Careers with Maths
Career areas that make use of maths include research, engineering, operational
research and teaching. Many jobs in the financial and business world – from
accountancy to quantity surveying – also require an ability with figures. Entry
requirements for jobs vary, from those that need a good grade for GCSE maths
through to those requiring a postgraduate qualification.
Uses of mathematics
Mathematics can be studied as a subject in its own right. It can also be used to
solve problems or explain things. Geography, psychology, computing, statistics and
the biological, physical and social sciences all depend on mathematical ideas and
principles.
There are two main branches of mathematics:

pure mathematics deals with theories and ideas

applied mathematics means using maths to solve practical problems in areas such
as mechanics, engineering, business and computer science.
There is a demand for mathematicians, not only in education and research, but
also for careers in commerce and industry. As science and technology become
increasingly complex, people with mathematical skills will continue to be needed.
What it takes
Careers with mathematics require:

analytical skills

a logical mind

problem-solving skills

computing skills.
Careers that we might call 'mathematical' fall into two groups:

those needing an advanced knowledge of mathematics and, therefore, a great
deal of academic ability

those that don't require high-level qualifications, even though working with
figures is a large part of the job.
Careers with an advanced knowledge of mathematics
Almost all these careers require at least a degree or equivalent qualification in
mathematics or a related subject.
Academic research
You may work in a university mathematics department, or in a research institute,
on problems in pure or applied mathematics. Research posts in universities usually
involve teaching undergraduate students. Academic research is only a possibility
for the most able of students.
To get a research post, you need to follow your first degree with a postgraduate
qualification, usually a PhD in mathematics or a related subject.
Industrial research and development
Mathematicians can also work on industrial and commercial problems. Examples
include:

trying to improve the aerodynamics of high-performance racing cars
developing sophisticated medical technologies

monitoring the spread of pollution or disease

devising systems to protect data held on computers.

These areas of work are usually closely connected with the sciences; teams of
mathematicians, engineers and other relevant scientists work together to find
solutions. You could enter this sort of work after taking a degree in mathematics,
a branch of engineering or, say, physics (all of these subjects requiring a high
level of ability in mathematics).
There are opportunities to work with industrial or commercial companies or with
government departments and research bodies, when dealing with issues such as
health or defence.
Statistics
Statisticians collect and analyse numerical data for use in making projections or
forecasting. They may work in government departments (e.g. on employment
surveys or census figures), in market research, and in business and commerce.
They use their computing skills to handle large amounts of data.
For example, actuaries calculate life insurance premiums, pension contribution
rates etc. They use statistics and business knowledge to analyse the past, predict
the future, and assess insurance risks. Actuaries work in various financial
institutions, including insurance, pension and investment companies, as consultants
and in government departments.
Economics
Economists research, analyse and interpret information about economic
performance, in order to advise businesses and the Government. Besides a good
knowledge of economic affairs, economists need good mathematical and numerical
skills, in order to understand and analyse complex statistics and numerical
information. Their work may include developing mathematical models in order to
explain and predict economic performance.
Operational research
Operational research uses maths to analyse management, planning or organisational
problems. Mathematical models are made on computers, to examine particular
problems and predict possible outcomes. This information helps managers to make
their business decisions. Operational research is a growing profession in a world
where future planning is crucial to a business's success.
Teaching mathematics
To teach mathematics, you must have:



a good knowledge of the subject
the ability to explain complex ideas in a straightforward way
enthusiasm and creativity in order to make learning fun


patience with people who may find the subject difficult
an appropriate teaching qualification.
Most specialist maths teaching is done in secondary schools; there are also
opportunities in sixth form colleges and colleges of further education. There is a
shortage of maths teachers; financial incentives are currently available to attract
more applicants into teaching maths.
For details about qualifying to work as a maths teacher in a state school, see
leaflet F 06 in this series. For information about qualifying to work in further
education, see leaflet F 02.
An experienced teacher can become head of department, an adviser, school
inspector or lecturer on teacher training courses.
Careers involving an interest in figures
These careers (many of which fall within the financial and business worlds) include:

accountancy - recording and analysing financial information for individuals or
companies

administrative work with figures - in all organisations, ranging from local
authorities to manufacturing industries - perhaps working in payroll
departments, accounts departments etc

architecture - combines a flair for design with mathematical skills

computing - perhaps working in software development or systems analysis

financial advice work - advising people about their personal finances

financial services such as banking, building society work, insurance and pensions

logistics - working out the most efficient way to move goods and people around

management and administration - will almost certainly include some financial or
statistical work

marketing - making sure your organisation is providing the goods and services
that customers want, and promoting them effectively

purchasing - buying goods or raw materials for your company at the best
possible price

quantity surveying - working out costs for major building projects

stock and commodity market work - investing in commodities and stocks and
shares.
You need A levels or the equivalent, or a higher education qualification, to work in
some of these areas at a professional level. However, it may be possible to train
while in employment, or to work as a technician or assistant with lower
qualifications. Maths requirements vary - maths GCSE at grade A*-C is often the
minimum level required, but an A level, or equivalent, is an advantage for some
jobs and may be essential for entry to a relevant higher education course.
Higher education courses in mathematics
Nearly everyone who studies mathematics in higher education talks about how
creative, fascinating and challenging the subject is at that level.
Degree courses
Mathematics can be studied to degree level at the majority of universities,
colleges and institutes of higher education, either as a single subject or in
combination with a choice of other subjects, ranging from astronomy to zoology!
Mathematics degree courses usually involve both pure and applied maths. It is also
possible to take a degree in applied maths or a degree that concentrates on
particular applications of mathematics, e.g. financial mathematics, engineering
mathematics or actuarial mathematics.
Most institutions of higher education offer three-year degree courses in maths some also offer four-year MMath degrees. If you intend to enter a career that
requires an advanced knowledge of maths, such as mathematical research, you
should consider taking an MMath, or carrying on to do a postgraduate
qualification.
At some institutions, sandwich degree courses are available in mathematics,
allowing industrial or commercial experience to be gained during the course. Other
courses include a year of study overseas.
For entry to a degree course related to mathematics, you normally need A levels
(usually including maths at a high grade). Alternative qualifications, such as a
relevant BTEC Level 3 National or Advanced Diploma, may be acceptable only if A
level maths is also offered. An AS/A level in further maths may be considered
useful by some institutions and, in just a few cases, is essential. It is important
to check entry requirements carefully, as they do vary.
Postgraduate courses
Mathematics graduates have a very wide choice of full- and part-time
postgraduate courses, both in mathematics itself and in other specialisms. This
allows specialisation in particular areas of maths, or in more unusual subjects such
as astronomy or meteorology.
Other courses
You can achieve high-level qualifications by distance learning, e.g. through an Open
University degree or through the professional qualifications of the Royal
Statistical Society.
Prospects
For those who take the higher education route and gain significant relevant
experience, it is possible to gain chartered status as either a chartered
mathematician (CMath) or chartered mathematics teacher (CMathTeach). Certain
application criteria apply; contact the Institute of Mathematics and its
Applications for full details.
Find out more about a career with maths
Students in their first year of a level 3 course (such as an A level) in science,
technology, maths or engineering can apply for a Nuffield Science Bursary, to take
part in a real research project for four to six weeks during the summer. This
gives students the chance to work alongside practising scientists, engineers and
mathematicians. For more information, click on 'Science Bursaries' at:
www.nuffieldfoundation.org