Mathematics BA Undergraduate
In the Mathematics BA at University of Oxford, students dive into applied mathematics and pure mathematics exploring phenomena in the real world while learning to think mathematically. Throughout the three-year BA program you’ll tackle core courses in statistics and the fundamentals of mathematics while gradually moving into options in the second year and beyond. The course encourages curiosity helping you solve problems ask questions and work through definitions theorems and proofs clearly and concisely. You’ll study classic challenges like Fermat’s Last Theorem xn+yn=zn for n≥3 and geometric constructions using ruler and compass, including the construction of a line of length 3√2 from a unit length, developing both logical reasoning and creative problem-solving.
By the third year, students can decide whether to continue into the four-year MMath program, but even within the BA you’ll experience a variety of courses beyond traditional mathematics, exploring topics outside mathematics while applying concepts to real-world situations such as quantum theory, relativity and stock markets. The course also emphasizes the interplay between numbers and practical applications whether analyzing a leopard’s spots or investigating new solutions in theoretical frameworks. Guided by expert faculty and inspired by historic feats like those of Andrew Wiles every lecture and tutorial is designed to help you argue think and discover with enjoyment and rigor.
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Course overview
Subject requirements
Other course requirements
Admissions statistics*
*Statistics shown are combined figures for Mathematics and Mathematics & Statistics. Check the official course page for updated data and full guidance.
Weekly Schedule for Years 1 and 2
Students generally attend around ten lectures per week complemented by two to three tutorials or classes. This structure provides a balance of formal teaching and interactive learning, ensuring students develop both their subject knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Weekly Schedule for Years 3 and 4
In Years 3 and 4 your teaching year is carefully structured to balance lectures classes and tutorials. You can expect six-ten lectures and two-four classes each week with class sizes varying depending on the options chosen. Tutorials are usually 2-4 students per tutor while more popular papers may have 8-12 students. Most sessions are delivered by staff who are tutors in their subject many being world-leading experts with extensive experience in teaching and research. Some instruction may also come from postgraduate students at doctoral level offering additional perspectives on the compulsory dissertation in the fourth year. To find out more about how your Academic Year is organized you can visit the dedicated page for detailed guidance on your study schedule.
Course structure
At Oxford University students have the choice between two Mathematics degrees: the three-year BA or the four-year MMath with the decision for continuation to the fourth year made during the third year. Admission is often joint with Mathematics & Statistics and applicants do not choose between the degrees until the end of the fourth term at Oxford University when all students declare whether they wish to study Mathematics or Mathematics & Statistics. Further changes can be made later if availability space and consent from the college allow. The first year focuses on core courses in pure mathematics applied mathematics and statistics while options begin in the second year with the third year and fourth year offering a large variety of courses including subjects outside mathematics giving students both structure and flexibility to explore their interests deeply.
Mathematics BA - Yearly Course Overview
Year 1
In the first year students establish a solid foundation in mathematics by completing a set of compulsory core courses. This year focuses on building essential skills and understanding across fundamental topics.
- Algebra
- Analysis
- Probability and Statistics
- Geometry
- Dynamics
- Multivariable Calculus
Assessment: First University examinations consisting of five compulsory papers along with computational mathematics projects.
Year 2
Year 2 builds on the foundational knowledge from Year 1 while introducing more advanced topics. Students study compulsory core courses and select optional subjects tailored to their interests. This approach allows for flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
- Compulsory Core:
- Algebra
- Complex Analysis
- Metric Spaces
- Differential Equations
- Optional Topics: Algebra, Number Theory, Analysis, Applied Analysis, Geometry, Topology, Fluid Dynamics, Probability, Statistics, Numerical Analysis, Graph Theory, Quantum Theory
Assessment: Final University examinations, Part A, including three core papers and six to seven optional papers.
Years 3 and 4
In the third and fourth years, students explore a broad range of specialized topics, alongside an optional dissertation in Year 4. This stage emphasizes **advanced problem-solving, independent research, and preparation for professional or academic careers** in mathematics and related fields.
- Advanced courses may include: Algebra, Applied and Numerical Analysis, Algebraic and Differential Geometry, Algebraic and Analytic Topology, Logic and Set Theory, Number Theory, Applied Probability, Statistics, Theoretical and Statistical Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Geoscience, Networks, Combinatorics, Information Theory, Deep Learning, Mathematical Philosophy, Computer Science options, History of Mathematics
- Dissertation: Compulsory in Year 4
Note: The options listed above are illustrative. A complete, up-to-date list of courses is available on the Mathematics website.
Assessment:
- Year 3: Final University examinations, Part B, consisting of eight papers or equivalent
- Year 4: Final University examinations, Part C, including eight, nine, or ten papers or equivalent, alongside the compulsory dissertation
MMathPhys Fourth Year Option
In the fourth year Mathematics students can apply to transfer into an integrated master’s level course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics completing their degree as an MMathPhys. This course provides research-level training across Particle physics Condensed matter physics Astrophysics Plasma physics and Continuous media with content and format of the course subject to change under certain circumstances. For further information about potential course changes students are encouraged to explore official Oxford guidance.
Mathematics BA - Entry Requirements
To be considered for the Mathematics BA at Oxford, applicants must meet specific academic qualifications. These requirements ensure students have the necessary mathematical foundation for success in the programme.
- A-levels: A*A*A, with the A*s in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if available). If Further Mathematics is not offered, acceptable alternatives include A*AAa with an A* in Mathematics and a in AS-level Further Mathematics, or A*AA with an A* in Mathematics.
- Advanced Highers: AA or AAB
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 points including core points, with 766 at Higher Level. The 7 must be in Higher Level Mathematics.
- Other equivalent qualifications: For details on other UK and international qualifications, please refer to the relevant Oxford admissions pages.
Mathematics BA - Subject Requirements
Applicants to the Mathematics BA at Oxford are expected to have a strong background in mathematics. The programme sets both essential and recommended subject expectations to ensure students are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum.
- Essential: Candidates must have studied Mathematics to A-level (A* grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), Higher Level in the IB (score 7), or an equivalent qualification.
- Recommended: Studying Further Mathematics is highly recommended to strengthen preparation for the degree.
Most students applying to study Mathematics will have completed both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A-level, or an equivalent qualification. If any of your science A-levels used to meet the entry requirements include a practical component, we expect you to have successfully passed it. Additionally, if English is not your first language, you may need to meet our English language proficiency requirements.
Apply
All applicants are required to follow the application process outlined on our “Applying to Oxford” pages. The information below provides detailed guidance specifically for students interested in this course.
Admissions Test
Applicants are required to take the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test), which evaluates mathematical ability and problem-solving skills. This helps assess readiness for the rigorous undergraduate programme.
- Test: MAT
- Test dates: 22 and 23 October 2025
- Registration window: 18 June – 19 September 2025 (6pm BST)
- Booking window: 18 August – 26 September 2025 (6pm BST)
It is essential for applicants to register and book within the specified dates to ensure eligibility for the admissions process.
All applicants are required to take the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) as part of their application. You can find all the information you need to register for the test, along with guidance on how to prepare effectively, on your test page.
Written Work
You are not required to submit any written work when applying for this course.
What Tutors Look For
Tutors assess a candidate’s potential to succeed in the course. We encourage applicants to challenge themselves with mathematics beyond the standard curriculum, critically examine their own understanding, and make use of any available extension materials.
Ultimately, we are most interested in candidates who can think imaginatively, deeply, and systematically about mathematical patterns. For more details on the selection criteria, please visit the Maths Department website.
Careers
Quantitative skills are highly valued, and this degree equips students for a wide range of careers across both the public and private sectors. While around 30% of our graduates continue with further study, many pursue professional paths in areas such as finance, consultancy, and IT.
Nathan, an engineer, reflects on his experience:
“During my degree, I developed the ability to solve complex problems – a fundamental skill that I apply daily in my work as an engineer. With the growing role of mathematics in engineering and manufacturing, there are increasing opportunities to take on challenging and rewarding positions where I can put these skills into practice.”
At Oxford, we are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent academically able students from studying here. To support this, we offer one of the most generous financial aid packages available for UK students, which may be further supplemented by additional support from your college.
Fees
For full-time Home undergraduate students, current university policy sets fees at the government-mandated cap. For 2025/26, this cap is £9,535, which is provided below as a guide for courses starting in 2026. This page will be updated once the government confirms the official course fee information for full-time Home undergraduates beginning courses in 2026. For information on expected annual increases, please see our guidance on likely changes to fees and charges.
| Fee Status | Annual Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Home | £9,535 |
| Overseas | £47,570 |
Further details about eligibility for fee status can be found on the fee status webpage. For more comprehensive information, please refer to our course fees page. Please note that fees typically increase each year, and guidance on likely fee adjustments is available on our website.
Living Costs at Oxford
Living expenses at Oxford may be lower than you might expect, thanks to our world-class resources and college support, which can help manage costs effectively.
For the academic year beginning in 2026, living costs are estimated to range between £1,405 and £2,105 per month while you are in Oxford. The academic year consists of three eight-week terms, so students typically need to be in Oxford for no more than six months. However, it is advisable to budget over a nine-month period to ensure you have sufficient funds during holidays to cover essential expenses.
For more detailed information, please visit our living costs webpage.
Financial support
Home Students
A tuition fee loan is available from the UK government to cover course fees in full for Home students, including UK and Irish nationals and other eligible students with UK citizens’ rights*. This means you do not need to pay your course fees upfront when undertaking your first undergraduate degree**.
In 2026, Oxford offers one of the most generous bursary packages of any UK university for Home students from families with an income of approximately £50,000 or less. Additional opportunities are available for students from households with incomes of £32,500 or less. The UK government also provides support for living costs to Home students from the UK and those with settled status who meet the residency requirements.
*For courses starting on or after 1 August 2021, EU, other EEA, and Swiss nationals may be eligible for UK student finance if they have UK citizens’ rights. This includes those with pre-settled or settled status, or Irish citizens covered by the Common Travel Area arrangement. The type and level of support you can access from the government depend on your residency status. See further details.
Islands Students
Students from the Channel Islands or Isle of Man are entitled to different support than students from the rest of the UK. Please refer to the relevant funding agencies for guidance:
States of Jersey
States of Guernsey
Isle of Man
Overseas Students
For overseas students, please consult the “Other Scholarships” section on our Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page for available support.
**If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree, you will be classed as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student and will not be eligible for government or Oxford funding.
Additional Fees and Charges
For the Mathematics course, there are no compulsory costs beyond the course fees and estimated living expenses outlined above.