Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Placement Year)

BSc Hons

  • UCAS code G1I5
  • Entry year 2026
  • A level requirements A*AA
  • Duration Full time 4 years

We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Top reasons to study with us

  • 10

    10th for Mathematics

    The Guardian University Guide (2025)

  • 12

    12th for Mathematics

    The Complete University Guide (2025)

  • 100% of our research impact rated outstanding (REF2021)

Mathematics is an incredibly powerful subject that sits at the foundation of all science and technology. Our world is technologically advancing at a rapid pace thanks to the application of mathematics in areas such as cyber security, health, environmental science, and engineering. Graduate talent is desperately needed to drive these innovations which will soon be commonplace in all aspects of our lives. So if you think a maths degree only leads to careers in finance, accounting or business management, think again. With a degree in Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS), you will have the tools to forge a successful and rewarding career in technologies that will dictate our futures.

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Placement Year) degree begins by building upon your understanding of mathematical methods and concepts through a mix of lectures and workshops. You will explore a wide range of topics, from differential equations, vector calculus, probability and statistics to logic, proofs and theorems. In addition to this, computing skills are essential, which is why you will learn the principles of scientific computing and gain experience working with the R and Python programming languages.

As you progress into Years 2 and beyond, you will delve deeper into a range of specialist optional modules alongside covering key concepts in linear algebra, and probability. You will learn to translate contemporary issues into mathematical problems and develop the knowledge and techniques needed to create solutions. Tools such as multivariable calculus and mathematical analysis will be used to understand the algorithms that have revolutionised machine learning and artificial intelligence. This will enable you to explore machine learning, AI, and statistical methods, with the ability to investigate more advanced mathematical models and their solutions. As part of this, you will undertake substantial industry-inspired projects, working as an individual and as part of a small group.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

You will develop valuable transferrable skills such as data analysis, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, all of which make you highly desirable to future employers. These skills are honed by working in collaboration with fellow students, ruminating on theories and testing them out, delivering presentations and communicating your research results. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

A supportive community

To help you transition from A-level to degree-level study, the School of Mathematical Sciences hosts weekly workshops, problem-solving classes, and one-to-one sessions. If you wish to engage with mathematics beyond that, the MathSoc hosts a weekly Maths Café that includes access to academic support and a casual space to chat with other students.

3 things our students want you to know:

  • Lancaster has received £13million from Research England to become a leader in the mathematics underpinning AI, meaning you’ll be part of a community delivering solutions to problems in health, industry, cyber security and the environment. This means that what you learn is always evolving and keeping with the pace of innovation
  • Our computing and maths societies put on industry talks, guest lectures and career development opportunities
  • Mathematical sciences at Lancaster are incredibly collaborative. You will bounce ideas around with experts, or with students from all years. Our thriving postgraduate research student community has been right where we are, asking the same questions, and there’s even opportunities to talk with them and learn from them

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. You may need to have qualifications in relevant subjects. In some cases we may also ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You must also meet our English language requirements.

Find more about these qualifications and others not shown here

Learn about how we will assess your application

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Contact Admissions

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Enhancing our curriculum

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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