Mathematical Computation MEng

London, Bloomsbury
Mathematical Computation MEng (2024)

The Mathematical Computation MEng delivers world-class, research-oriented teaching, which is also relevant to industry. The focus is on solving real-world problems through problem-based research and learning techniques, and interdisciplinary teamwork.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£41,000
Programme starts
September 2025
Application deadline
29 Jan 2025
UCAS course code
G430

Entry requirements

Grades
A*A*A
Subjects
A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required; A levels in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

Points
40
Subjects
A total of 20 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level. 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' is preferred.

Contextual offer

Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D2,D2,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, to include either Mathematics or Further Mathematics at D2

A1,A1,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A1 at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher), to include Mathematics at Advanced Higher A1.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades A*AA, to include either Mathematics or Further Mathematics at A*.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

As a student on the Mathematical Computation MEng, you will study a wide range of mathematical topics underpinning the analysis of computational systems, including algebra, logic, and analysis, discrete mathematics, information theory, and statistics. You will also take courses from Statistics and Philosophy. With this foundation, you will be able to investigate and implement theoretical methods for representing, manipulating and reasoning with the vast amounts of data and knowledge available to modern computers and set a new basis for the future of computing. 

 The mathematical content you will study is deeper and more substantial than in our other computer science programmes. Practical problem-solving research techniques will mesh with this deeper theoretical work, and you will also participate in regular hands-on reading groups and seminars unique to this degree programme. 

The programme provides the essential material employers expect from a top-quality computer science graduate and prepares you for employment in a wide variety of industries. It will also help you enrol as a research student in graduate degree programmes and further studies.

What this course will give you

UCL is ranked 9th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings (2024), giving you an exciting opportunity to study at one of the world’s best universities. UCL was also named The Times and Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’ 2024

UCL was ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).  

UCL Computer Science is recognised as a world leader in teaching and research, and our undergraduate degree programmes are designed and taught by world-class researchers, ensuring our material is cutting-edge. 

Our graduates are highly valued as a result of the Department's strong international reputation, strong links with industry, and ideal location close to the City of London. 

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng (Hons) in Mathematical Computation.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

The Mathematical Computation MEng is a four-year programme.

Year 1:

The first year of the programme is designed to provide you with a firm foundation in mathematical topics underpinning the analysis of computational systems, including logic, algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, information theory, probability and statistics in computer science and mathematics.

Year 2:

In the second year, you will take compulsory modules, including computer architecture, logic and database theory, security, and further mathematics. You can also choose from optional modules covering algebras, complex analysis, number theory, and software engineering.

Year 3:

In the third year, you will study computability and complexity theory and choose from a selection of specialist optional modules in computing and mathematics. 

Alternatively, if you have been approved to take an optional Study Abroad Year, you will study an appropriate curriculum at your partner institution.

Year 4:

In the fourth year, you will choose from a wide selection of specialist optional modules that are also taken by taught postgraduate students on our masters programmes, typically including, for example, artificial intelligence, evolutionary computation, machine learning, dynamical systems, and cryptography. You will also undertake an individual supervised substantive project/ dissertation.

Your learning

The programme's core curriculum is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and lab classes. There is a focus on practical problem-based learning and group-based working. From early in the programme, you will apply theory and work with others to solve real and challenging problems.

From Year 2 of the programme, you will have the opportunity to apply to take an optional year in industry; this is an additional year of study where eligible students can undertake a placement with an approved industrial partner, then resume their programme’s curriculum when they return to UCL in the following year. The year in industry usually takes place between the penultimate and final years of the programme and extends the length of the degree by one year. 

 If you are approved to take a year in industry placement, you will transfer to the Mathematical Computation (Year in Industry) MEng, which includes the additional placement year.

Contact time can take a wide variety of forms, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, question & answer sessions, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, visits, placements, office hours (where staff are available for consultation), interaction by email or other media, and situations where feedback on assessed work is given (one-to-one or in a group.)

The following are estimates for the number of contact hours you can expect in each year of study based on our planning. These figures are published a long time in advance and are subject to change.

Years 1, 2 and 3: 135 hours of lectures/ tutorials/ seminars; 35 hours of question & answer sessions; 35 hours of labs; and 35 hours of problem classes.

Year 4: 100 hours of lectures/ tutorials/ seminars; 25 hours of question & answer sessions; 25 hours of labs; 25 hours of problem classes; and 10 hours of project supervision.

Contact hours in some years may vary depending on any optional and elective module selections. You will be able to review each module’s timetable in advance of making and confirming your module selections each year.

If you take an optional Study Abroad Year in Year 3, your contact hours will be determined by your chosen partner institution.

Assessment

The programme's core curriculum is assessed through a range of methods that typically include individual and group coursework, lab demonstrations and reports, individual and group projects, tests and written examinations, and oral assessments. The final year is additionally assessed via a substantive project/ dissertation report.

Assessment methods will vary according to your optional and elective module choices.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

The foundation of your career

Graduates have previously secured careers with global IT consultancies, as IT analysts with City of London banks and as IT specialists with manufacturing industries. As well as these pathways, this programme will provide you with an excellent foundation for a broad spectrum of different careers. You may also choose to pursue further academic study, such as a postgraduate degree or doctoral research.

Employability

The programme is designed to produce graduates with a thorough knowledge of computer science with strong professional skills, good experience of problem-solving in an interdisciplinary context, and an understanding of research and how it is carried out.  

The strong practical and analytical skills developed through the programme will leave you well-placed to meet the growing global demand for graduates in this fast-moving industry.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25) £41,000

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage. A computer with the stated specifications is estimated to cost £500 or greater.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

In addition to academic requirements, we are looking for you to demonstrate a proven interest in computing and a clear understanding of what studying mathematical computation entails. We are keen to admit students with an interest in subjects that relate to applications of computer technology.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Once an offer has been made, applicants are invited to attend an Offer-holder Open Day (in person or virtual), where they can find out more about us and what it’s like to study Computer Science at UCL. Additionally, the Open Day gives you the opportunity to ask questions to the Admissions Tutor and students currently enrolled on the programme. The UCAS application is assessed by a central UCL team against the published entry criteria. Applicants with non-standard qualifications are referred onto the Computer Science Admissions Tutor for review.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.