Mathematics with Modern Languages BSc
This three-year BSc course offers a comprehensive education in mathematics along with the opportunity to achieve proficiency in two or more modern languages from a choice of Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and possibly others. Graduates are equipped for careers that may take them to Europe or further afield.
Key information
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*A*A
- Subjects
- A*A*A with A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics; or A*AA with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, in any order, together with a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in Mathematics AEA. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Statistics and a modern language preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
Contextual offer
- Grades
- A*A*C
- Subjects
- A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics; or A*AC with A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, in any order, together with a 2 in any STEP Paper or a Distinction in Mathematics AEA. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Statistics and a modern language preferred.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- Points
- 40
- Subjects
- A total of 40 points overall with 20 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics; or 39 overall with 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics together with a 2 in any STEP paper or a Distinction in Mathematics AEA. The course will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Physics, Statistics and a modern language preferred.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept higher level ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ only. Physics, Statistics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Economics, English Language, English Literature preferred as third subject.
Resits
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
This BSc offers a thorough training in mathematics, with the chance to also become proficient in two or more modern languages. Choose from Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish, with other languages also available in some years. With a compelling mix of linguistic and mathematical skills, you’ll be well equipped for careers in Europe or further afield.
During the first two years, you will develop a strong foundation in analysis, algebra, and mathematical methods, studying the same core mathematics modules as single-subject Mathematics students, taking 90 credits per year. Instead of Applied Mathematics modules, you will take 30 credits of modules in modern languages. Having laid the basic foundations, there is a wide range of options in both mathematics and languages in the third year.
Alongside the seven main languages, it is sometimes possible to provide study in other languages such as Dutch, Hebrew, Portuguese, Scandinavian and Slavic languages.
Language modules are offered at seven levels, from complete beginner’s level 1 to advanced level 4 and post A-level levels 5–7. Each student is expected to study at least one language to level 4, and you are encouraged to study other languages in addition.
The course is available as either a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci. The first two years are identical for both routes, and applicants are encouraged to apply initially for the MSci, as it is possible to transfer to the BSc at any point during the first three years.
We are looking for intellectually curious students who enjoy tackling challenging problems and thinking creatively about mathematics. We value applicants who show initiative beyond the school curriculum, who are motivated to explore new ideas in depth and who pursue academic excellence. There is no single profile of a mathematician: we welcome applications from students of all backgrounds, and we are seeking to build a diverse and inclusive mathematical community.
Course structure
In the first year, all mathematics modules are compulsory and cover the core ideas of modern mathematics, including analysis, algebra, and mathematical methods. The remaining 25% of modules you will study in the first year will be in a foreign language. There is also an introduction to coding. The content is delivered through lectures supported by regular problem sheets, small-group tutorials and computer labs.
The first half of the second year continues in this format. Then, with fundamental knowledge established, you will have a choice of options that continue to deepen these themes, but also include topics such as Probability and Statistics, Number Theory and Computational Methods. You will also have the opportunity to choose a wide range of outside options, including, for example, management, subject to suitability and availability. You can pursue the foreign language taken in year 1 to a higher level or take a new foreign language. Additionally, you will be offered the opportunity to participate in a supervised group project in the summer, researching a topic in mathematics related to the degree syllabus.
In the third year, there is a wide range of advanced topics in mathematics available, the majority building on the knowledge mastered in earlier years. These include modules in areas such as geometry, analysis and its applications, algebra and number theory, combinatorics, fluid mechanics, mathematical physics, financial mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematical education, and history of mathematics. You again take foreign languages. It is expected that you will have pursued at least one foreign language to a higher level by the end of your degree. You will also have the opportunity to study further Statistics modules. Again, options outside the Department of Mathematics are available, subject to suitability and availability.
Modules
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).
Please note that the list of compulsory modules given here is indicative. Up to 10 optional modules per year are displayed for this course: this may not be the full range of optional modules available for selection. 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. For more detail regarding module availability, please contact the department.
Compulsory modules
- Analysis 1 (MATH0003)
- Analysis 2 (MATH0004)
- Algebra 1 (MATH0005)
- Algebra 2 (MATH0006)
- Advanced Calculus (MATH0125)
- Programming and Vector Calculus (MATH0126)
Compulsory modules
- Analysis 3: Complex Analysis (MATH0013)
- Algebra 3: Further Linear Algebra (MATH0014)
- Fourier Methods and Linear PDEs (MATH0127)
Optional modules
Optional modules
- Critical Perspectives on Mathematics Education (CPAS0012)
- Measure Theory (MATH0017)
- Functional Analysis (MATH0018)
- Multivariable Analysis (MATH0019)
- Curves and Surfaces (MATH0020)
- Homological Algebra (MATH0021)
- Galois Theory (MATH0022)
- Algebraic Topology (MATH0023)
- Mathematics For General Relativity (MATH0025)
- Biomathematics (MATH0026)
Teaching is mainly carried out through lectures and tutorials. In lectures, you will focus on learning important theory and techniques for your course, which will be reinforced by expert-led tutorials where we will expound upon these ideas with exercises designed to encourage thought and discussion amongst your peers. In addition, an ‘office hours’ system for each module allows you to meet with tutors on a one-to-one basis to review parts of the degree you find interesting or that need clarifying.
UCL runs a Student Mentor scheme offering support and advice to first-year students.
Most modules are assessed by two-hour written examinations in the third term, with a small element of coursework assessment.
Typical timetabled contact hours for degree courses in the Department of Mathematics are approximately 16–20 hours per week in year 1, reducing to 12 hours in year 3. In year 1 and the first half of year 2, these hours typically consist of lectures 12–16 hours per week, and tutorials 4 hours a week. In year 3 they typically consist of 12 hours of lectures. In addition, students are expected to undertake approximately 15–20 hours of independent study per week.
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
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
For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
You will gain transferable skills such as quantitative literacy, problem-solving and logical thinking, which can lead to a wide variety of interesting, diverse and well-paid careers.
The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education CLIE offers the latest language-learning technology and resources, providing access to almost 10,000 online recordings, including films, television, documentaries, lectures, language exercises and audio-visual material.
Seven main languages – Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish – are available for study, and all levels of competence can be catered for.
It is possible to study a course leading to a qualification in TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language. General modules in European Studies may also be available.
Internationally renowned and 6th in the UK, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Mathematics) UCL Mathematics is home to world-leading researchers in a wide range of fields, especially analysis and its applications, number theory, geometry and topology, combinatorics, mathematical biology, financial mathematics, fluid dynamics, mathematical physics and mathematical modelling.
Three of the six British winners of the Fields medal, the mathematician’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, have associations with the department.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
We aim to develop your skills in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and accurate mathematical manipulation. You will also learn to handle abstract concepts and to think critically, argue logically and express yourself clearly.
A mathematics degree is highly valued by employers due to the skills in logical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and, of course, numeracy, that it develops. The knowledge and skills gained on the course can also be used in fields including forecasting, risk analysis and trading; financial services, such as accountancy, banking and insurance; and scientific research, information technology and industry.
Recent graduates have found employment around the world with companies such as Deloitte LLP, Goldman Sachs Group, JP Morgan, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, the HMRC.
Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017–2023 cohorts.
Open days
Find out more about our in-person Open Days, online events and courses and subjects that interest you.
Register nowRegister your interest
Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
Register nowHow 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.
Please note that this course does not consider applicants who are resitting qualifications. The department is supportive of the Year in Industry scheme which involves deferring entry for a year to gain valuable work experience.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Mathematics with Modern Languages BSc course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
Got questions? Get in touch
We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.
Mathematics
Click to email. math.ug-admissions@ucl.ac.ukUCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
