Maths is a subject that has always appeared
in various curricula, and always will. There will therefore be a
permanent demand for Mathematics graduates for teaching, but nowadays
they are employed in all sorts of industries and professions.
Mathematics is such a vast subject these days that the traditional
divisions into Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics
are becoming less clearly defined. In particular, the traditional
close association between Applied Mathematics and Physics is less
prevalent, with applications in fields as diverse as Biology and
Finance becoming common. Statistics is increasingly important in
all sciences, pure and social, not only in the analysis and interpretation
of data but also in the design of studies and experiments.
One of the fascinating attractions of Mathematics is that as soon
as parts of it separate (like Pure Mathematics and Statistics) so
they come back together again, and the study of experimental design
involves Pure Mathematics at a high level. The area of cryptology
and the study of devising codes is increasingly important in the
age of technology and is a subject that uses and brings together
Pure Mathematics thought, appreciation of uncertainty as in Statistics
and throws up problems that call on methods of Applied Mathematics
for their solution. Who knows what the next age will bring?
With over 2000 Higher Education courses to choose from in Britain,
selecting the course that is right for you may be rather daunting.
Courses vary from HND and ordinary degrees right through to the
most recent Master of Mathematics qualification, which is the gateway
to carrying out research in Mathematics. The ordinary degree is
a respected qualification showing the ability to think and operate
in a methodical way and offers many career opportunities. The three
year BSc or BA courses remain the most popular with the option of
a broad based course of study across all of Mathematics specialisation
in two or just one area, and also of combining Mathematics with
another subject in a Joint Honours scheme. You can combine Mathematcis
with almost anything including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography,
Geology, Economics, Accountancy, Social Science, Languages, History,
Music, Art, etc. There are also opportunities for further study
with specialist MSc courses in Industrial Mathematics and Medical
Statistics just two examples. Many universities offer the possibility
of taking an industrial placement year within their course, giving
an opportunity to gain extended experience of mathematics in the
workplace after first learning considerably about the subject.
Mathematics graduates are widely in demand in accountancy, actuarial
applications, finance, production and manufacturing industries as
well as management and education. A Mathematics degree can get automatic
exemption from many professional examinations, particularly in the
accounting and actuarial fields. Degrees with a signficant Statistics
components can set you on the path of achieving the professional
status of becoming a Graduate or Chartered Statistician recognised
by the Royal Statistical Society.
It is very important that you choose a place to study that is right
for you. Tjhis means that you must be settled there, so that you
can work to your full potential, and also that the course(s) offered
match your interests. It is inevitable change as study develops,
so it may be worthwhile to ensure that some amount of flexibility
and choice exists. So if your interests change, so can your areas
of study. If you have the opportunity, visit the university or college
before you commit yourself to go there and in any event ask any
questions that are important to you.
Author: Alan Jones, University of Wales Aberystwyth
This article first appeared in TransWorld Education
