Mathematics with Computer Science with Placement Year
Mathematics with computer science is a combination built on a genuine intellectual synergy. Mathematics provides the theoretical foundations that underpin computing: logic, algorithms, probability, numerical methods, and the abstract structures that make computer science rigorous rather than merely practical. Computer science applies mathematical ideas to the design, analysis, and implementation of computational systems, developing the technical skills to build and evaluate software and hardware.
Together they equip you with both the deep mathematical understanding and the practical computational capability that the technology industry increasingly prizes.
At the University of Reading, this four-year programme includes a placement year that gives you direct professional experience in a technology or analytical role, significantly strengthening your employability and your understanding of how your skills apply in practice. The degree is designed to meet the requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, subject to subsequent experience and training, which gives the programme an additional professional recognition dimension. You will develop mathematical knowledge and key computational skills across both disciplines, with the flexibility to engage with areas such as algorithms, data science, mathematical modelling, software engineering, and machine learning.
Graduates from mathematics with computer science programmes are in strong demand. Careers in software engineering, data science, technology consultancy, quantitative analysis, financial technology, cybersecurity, research and development, and artificial intelligence are all accessible. The combination of rigorous mathematical training and practical computing skills is valued by technology companies, financial institutions, research organisations, and government bodies.
Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in computer science, data science, mathematics, or a specialist technology field.