Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics (MMORS)
- Subject area: Mathematics
- UCAS code: 252D
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Combine the fields of statistics and operational research with advanced study of mathematics on a course carefully tailored to those looking for wide options and excellent career opportunities.
Specialist knowledge
Alongside learning advanced mathematical techniques, you will gain specialist knowledge and skills through extensive coverage of topics beyond the scope of the BSc degree.
Project-based year
During your final year, you will have the opportunity to complete a substantial mathematical project at an advanced level in a research area of your choice.
Flexible degree schemes
In most cases, you're free to switch between degrees at the end of year one if your interests change. You will also have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement Year or a Year Abroad between years two and three. You don’t need to commit to either of these options until the start of the second year, so there’s plenty of time to decide.
Excellent facilities
You will be taught in Abacws, the new home for the School of Mathematics. This world-leading facility has been designed in collaboration with students and academic staff to create interdisciplinary, flexible and creative workspaces, with innovative teaching areas being a key feature, including a new simulated Trading Room for financial mathematics.
Professionally accredited course
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA).
Gain a deeper understanding of Operational Research and Statistics on the four-year MMORS degree. The course expands on the BSc to prepare you for high-level entry into relevant professions. It’s also a solid base for pursuing a research career.
The MMORS course is the same as the three-year BSc in Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics with an additional year of study where you will complete a major piece of project work. This could include:
- a survey of an existing area of mathematical theory not covered in taught modules;
- an introductory research project;
- the development of a piece of mathematical software.
Not only will you explore a research topic of your choice, but you will also develop the crucial project and time management skills that graduate employers are looking for. Plus, you will gain the necessary skills, methods and ways of thinking required to analyse and tackle complex organisational problems and become a confident statistical analyst.
Accreditations
Subject area: Mathematics
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAA-ABB. Must include grade A in Maths.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
36-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Maths or Maths Analysis and Approaches.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in any subject and grade A in A-Level Maths.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Interview or selection process
There will be no interviews. Selection is based entirely on A level (or equivalent) performance. Contextual applicants will be guaranteed an offer and will be subject to additional consideration. All applicants will be invited to attend an Open day when they will visit the School of Mathematics. Offers will be made to all applicants who have the potential to satisfy the offer.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
---|---|---|
Year one | £9,250 | None |
Year two | £9,250 | None |
Year three | £9,250 | None |
Year four | £9,250 | None |
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
---|---|---|
Year one | £29,450 | None |
Year two | £29,450 | None |
Year three | £29,450 | None |
Year four | £29,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs associated with the standard MMORS degree scheme.
Course specific equipment
What the student should provide:
A calculator that satisfies Cardiff University examination regulations.
Students may wish to purchase textbooks but copies are available in the university libraries.
What the University will provide:
Laboratories, computer labs and appropriate software.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a four year, full-time course. In each year of the programme, you will take modules to the value of 120 credits. In the first year there are compulsory modules in Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Computing in addition to a range of optional modules.
The core modules in Year 2 continue to build your foundational understanding of Mathematics and Statistics, and the subject of Operational Research is introduced.
Year 3 includes a large number of optional modules allowing students to focus on the areas of Pure Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics that they particularly enjoy.
Year 4 includes a core 40 credit research dissertation in a topic of your choice, supervised by a leading expert. Research training is enhanced and there are a number of advanced optional modules.
The classification of your degree is based on the grades you achieve in the Modules that you take in years two, three and four.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
In Year One you will take 120 credits in Mathematics.
Most modules are compulsory but there is an element of choice allowing you to select between modules in Mechanics and Finance. The modules in Mathematics cover the foundation areas of Calculus, Algebra, Analysis, Computing and Statistics.
Much of Year One is common to all of our degree schemes so transfer to another Mathematics degree is normally possible at the end of Year One.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Elementary Differential Equations | MA1001 | 10 credits |
Computing for Mathematics | MA1003 | 20 credits |
Geometry | MA1004 | 10 credits |
Foundations of Mathematics I | MA1005 | 20 credits |
Foundations of Mathematics II | MA1006 | 20 credits |
Linear Algebra I | MA1008 | 10 credits |
Introduction to Probability Theory | MA1500 | 10 credits |
Statistical Inference | MA1501 | 10 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Classical Mechanics | MA1301 | 10 credits |
Finance I: Financial Markets and Corporate Financial Management | MA1801 | 10 credits |
Year two
In Year Two you will take 120 credits in Mathematics, 80 credits are core and the remaining 40 credits are chosen from a number of optional modules in Pure and Applied Mathematics, as well as additional Statistics and Operational Research modules.
The results of Year Two make up 20% of your final degree classification.
You are required to achieve at least a 55% average and pass at least 100 credits to continue your studies onto Year Three of the scheme. Students who fail to achieve the 55% average will be transferred onto the BSc version of the scheme.
At the end of your second year you have the opportunity to transfer to the three-year BSc Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics degree scheme. You may also transfer to BSc Mathematics if you have selected the appropriate optional Year Two modules.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Calculus of Several Variables | MA2001 | 10 credits |
Complex Analysis | MA2003 | 10 credits |
Series and Transforms | MA2004 | 10 credits |
Real Analysis | MA2006 | 10 credits |
Linear Algebra II | MA2008 | 20 credits |
Foundations of Probability and Statistics | MA2500 | 20 credits |
Operational Research | MA2601 | 20 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Number Theory I | MA2011 | 10 credits |
Algebra I: Groups | MA2014 | 10 credits |
Vector Calculus | MA2301 | 10 credits |
Vibrations and Waves | MA2303 | 10 credits |
Modelling with Differential Equations | MA2320 | 10 credits |
Computational Statistics | MA2502 | 10 credits |
Computational Statistics / Ystadegaeth Gyfrifiadurol | MA2552 | 10 credits |
Numerical Analysis | MA2701 | 10 credits |
Mathematical Investigations with Python | MA2760 | 10 credits |
Finance II: Investment Management | MA2800 | 10 credits |
Problem Solving | MA2900 | 10 credits |
Datrys Problemau | MA2901 | 10 credits |
Year three
There are no core modules in Year Three. The modules in Year Three are closely aligned to the research interests of the School. 120 credits of optional modules are chosen. There are a broad range of optional modules, enabling you to focus on areas of particular interest. At least 50% of your Year Three modules should be in the areas of Operational Research or Statistics.
The results of Year Three make up 30% of your final degree classification.
At the end of your third year you have the option to graduate with a BSc degree.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Regression Analysis and Experimental Design | MA3502 | 20 credits |
Optimisation | MA3603 | 20 credits |
Year four
In Year Four the course develops research training and enhanced mathematical skills. There is also a major piece of project work, in which you will apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the first four years of the degree to tackle some practical or theoretical problems. This gives you the opportunity to develop presentation and communication skills, in addition to applying your mathematical skills to a research topic of your choice.
Training for the dissertation will be provided at the beginning of Year Four with a number of additional lectures covering research and communication skills.
There are a range of optional modules available in Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research.
The results of Year Four make up 50% of your final degree classification.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
MMath Project | MA4900 | 40 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Lie Algebras | MA4006 | 20 credits |
Quantum Information Theory | MA4016 | 20 credits |
Calculus of Variations | MA4023 | 20 credits |
Advanced Topics in Analysis: Sobolev Spaces and Elliptic PDEs | MA4024 | 20 credits |
Mathematical Biology | MA4309 | 20 credits |
Statistics of Big Data | MA4511 | 20 credits |
Credit Risk Scoring | MA4512 | 10 credits |
Statistical Programming with R and Shiny | MA4514 | 10 credits |
Stochastic Search and Optimisation | MA4601 | 20 credits |
Supply Chain Modelling | MA4606 | 10 credits |
Healthcare Modelling | MA4609 | 10 credits |
Reading Module | MA4901 | 20 credits |
Reading Module | MA4902 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Core knowledge is taught through a mixture of lectures, exercise classes, small-group tutorials and guided study. Mathematics is a hierarchical discipline so the structure of the course is systematic, building on fundamental understanding.
The first two years are focussed on providing a foundational understanding. The following two years cover a range of contemporary subject material, reflecting research interests in the School. Throughout the delivery of the programme, wherever possible, recent research results are used to illustrate and illuminate the subject.
In year one, there are regular small-group tutorial sessions in mathematics modules. Exercises are an integral part of all lecture-based modules, these allow you to apply your knowledge and improve your problem-solving skills. Extra exercise or examples classes are currently held in all mathematics modules. In these a lecturer will discuss additional problems with you, give general oral feedback and provide model solutions for further reflection.
In year four, more student participation is expected as some lectures take the form of seminars.
How will I be supported?
At the start of each year a guide to module aims, learning outcomes, methods of assessment, module syllabuses, and reading lists will be made available to you. You will also be allocated a personal tutor in the School of Mathematics. This will be a member of academic staff who can give pastoral support and academic advice as well as helping you with module selection and career planning. Regular meetings with your Personal Tutor will be scheduled to give you the opportunity to discuss your individual progress and develop generic skills such as team work and presentation skills.
All lecturing staff can be contacted by email and have either an ‘open door’ policy for students with specific queries about course material, or a system to book meeting times. The Director of Learning and Teaching of the School of Mathematics can advise you on academic issues, and each year of study has a year co-ordinator who can offer advice on administrative issues. The School also has an Education and Students Manager who can assist with administrative queries. The Undergraduate Office in Mathematics, is a further source of information.
Further learning support is also available via the University-wide Maths Support Service. This provides relaxed and informal drop-in sessions where you are encouraged to discuss any elements of your studies with a tutor in a one-to-one or small group basis.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are available through the Learning Central ‘Personal Development Planning’ module.
Before commencing your dissertation, additional lectures will provide preparation covering research and communication skills. Core computing modules in Years One and Two will provide the foundation for any computing work required for the dissertation. The additional lectures will cover practical issues such as working with a supervisor, format and structure of a dissertation, referencing and how to produce academic writing. They will also cover the skills required to independently perform mathematical research.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres. The School of Mathematics has a designated Disability and Diversity Officer and ensures that reasonable adjustments are made for students with disabilities.
An extensive programme of careers lectures and workshops is delivered within the School of Mathematics and an in-house Careers Consultant is available.
How will I be assessed?
Most modules have closed book written examinations at the end of the autumn or spring semesters, with some also having an element of continuous assessment. This may include problem-solving exercises, written reports, computer programs and oral presentations. Feedback on progress is typically provided through a combination of discussion in class, written comments on submitted work and review of outline solutions to problems. You are encouraged to discuss any queries related to specific modules with individual lecturers. All students can review their examination scripts and discuss their performance with the corresponding module lecturer.
Your major research project in year four is assessed through a written report (85% of the mark) and an oral examination (15% of the mark).
The pass mark for each module is 40%. Students can progress to resit as long as they have failed no more than 60 credits. They can progress to the following year as long as they have failed no more than 20 credits.
The grade of your final degree is currently based on 20% from your Year Two studies, 30% from Year Three and 50% from Year Four. An average of at least 55% in Year Two is required to continue on this programme. Students failing to achieve this average will be transferred to the three year BSc in Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics degree scheme.
Feedback:
Written feedback and outline solutions on in-course assessment give you an opportunity to reflect on your progress. Further feedback is provided in examples classes and tutorials (in year one) to review problems in more detail and discuss potential solutions. You should discuss any queries related to specific modules with individual lecturers.
The majority of coursework in the School of Mathematics is formative, meaning that the mark given does not form part of your overall mark for the module. This is to encourage students to learn the intrinsic value of completing the work for the educational benefit rather than just to gain a given mark. This ensures that students will carefully consider their feedback and use it to improve and develop their understanding of the material.
In Year One, you are required to regularly submit work to ensure your understanding of the course material is progressing. Detailed formative feedback is provided to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and areas that need further work. It also enables staff to identify means of supporting you. This continues in later years of the course, though the frequency of submitted work will vary from module to module.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Studying this course will enable you to acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’. You will:
- Demonstrate the effective self-management and organisational skills needed to undertake a substantial project in an area of mathematics of your choice
- Enhance your IT, information retrieval and handling skills
- Develop your ability to apply logical and analytic thinking to problems in other disciplines
- Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through engaging in a process of personal development planning
- Develop the skills of objectivity, creativity and independent thinking
- Develop your knowledge of core Mathematics concepts such as calculus and analysis, proof, algebra and modelling.
- Increase your understanding of the principles and techniques of proof
- Develop skills that will enable you to sustain a critical argument and to communicate ideas and theories in writing and through oral presentation
- Learn how to solve well-defined, open-ended problems and identify key issues
- Conduct independent research using source materials such as textbooks, scientific journals and electronic databases
- Use precise calculations in appropriate situations
- Develop your ability to undertake independent learning and effectively manage your time
What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?
The Learning outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you and academic staff will focus on precisely what they want you to achieve within each Module.
Knowledge & Understanding:
Students completing the Programme will demonstrate:
- An ability to analyse and interpret data and to apply modern statistical methods
- An ability to use the latest operational research techniques to solve real life problems
- An understanding of the underlying principles and mathematical theories underpinning modern statistics and operational research
- An understanding of the ideas of proof, calculus, algebra, analysis and applied mathematics
Intellectual Skills:
Students completing the Programme will demonstrate:
- The ability to formulate and solve mathematical models
- The skills of using analytical and logical thinking to draw conclusions based on quantitative information.
- Communication skills and the ability to communicate mathematical knowledge and understanding
- Plan and conduct a piece of novel research
Professional Practical Skills:
Students completing the Programme will be able to:
- Use a number of modern software packages
- Assimilate and communicate detailed mathematical arguments
Transferable/Key Skills:
Students completing the Programme will demonstrate:
- Logical reasoning
- Independent thinking
- Critical thinking
- The ability to apply mathematical skills to solve problems
- Use of information technology and library resources
- Time and workload management
- The ability to conduct independent research
Careers and placements
Career prospects
You can use your MMORS in Mathematics Operational Research and Statistics as a pathway to the workforce where you may meet our alumni working in a variety of fields such as data science, operational research, internet technology, medicine, banking, logistics, risk management, and marketing. Or, you might choose to widen your career options to include a range of related fields by completing a PhD in mathematics, the sciences, computing or engineering.
Maths Careers Support
In the Spring semester of your first year, there are a range of masterclasses available to you to help support your future career prospects. The classes cover work experience, CV and covering letters, application forms, interview techniques, and an introduction to LinkedIn.
We have a regularly-updated student jobs board featuring a range of volunteering, internship, placement, and graduate opportunities. Plus, we organise a full programme of student and employer presentations every year with employers, such as Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, PwC, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Sainsburys, Network Rail, GSK, Office of National Statistics, Welsh Government, the MOD, Welsh Water, and the Met Office.
The School of Mathematics also has a Careers Management Skills Programme, presentations by students returning from industry and a range of sponsored prizes awarded for academic achievement.
Placements
There is the option of transferring to our Year of Study Abroad degree scheme, which would involve an additional fifth year spent at a university abroad.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.