Mathematics and Psychology with a Placement Year University of Reading

Overview

At the University of Reading studying the BSc Mathematics and Psychology with a Placement Year you will apply mathematical techniques to psychology, in areas such as the modelling of the brain, neuroscience and research methods. If you enjoy studying quantitative and essay subjects side by side, then this course is ideal for you. You will spend roughly equal amounts of time studying each subject and will gain valuable industry experience through a year-long work placement. This degree enables you to move on to a wide range of careers or pursue further training to become a professional psychologist.

In mathematics you will study areas such as calculus, analysis, linear algebra, differential equations and numerical analysis. In the second year you will also take a skills module, which is designed to improve your transferable skills and enhance your employability.

You will be given plenty of support to help you get the most out of your studies, including small group problem-solving tutorials and materials to help you manage the transition to university-level mathematics. Additionally, you can get involved with the Department's Staff Student Forums and the Student Teaching and Learning Group, which enable you to have a direct input into the student experience.

In psychology you will study the subjects required for BPS accreditation, including cognition, neuroscience, development, personality and social psychology. Additionally, you will be able to take advantage of the Psychology Department's neuroimaging facilities, observation rooms and research laboratories. We also have three in-house NHS clinics and the world-renowned Charlie Waller Institute for Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments on site.

In the final year of the degree you can develop your knowledge by exploring areas of interest in greater depth. The vast majority of modules in this year are optional and include subjects from both areas of the course such as mathematical biology, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and forensic psychology. During this year you will carry out an original piece of research on a psychology topic of your choice. You may have the opportunity to present your work at conferences, and a number of past projects have won awards from the BPS and British Neuroscience Association.

What career can you have?

As a graduate of this course you will be qualified for further training as a professional psychologist. Our BSc Mathematics and Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

As a mathematics graduate, you can choose to work as a mathematician or statistician for public sector organisations, such as health authorities or the Office for National Statistics, or areas of the private sector including commerce and information technology. Furthermore, you can move into a range of related careers such as accountancy, financial analysis, engineering, modelling, computing or actuarial work.

Your psychology skills will also enable you to work for organisations such as the NHS, civil services, schools or charities. Additionally, skills learned on the course open up many doors within the private sector, within areas such as HR, recruitment, management consultancy, publicity, finance and journalism.

Alternatively you can choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.