Why study Mathematics?Mathematics is intrinsically beautiful and can be studied forits own sake: you can gain pleasure from the subtleties <strong>of</strong> sets,numbers, patterns and algebraic structures, and develop logicaland analytical skills. Mathematics is also the central tool in thephysical and natural sciences as well as in other disciplines suchas finance, economics, management and IT. Whatever your tastein Mathematics, <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Holloway</strong>’s varied curriculum will havesomething to suit you.By studying Mathematics you gain a diverse range <strong>of</strong> transferableskills. You learn how to apply the universal language <strong>of</strong>mathematics in a multiplicity <strong>of</strong> situations and see connectionsbetween them.Mathematics also provides an excellent foundation for a variety<strong>of</strong> fulfilling career paths or opportunities for further study.“Mathematics is the door and the key to the sciences...for the things <strong>of</strong> this world cannot be made knownwithout a knowledge <strong>of</strong> Mathematics.”Philosopher Roger Bacon (c. 1260)4 Department <strong>of</strong> Mathematics
Why choose Mathematics at <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Holloway</strong>?WelcomeChoosing the right course and university is animportant step. In this <strong>brochure</strong> we aim to help youmake the correct decision by providing detailed andup-to-date information about the Mathematicscourses that we <strong>of</strong>fer at <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Holloway</strong>.Mathematics is one <strong>of</strong> the oldest academicdisciplines, and today it is thriving as neverbefore. Most areas <strong>of</strong> modern life are based onmathematical ideas. For example, mobile phones,the internet, genomics, microwave ovens, financialmarkets, weather forecasts, insurance, drug testing,X-rays, and satellite navigation, would not existwithout mathematics. In addition, many situationsrequire logical and analytical thinking – a skillyou develop by studying mathematics. For thesereasons, we find that our graduates are highlyemployable.Mathematics is not only widely applicable, it isalso beautiful. Simply doing mathematics canbe deeply satisfying; finding the solution <strong>of</strong> adifficult mathematical problem is uniquely thrillingand requires a high level <strong>of</strong> creativity. A wellconstructedmathematical argument can possess abeauty not unlike that <strong>of</strong> a poem.If you enjoy mathematics and are looking forwardto a challenge, I would encourage you to apply to<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Holloway</strong>.James McKeeHead <strong>of</strong> Mathematics• High teaching satisfaction. Our department is numberone in the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>London</strong> for teaching satisfaction inMathematical Sciences.• Flexible, challenging courses. We <strong>of</strong>fer a huge range<strong>of</strong> flexible degree programmes, which enable you to mixMathematics with other subjects and explore your broaderinterests. Our courses are challenging and cover a variedcurriculum, including pure mathematics, discrete mathematics,statistics, cryptography, quantum mechanics, informatics, andfinancial mathematics.• A strong research culture that informs our teaching. Ourdepartment is internationally recognised for the quality <strong>of</strong> ourresearch in Pure Mathematics, Information Security, Statisticsand Theoretical Physics. Our staff’s passion and enthusiasmfor the subject transmits through their teaching.• A supportive learning environment. We place an emphasison small-group teaching, creating a friendly and motivatingatmosphere where you’ll be known as an individual. Ouracademic staff support problem solving sessions, small grouptutorials, workshops, and computer sessions. Staff are alwaysready to give help and advice, with a personal adviser system,and generous <strong>of</strong>fice hours.• High employability prospects. We have been ranked a top tendepartment for career prospects (Guardian 2013). At least 88per cent <strong>of</strong> our graduates go on to work or further study withinsix months <strong>of</strong> graduating.• Extensive postgraduate opportunities. We <strong>of</strong>fer anextensive array <strong>of</strong> postgraduate opportunities within ourthriving research portfolio, including, as part <strong>of</strong> our School <strong>of</strong>Mathematics and Information Security, the internationallyrenownedInformation Security Group.• Friendly campus environment. We host an impressiverange <strong>of</strong> modern facilities and a vibrant social scene set in abeautiful part <strong>of</strong> Surrey on the edge <strong>of</strong> Windsor Great Park.<strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Holloway</strong> has excellent national and internationalcommunication links (40 minutes by train to <strong>London</strong> Waterloo,and seven miles from Heathrow).Department <strong>of</strong> Mathematics5