Mathematics and Philosophy (Placement Year)

BA Hons

  • UCAS code GV16
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 4 years

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)

Uncover the fundamental workings of the universe and develop a high-level of reasoning through our exciting and challenging programme with a placement year. While studying mathematics and philosophy, you will gain a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which you will have the chance to apply whilst working full-time in industries from the public and private sectors.

Maths and philosophy are both difficult to concisely define, but at their core, they are concerned with the underlying workings and meaning of the universe. Maths is the study of change, patterns, quantities, structures and space, while philosophy is concerned with fundamental problems in topics such as knowledge and reason.

Over the three years, you will be able to draw on expertise from two specialist departments: Mathematics and Statistics; and Politics, Philosophy and Religion. This is an engaging programme of study and our reputation for excellence in research means that we are able to offer high-quality teaching delivered by academics who are leaders in their field.

In Year 1, you will build on your previous knowledge and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts. Modules cover a wide range of topics from calculus, probability and statistics to logic, proofs and theorems. As well as developing your technical knowledge and mathematical skills, you will also enhance your data analysis, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning skills. Our ‘Introduction to Philosophy‘ module provides the key themes in the study of philosophy. Consciously drawing on a broad range of philosophical traditions -- Continental, Analytic, and non-Western -- it aims to present a comprehensive overview of various theoretical sub-disciplines within philosophy, but also to equip you with the ability to reason and think clearly about the most fundamental questions of human existence.

In the second year, you will further develop your knowledge in complex and real analysis, and abstract and linear algebra. These highly analytical topics will complement your study of philosophy, which will really begin to expand and develop this year. You will be able to choose from a range of philosophy modules which will allow you to build a solid repertoire of philosophy knowledge and analytical skills.

To prepare you for your work placement, our Careers and Placements Team will provide advice and guidance on the skills required to create effective CVs, cover letters and applications; tips and techniques on how to make an impact at interviews and assessment centres; how to create a relevant digital profile; and how to research employers and career sectors of interest.

In third year you will undertake a 12 month placement which will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills that you’ve learnt in Years 1 and 2, and to gain invaluable experience which will make you highly employable when you graduate.

The University will use all reasonable effort to support you to find a suitable placement for your studies. While a placement role may not be available in a field or organisation that is directly related to your academic studies or career aspirations, all placement roles offer valuable experience of working at a graduate level and gaining a range of professional skills. If you are unsuccessful in securing a suitable placement for your third year, you will be able to transfer to the equivalent non-placement degree scheme and continue with your studies at Lancaster, finishing your degree after your third year.

Returning to Lancaster, your final year offers you the chance to choose from a wide range of specialist modules, allowing you to develop the programme further to suit your interests and guide you to a specific career pathway.

Careers

Maths and philosophy graduates are highly employable, having in-depth specialist knowledge and a wealth of skills. Through this degree, you will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, including analysis and manipulation, interpretation, logical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning, as well as adept knowledge of the disciplines. As a result, combining these two subjects opens up a range of opportunities and graduates are highly sought after.

The starting salary for many of these roles is highly competitive, and popular career options include:

  • Actuary
  • Data Analyst
  • Investment Analyst
  • Research Scientist
  • System Developer
  • Teacher

A degree in this discipline can also be useful for roles such as Barrister, Local Government Office, Psychotherapist, Stockbroker, and many more.

Alternatively, you may wish to undertake postgraduate study at Lancaster and pursue a career in research and teaching.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, but that you also graduate with relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements A Level AAA including A level Mathematics or Further Mathematics OR AAB including A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics

IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages. Other Qualifications International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations) BTEC May be accepted alongside A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualification. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages. Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

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

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,250 £27,260

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 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.

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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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