As a mathematician or statistician you’ll use your problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills to help businesses in a range of sectors, from finance to government. Your interpretations could be used in anything from clinical trials, to climate predictions, to financial forecasting.
You could end up in a management role, leading a team, or become self-employed as a consultant or financial adviser. You could also go on to further study, teaching or academic research, or work as a data scientist.
The impact you could make
Use your mathematical modelling and statistics skills to advise on public sector finances in the Government’s actuary department.
Analyse climate change patterns to help predict the next global weather trends.
Check quality control standards for clinical drug trials.
I'm currently in my 5th year at sussex, going from a foundation year to a masters in maths, so I've really experienced sussex university at every level. So hopefully, I'll be able to answer any of your questions. Hope to hear from you :)
Nathan
Durham University
BSc Mathematics (G100)
Hi, I'm Nathan and I'm an undergraduate maths student at Durham University. I love to watch and play sports, most of all football but whilst at university have loved learning how to cook for myself. In my down time I like to play video games and hang out with my friends. At the moment, I want to go down the statistics path of maths and start at career from there
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“I particularly enjoy statistics and programming as these are the most applicable to the real world.”
Second year mathematics student, Imperial College London
Example assignment
“I liked statistical modelling, a project on melting ice and global warming.”
Second year mathematics student, Queen Mary University of London
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some mathematics and statistics courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Maths/Further maths
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Economics
Computer science
Hard skills you'll develop
Economics and finance
Programming languages
Project management
Data analysis
Statistics
Soft skills you'll develop
Communication
Management
Research
Planning
Innovation
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying mathematics and statistics. The following information is based on a typical actuary, economist and statistician role.
You may not have heard of an environmental economist, but they use mathematical modelling to analyse environmental policies and look at the most effective environmental solutions, as well as using data to help develop strategies around sustainable resource management. You may need to study a PhD to get a job in this field, but employers are keen to use graduates with skills in maths and statistics.
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study accounting and finance at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from mathematics and statistics applicants.
A levels
AAB
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Vocational
BTEC DDD
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Second year mathematics student, Newcastle University
What things do you love most about your chosen subject?
Some of the modules are really interesting and it’s a deeper look into elements of maths which you don’t cover in other levels of education, not to mention the range of options it gives you for after uni.
66% of students
are likely to recommend mathematics and statistics, based on their experience of studying so far
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Considering an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:
Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer.
No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in accounting and finance.
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around mathematics and statistics with the following:
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
There’s a wealth of information about potential careers in maths on this website – why not start with the profiles page to understand some of the areas you could choose to work in.
Royal Statistical Society (RSS)
Follow the RSS on YouTube to watch videos about all things statistics, from data science to AI. Why not start with one of their leading videos on ‘How can statistics protect us against extreme sea levels resulting from climate change?’.
More or Less
Listen to this Radio 4 programme which delves into how statistics are used – and sometimes misused – in everyday life.
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your mathematics and statistics journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
Start with why you have a particular interest in maths, including any particular areas you like, such as statistics or algebra. Include what first sparked your passion, and your enthusiasm for exploring this subject further.
Can you give evidence through books you’ve read or clubs you’ve joined, like a chess or maths club. Have you been part of any maths competitions too?
Show your motivation to apply yourself to this subject as well. What other commitments have you seen through, like studying for a music exam or a black belt in karate? Or when have you successfully solved a tricky problem?
Mention other extracurricular hobbies you have that tell admissions tutors more about you as a person, and the other ways in which you’ll contribute to university life. Do you like rowing, squash, weightlifting, coding…?