a winning application, and secure valuable scholarships for your studies.
Why a UK Degree in Mathematics?
When it comes to studying mathematics, the UK stands tall as a global leader. With world-class institutions like the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford setting the gold standard, a mathematics degree from the UK is a feather in your cap. UK programs don’t just focus on theory, they offer a perfect blend of academic rigour and practical exposure.
From internships with top firms and organisations to studying under seasoned academics and research opportunities alongside expert researchers, including Nobel laureates, UK universities provide an encouraging, stimulating, and future-ready environment.
Add to that the multicultural atmosphere, rich academic tradition, and strong industry connections, and you have a recipe for a truly transformative education. With a UK mathematics degree, you’re not just counting numbers, you’re making every number count.
Why study Mathematics in the UK?
Let’s delve deeper to learn why the UK is a top-notch destination to pursue a degree in mathematics for international students:
Globally Acclaimed Universities: The UK is home to some of the most prestigious and historic universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London, which are invariably ranked among the best in the world for mathematics.
Strong Industry Integration: UK universities often collaborate with top companies, financial institutions, and government bodies, providing students with valuable internships, placements, and real-world project opportunities during their studies.
Innovative Curriculum: Mathematics programs in the UK emphasize both theoretical depth and practical relevance, covering areas such as data science, cryptography, machine learning, and quantitative finance.
Vibrant Research Culture: Students benefit from an active research environment, where they can engage in cutting-edge projects and learn from academics who are pushing the boundaries of modern mathematics.
Wide Range of Specialisations: UK universities offer flexibility with course choices and allow students to specialise in diverse fields like statistics, financial mathematics, actuarial science, or applied mathematics.
Interdisciplinary domain: A Mathematics degree can be combined with other disciplines such as computer science, economics, statistics, engineering, actuarial science, physics or philosophy.
High Employability and Global Recognition: A UK mathematics degree is internationally respected and boosts employability, with graduates being highly valued across sectors such as finance, IT, education, and consultancy.
Enormous Career opportunities: As a Mathematics graduate, you can work across wide-ranging fields such as education, finance, technology, data science, insurance, astrophysics, business and research.
A UK mathematics degree equips you with sought-after skills in multitudinous sectors such as disruptive thinking, analytical, logical, problem-solving and reasoning skills and a global perspective, and hence UK graduates are highly valued in various industries.
These reasons make the UK the greatest choice for students looking to build a powerful and impactful career in a range of domains, including the mathematics sector.
TOP 10 Universities to Study Mathematics in the UK
Let’s explore why these 10 UK universities are the best to study mathematics in the UK (As per The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025):
Imperial College London
Studying Mathematics at Imperial College London places you at the heart of a globally respected institution, a modern-day powerhouse of numbers. The Department of Mathematics, internationally renowned and intellectually vibrant, is rooted within one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
It’s a place where minds meet and sparks fly, as over 800 students from all over the world come together in a community driven by curiosity, ambition, and academic excellence.
Each Imperial Mathematics degree is tailored to offer a feast of figures, allowing you to specialise in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Finance, or Statistics. Whether you’re fascinated by abstract theories or real-world problems, the program is designed to equip you with the tools to conquer complexity.
Postgraduate students thrive in one of the UK’s most active mathematics departments, undertaking pioneering research that shapes tomorrow’s technologies. The department’s ethos, where collaboration is second nature and diversity is celebrated, ensures you will not just study mathematics but live and breathe it.
At Imperial, you are a mathematician in training, preparing to leave your mark on the global stage. If numbers are your native language, there’s no better place to speak them fluently than at Imperial College London.
University of Cambridge
Studying mathematics at Cambridge is like unlocking a world of discovery, where every theorem and proof is a gem waiting to be discovered. The University of Cambridge’s mathematics department aims to “train the next cohort of mathematicians for academia, education, science, industry, business, and society.” This statement underpins an environment where tradition meets innovation, and where students are encouraged to think outside the box.
The Centre for Mathematical Sciences buzzes with energy, housing the brilliant minds of our students and staff in a nurturing setting that is the envy of many.
The journey begins with rigorous undergraduate studies, offering a BA or an integrated MMath degree over three or four years, sometimes even with a Mathematics with Physics option in the first year. For those looking to gain an edge, postgraduate courses such as the acclaimed one-year Master of Mathematics/Master of Advanced Study, also known as 'Part III of the Mathematical Tripos,' provide a head start.
Meanwhile, research opportunities abound in both the Department of Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) and the Department of Pure Mathematics & Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS), where the Statistical Laboratory adds even more flavour to this vibrant academic stew. At Cambridge, you’re not just studying math, you are joining the cream of the crop and turning your passion into a feather in your cap.
University of Oxford
Studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford is like hitting the jackpot for academic excellence. With over 800 years of rich educational legacy, Oxford stands as a powerhouse of intellect, renowned globally for shaping the future of mathematical research and innovation.
Home to more than 100 expert faculty members, the department fosters a dynamic learning environment where teaching and discovery go hand in hand. Whether you’re exploring pure theory or applied logic, Oxford’s range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs offers something for every mathematical mind.
Undergraduate courses are offered in Mathematics, Mathematics & Statistics, Mathematics & Philosophy, and Mathematics & Computer Science.
Postgraduate courses are offered in MSc in Mathematical & Computational Finance, MSc in mathematics and foundation of computer science, MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS), MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing, and MSc in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics.
With around 950 undergraduates, 250-300 graduate students, and 250 Masters students, you’ll be in the company of some of the brightest thinkers from around the world. The curriculum is designed to sharpen analytical prowess and equip students for the real world, making Oxford graduates highly sought after and exceptionally prepared.
University of St Andrews
Studying Mathematics at the University of St Andrews is a surefire way to sharpen your mind and broaden your horizons. Established as a single school in 1987, the School of Mathematics and Statistics has built a sterling reputation for excellence in both teaching and research. With degrees in pure maths, applied maths, and statistics, accredited by the Royal Statistical Society, students receive a solid foundation with plenty of room to grow.
Undergraduate (MMath, BSc, MA) courses are offered in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics. Postgraduate (MSc) courses are offered in Applied Statistics and Datamining, Data-Intensive Analysis, Health Data Science, Mathematical Biology, Mathematics, Statistical Ecology and Statistics.
Besides, St Andrews encourages thinking outside the box, offering research projects, joint degrees, and summer programs that let students hit the ground running in their mathematical journey and future careers.
University of Warwick
If you are ready to dive headfirst into the world of numbers and are searching for a place where minds meet, where innovation dances with tradition, and where mathematics is more than just a subject, then look no further than Mathematics at Warwick.
The university is a vibrant hub where bright sparks ignite and world-leading academics, truly a cut above the rest, guide students to new frontiers of discovery and where chalkboards bear witness to generations of groundbreaking ideas!
At the purpose-built Zeeman building, you will gain a rich, hands-on learning experience. Warwick blends cutting-edge teaching with tried-and-true methods, allowing you to tailor your degree to perfectly fit your passions and career aspirations.
At Warwick, you can aim for a BSc or MMath in Mathematics at the undergraduate level, or pursue a joint degree in Mathematics & Statistics, Mathematics & Physics, Mathematics & Philosophy, MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics & Economics), Discrete Mathematics and Data Science. The core modules cover algebra, analysis, and applied mathematics, with a vast array of electives to fuel your intellectual curiosity and promote truly boundaryless exploration.
For postgraduates, MSc programs in Mathematics or Mathematical Finance await. With over 100 permanent academic staff, all internationally renowned research mathematicians, plus a lively community of research fellows, you’ll be learning from the best.
Warwick prides itself on its open-door policy; divisions between fields simply melt away, fostering an informal atmosphere brimming with energetic interactions among staff, students, and visitors. Here, you'll find your mathematical home.
University of Bristol
Having more than doubled in size, the School of Mathematics at the University of Bristol is a melting pot of global talent, fostering an outward-looking perspective that truly connects with mathematics worldwide. The historic Fry Building, a jewel in its crown, has been meticulously reconfigured into world-class spaces designed for teaching, collaboration, and deep study, a real academic playground for aspiring mathematicians, with a keen eye for logic and a passion for problem-solving.
Bristol’s academic staff are at the cutting edge of research, making it one of Europe's strongest mathematics schools. The university is immensely proud to be ranked 4th in the UK for Mathematical Sciences research by Times Higher Education, a testament to its pioneering work.
Research here is woven across five institutes: Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Statistical Science and Probability, and Analysis and Dynamics. Crucially, strong ties with the Heilbronn Institute for Mathematical Research open doors to incredible opportunities for students, including invaluable work experience, internships, and research projects. At Bristol, world-leading research directly enriches every aspect of your learning.
If you are considering a high-quality program, Bath also offers an impressive array. You can pursue single honours (BSc and MSci) degrees in Mathematics, Mathematics with Statistics, Mathematics with Statistics for Finance, Mathematics with Study Abroad in a Modern Language, Mathematics with Study Abroad, and Data Science.
You can specialise with Joint honours (BSc, MEng, MSCi) degrees, including Economics and Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Philosophy and Mathematics and Physics, providing diverse pathways.
For postgraduate studies, an MSc in Mathematical Sciences or an MSc by Research, alongside a robust PhD program, are available. Here, you'll find a fertile ground for your mathematical journey.
Heriot-Watt University
With a proud 50-year legacy of innovative teaching and world-class research, Heriot-Watt University has been a launchpad for over 4000 mathematicians. It's no wonder its Mathematics and Statistics programs consistently receive rave reviews from students, making it truly renowned for excellence, and it shows.
The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics, part of the prestigious Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Edinburgh, are at the forefront of research in areas like Structure & Symmetry, Analysis & Probability, Applied and Computational Mathematics, and Statistics & Actuarial Mathematics. Heriot-Watt has been a trailblazer in Applied Mathematics for over four decades, truly setting the pace.
Heriot-Watt mathematics graduates with sharp problem-solving and numerical prowess are highly sought after across a vast spectrum of careers. To give students a real edge, Heriot-Watt degrees are delivered in a flexible modular form, allowing you to pick and choose specialist options as you progress, tailoring your path to perfection.
At the undergraduate level, explore a diverse range of BSc (Hons) or MMaths programs in Mathematical Physics, Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Mathematics, and Mathematics with Computer Science, Finance, Statistics, and French, Spanish and German.
For postgraduate studies, delve into MSc courses in Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Mathematical Sciences, Computational Mathematics and Data Analysis, Applied Mathematical Sciences with Climate and Environmental Modelling and Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine.
The university goes the extra mile with a strong emphasis on transferable skills, including dedicated careers courses, project preparation, and a dissertation-based project. This career-focused approach pays dividends, reflected in our outstanding graduate employment rates with internationally leading companies.
Heriot-Watt degrees are designed to build your mathematical prowess and equip you to tackle real-world problems head-on, giving you a serious leg up in the professional world.
University of Bath
Home to the internationally renowned Department of Mathematical Sciences, the University of Bath combines cutting-edge research with teaching excellence that turns students into confident thinkers and skilled problem-solvers.
You can pursue a BSc or MMath in Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, or Mathematics and Statistics with Data Science, and gain more than just theoretical knowledge. You will master computational tools, sharpen your analytical edge, and discover the beauty and power of mathematics in shaping the modern world. It’s a degree that opens countless doors, from tech and finance to research and healthcare.
For those aiming higher, Bath’s MSc programs go the extra mile, blending applied mathematics and data science to tackle real-world problems. Choose from forward-looking options like Financial Mathematics with Data Science, Mathematics with Data Science for Industry, Statistics and Data Science, and Statistics and Data Science (Health).
With 98% of its research rated internationally excellent or world-leading in REF2021, and a vibrant academic environment exploring everything from number theory to numerical analysis, studying mathematics at Bath is a mind-expanding journey that adds up to success.
University of Glasgow
Prepare to have your mind blown at the University of Glasgow’s School of Mathematics & Statistics, where world-leading research in pure and applied mathematics and statistics is a fact. In the UK's 2021 research assessment, a staggering 100% of its research was deemed either world-leading or internationally excellent, truly putting Glasgow in a league of its own. Here, you will engage with a broad curriculum, spanning the theoretical and applied, from core mathematics to the cutting edge of statistics and data science.
The undergraduate programs are designed to sharpen your logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, giving you an enviable skillset for any career path you choose. Whether you opt for a 3, 4, or 5-year degree in Mathematics and Statistics or Mathematics & Statistics, you will be hitting the ground running.
For postgraduates, MSc degrees in Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, Advanced Statistics, Data Analytics and Statistics offer a deep dive, with fantastic opportunities for hands-on work placements and study abroad programs that will broaden your horizons.
You will thrive in its purpose-built learning facilities, benefiting from research-led teaching and unwavering academic support. Glasgow prides itself on cultivating a nurturing, friendly environment where students and researchers can flourish.
Glasgow pours its resources into nurturing research excellence, generating powerful collaborations, and creating a positive atmosphere where everyone can continually grow. Join a thriving academic community at Glasgow and gain a world-class education which opens doors to invaluable internships and industry connections, truly a win-win situation.
University College London
Studying Mathematics at UCL is like stepping into a powerhouse of possibility, where numbers unlock the world’s most complex problems. The Mathematics Department at UCL is a highly regarded part of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, boasting a rich legacy and a vibrant future. Whether you're following your curiosity into pure theory or diving headfirst into real-world applications, UCL offers degrees that cover all the bases and then some.
Undergraduate options range from a BSc in Mathematics to integrated MSci degrees with diverse combinations such as Mathematics, Mathematics with Mathematical Physics, Mathematics with Economics, Mathematics with Modern Languages, Mathematics with Management Studies, Mathematics and Physics and Mathematics and Statistical Science. These courses build a rock-solid foundation in algebra, analysis, and applied mathematics, gradually leading students to explore cutting-edge areas like geophysical fluid dynamics or financial mathematics.
For postgraduates, UCL rolls out the red carpet with specialist MSc courses in Pure and Applied Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, and Mathematical Modelling, each tailored to turn sharp minds into industry-ready professionals or pioneering researchers. From cracking codes to managing risk, the practical applications are endless.
With world-leading faculty, three Fields Medal winners, and a buzzing research culture, UCL offers a golden ticket to a future where your skills are in high demand across science, finance, tech, and beyond.
Dreaming of a world-class Mathematics degree in the UK? Let expert counsellors at ScholarshipKart streamline your university applications, unearth scholarship opportunities, and guide you through every step of the visa process.