Careers in Mathematics: What can you do with maths degree?
Studying a degree in mathematics has many benefits for students who have an affinity for the subject and are able to think logically. Maths is a very practical subject, and one that affects all modern life - the finance, economics and computing industries are all heavily dependent on maths. Mathematics graduates develop a range of valuable skills, such as how to investigate, analyse and interpret data, approach problems in an analytical and pragmatic way, and formulate theories and apply them to solve problems. The ability to use advanced numeracy and analyse large quantities of data is crucial to many types of work. By studying a degree in mathematics, you will be prepared to use your enhanced expertise and knowledge in many different fields.
Career paths
Studying mathematics at university will open up a huge range of career opportunities to you. Mathematics graduates are highly sought-after candidates for a range of different jobs.
Which industries can I work in?
The majority of maths graduates go into roles in the business and finance industries, while others gain jobs in information technology, or go on to become education professionals. Companies hiring maths graduates in the UK include the National Health Service and the Government of the United Kingdom, as well as companies in the pharmaceutical industry, engineering companies and insurance companies.
Careers with a mathematics degree
Job roles that are directly related to maths include:
- Actuary - evaluates, manages and advises on financial risks for businesses and clients
- Astronomer - studies the universe, its objects and how it works from a scientific perspective
- Chartered accountant - gives advice, audits accounts and provides trustworthy information about financial records
- Data scientist - works with raw data to gain meaningful information for organisations to improve their businesses
- Investment analyst - provides research and information to help traders, fund managers and stock brokers make decisions about investments
- Research mathematician - produces original research which can be used to further develop the understanding of mathematical theory
- Software engineer - applies scientific and mathematical principles in order to create computer software and solve problems
- Statistician - collects, analyses, interprets and presents quantitative information for businesses in a range of fields
Many of these careers are well-paid, as they require specialist knowledge and skills, and can often offer good professional progression.
Work-based study
Some jobs, usually in finance or actuarial science, also incorporate further study and professional qualifications into their roles. Many people in these fields gain advanced qualifications and accreditation once in their careers, which involves personal part-time study alongside the job. Gaining accreditation in a relevant job role is a valuable venture, as it can improve your job prospects and open new professional opportunities up to you.
Teaching mathematics
Maths graduates can also go into teaching, as mathematics is taught in all parts of the world, to all ages. With a degree in maths, you can become any level of educator, from primary school to university. If you want to pursue teaching in the UK, you will need to complete a relevant postgraduate qualification after your degree.
What else can I do with a mathematics degree?
Further study
Once you have completed a maths degree, there are many avenues of further study you can take. Whether you want to specialise in one certain area of mathematics, or you feel you would benefit from diving deeper into pure mathematics, there are many degrees you can progress to from here. Postgraduate degrees are a popular option for mathematics graduates. This is because many maths-related jobs require detailed knowledge of a specific subject, such as medical statistics, meteorology and engineering design. It is also worth noting that most finance-related careers and actuarial work require further study during employment to complete professional exams.
Research ventures
Another viable option for mathematics graduates is pursuing research opportunities. As maths is an innovative subject that fuels change, many investors and large companies are interested in funding research projects that can further their business operations or improve efficiency of certain industries. Many job roles in the mathematics field are research-based, so you can take multiple paths into becoming part of a research project.
What skills will I develop by studying a mathematics degree?
As well as widely-applicable skills, such as methodical approaches to organisation, self-management and the ability to work both in a collective and independently, studying a mathematics degree will help you develop a range of important, specialist skills.
Practicality
Logical thinking is one of the most useful practices you will become accustomed to by studying mathematics. You will learn how to approach tasks rationally, formulating theories and applying them to solve problems, which will come in use once you graduate.
Analysis
Advanced numeracy and analysing large quantities of data will be part of your everyday life when studying a mathematics degree. This will help you in many future fields, such as data-centric, scientific or financial roles.
Comprehension
The way you will be taught to deal with a variety of abstract concepts will aid your comprehensive thinking, and allow you to present mathematical arguments and conclusions with accuracy and clarity in your career.
Studying mathematics abroad
If you are interested in studying mathematics, doing your degree in the UK could be an exciting, advantageous experience. With the country’s established finance and business industries, it is a great place to be a student and network professionally throughout your degree. Large cities like London, Manchester and Leeds are hubs for business, offering many job opportunities for both students and graduates.
Leeds International Study Centre for progression to the University of Leeds offers courses designed to prepare you for studying an undergraduate degree at one of the UK’s top universities. As part of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Leeds is a globally-renowned institution that is highly respected by employers. You can choose to focus on a variety of subjects within our two programmes, the International Foundation Year and the International Year One, based on your educational needs and interests. We will help you improve your English language skills and teach you the basics of your chosen progression degree, while allowing you the opportunity to become accustomed to life in an exciting new city.
FAQs
Is a maths degree worth it?
A degree in maths will prepare you for work in a large number of fields, even those outside of the subject. During your degree you will learn invaluable skills that can be applied to job roles in many different industries. These skills and the knowledge you have developed are highly sought after by employers.
What do pure mathematicians do?
Pure maths is based around the study and research of theories and mathematical concepts. Professional mathematicians often work in academics, research and development.
Are math graduates in demand?
With the development of technology, the demand for maths graduates has grown. The high intelligence and valuable skills are highly desirable by employers across all industries.