Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) (Hons) at Lancaster University is a maths degree with a purpose. You’ll learn the same rigorous maths as a traditional course but move beyond the abstract using hands-on experience of maths and AI tools to solve real-world challenges. You’ll tackle complex problems without simple answers, such as how to predict disease spread and prevent climate crises. 

This is mathematics in action, focused on making a real difference. It will equip you with the applied problem-solving skills that are highly valued by graduate employers.

With a degree in Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS), you will have the tools to forge a successful career in technologies that will dictate our futures. Backed by a £22m investment from Research England and Lancaster University, MARS offers a distinctive and forward-looking environment for learning. As a MARS student, you’ll be embedded in a thriving community of academics, researchers, PhD students and industry partners working at the cutting-edge of maths and AI.

Your teaching will be informed by the latest research, and you’ll benefit from exposure to current developments, real-world applications and opportunities to work on projects inspired by MARS industry partners, you'll tackle challenges like predicting floods, stopping infection spread and preventing cyber attacks.

Careers

As a Lancaster graduate, you will enjoy excellent employment prospects. Your degree, along with your problem-solving skills, analytical abilities and AI expertise, will make you highly desirable to employers in almost every industry and sector. Our graduates are well-paid too, with the median salaries of those from our Mathematics degrees being £32,000, 15 months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).

The types of roles you may progress into include:

• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Risk analyst
• Climate modeller
• Software engineer
• Scientific programmer
• Actuary
• Machine learning engineer
• Mathematical engineer

Opportunities may arise in sectors such as:

• AI, software development and software engineering
• Finance, insurance and investment banking
• Engineering
• Environment and climate science
• Healthcare and biomedical research
• Government
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Robotics and automation
• Cyber security

Your transferable skills will also allow you to expand into roles in marketing, management, teaching and consultancy. Or you may choose to continue your studies and pursue research at doctoral level.