Check upcoming open days and book your place arrow
Research and Prep

Why study maths?

If you’re considering going to uni to study maths but you’re not quite sure what the benefits to the subject are, this article is just what you need.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
10 Jul 2024

What is maths?


Maths is the basis of science and is universal. It allows us to understand the world around us – we can apply it to our surroundings so we can know why things are the way they are. Through numbers, we can learn much about science and physics and find proof for theories.

Read more about studying maths at uni.

Reasons to study maths


1. The skills you’ll learn


On a maths degree, you’ll learn plenty of subject-specific and transferable skills. Some of the subject-specific skills you’ll learn include financial analysis, using mathematical techniques to problem-solve, data and trend analysis and designing and analysing models.

The transferable skills you’ll pick up on a maths degree include critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, data management, report writing and independent thinking and working.

2. The career you could have


With a maths degree, there’s a lot of different career fields you could go into. If you want to work in a corporate environment, you might be a chartered accountant, data analyst or financial consultant. If the corporate environment isn’t for you then you might want to work in education as a teacher or lecturer of maths. Other career opportunities available to maths graduates include astronomer, data scientist or software engineer.

If you’re still looking for your perfect career, why not try our Career Matcher now?

3. All the topics that get covered


Of course, the exact modules you’ll study depend on the course you take and the optional modules you choose. However, you can expect that most maths degrees will include elements of pure maths such as algebra, calculus, trigonometry and geometry. You’ll also study applied mathematics such as statistics, probability, quantum mechanics and relativity.

4. You can study all over the UK


Fortunately, you can study maths pretty much anywhere in the UK. According to Complete University Guide’s 2025 mathematics league tables, the top unis in the UK for maths are:

Meanwhile, the top three unis for student satisfaction in Complete University Guide’s mathematics league tables are:

View the full league table for mathematics from Complete University Guide.

5. It’s something you enjoy!


If you’re thinking about studying it at uni, we’re guessing you enjoy the subject. As you’re going to spend at least three years thinking about your uni degree almost every day, one of the best reasons to choose a subject is because you enjoy studying it and want to get a really deep knowledge of it.


Is maths for you? Start searching for courses now!

Similar articles