Undergraduate Prospectus 2020 Keele Undergraduate Propsectus 2020 | Page 268

278 | Politics, Philosophy and International Relations
Mathematics and Philosophy
BA (Hons)
Why study this course?
Philosophy and mathematics are naturally suited to each other. Many important
philosophers, such as Descartes, Leibniz and Russell, were also accomplished
mathematicians. You’ll gain rigorous thinking skills, learn logical reasoning, and
be encouraged to develop novel, imaginative approaches to difficult problems.
In year one in mathematics, you will study core material in calculus
and algebra, while in subsequent years you can begin to tailor your
programme according to your own strengths or interests. For example,
you can specialise in pure or applied mathematics, or explore probability
and modelling. You will study in an intellectually stimulating environment
amongst mathematicians producing world-leading research.
In philosophy you’ll study logic and a range of philosophical questions
about the world and the mind. As well as studying the work of renowned
philosophers, and a selection of traditional philosophical problems, you
will be encouraged to formulate your own solutions – and ask your own
questions – in order to develop your philosophical skills. You will be
assessed in a variety of ways, including by essays, presentations and
exams.
What will this mean for my future?
Mathematics graduates pursue a wide variety of careers, and options
open to Combined Honours students can be especially broad. A
degree in Mathematics and Philosophy teaches abstract reasoning,
communication and critical thinking skills which opens the door to
a wide range of careers. Graduates of this combined degree course
have an excellent record of graduate employment and have gone on
to careers in information management, games programming, finance,
teaching, charity organising and artificial intelligence research, as well as
further study. Other examples include actuarial training, aircraft engine
design, web analytics, NHS project manager, operational research,
software developer, scientific research, and medical statistics.
INDICATIVE MODULES
First Year
• Ten Problems of Philosophy
• Ancient Philosophy
• How to think
• Moral Philosophy
• Calculus
• Algebra
Second Year
• The Pursuit of the Good
• Knowledge and Reality
• Philosophy of Mind
• Mathematical Modelling
• Differential Equations
• Exploring Algebra and Analysis
Third Year
• Epistemology and Metaphysics II
• Rorty and the Mirror of Nature
• Philosophy of Language
• Graph Theory
• Mathematical Biology
• Number Theory and Cryptography
KEY INFORMATION
UCAS Code - GV15
Foundation Year
Yes
Indicative entry
requirements
Combined Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
Course duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
year
For further information on entry requirements please visit keele.ac.uk/entryrequirements
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes