Mathematics and Philosophy

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects.

You’ll spend your first year studying core modules in each subject, introducing you to key concepts and approaches in both maths and philosophy such as logic, linear algebra, calculus and moral philosophy. You’ll also have the chance to choose from further optional modules or take discovery modules from across the University.

With this grounding, you’ll be able to make the most of the choice on offer over the next two years. You’ll be expected to maintain a balance across key areas in each subject such as the mind and knowledge, logic and metaphysics. But on top of this, you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as philosophy and technology, time series, philosophy of science, coding theory, quantum mechanics and the ethics of life and death.

Throughout the degree you’ll be developing your knowledge across a variety of topics and sharpening your skills in interpretation, analysis and research. You’ll bring these together in the final year, when you apply them to a topic of your choice through an independent research project.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10 credits
• Numbers and Vectors 10 credits
• Introductory Linear Algebra 10 credits
• Modelling with Differential Equations 10 credits
• Probability and Statistics I 10 credits
• Probability and Statistics II 10 credits
• How to Think Clearly and Argue Well 20 credits
• Introduction to Academic Skills 5 credits

Optional modules

• Magic, Science and Religion 10 credits
• History of Psychology 10 credits
• Introduction to the History of Science 10 credits
• Darwin, Germs and the Bomb 10 credits
• Living with Technology 10 credits
• History of Modern Medicine 10 credits
• Foundations of Finance 20 credits
• Introduction to Geometry 10 credits
• The Mind 10 credits
• Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion 10 credits
• The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong 20 credits
• Knowledge, Self and Reality 20 credits
• How Science Works 10 credits
• Great Philosophical Thinkers 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Vector Calculus 15 credits

Optional modules

• Real Analysis 15 credits ...