Page 8 | Best unis for maths

Dangermouse999 · 2025-09-16T15:12:59+00:00

DS is in y12 and we’re looking at going to some uni open days. He’s planning to apply for Maths and is probably on track to get 4 A stars in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Comp Sci. He's considering the following: 1st tier: Cambridge/Oxford, Warwick 2nd tier: Bath, St Andrews, Durham, maybe Edinburgh and Bristol 3rd tier: Exeter, Lancaster, Southampton, Loughborough. He prefers a smaller to medium size town, definitely not London and he's not a big partying kind of person. Does anyone have any experience of these unis / other suggestions / any advice in general for Maths degrees?

poetryandwine · 22/09/2025 20:07

I agree with your post of 19.32, @clary.

I think B’ham has a similar feel. Quite different to Leeds and Manchester, which are very much part of their respective cities.

StatuteofLiberty · 22/09/2025 21:43

@Nestingbirds why is bath limited ? Isn't Bristol really close by ?

clary · 22/09/2025 22:14

StatuteofLiberty · 22/09/2025 21:43

@Nestingbirds why is bath limited ? Isn't Bristol really close by ?

I mean, Bath is near to Bristol – like, 15 mins train ride – but that still means the cultural offer in Bath is limited – it’s a small city and won’t host big theatre productions or gigs in the way that Manchester or Brum will. Bristol has more to offer, but its offer is a lot easier to access if you are at uni in Bristol! You don’t really want t be leaving the gig and then getting back to Temple Meads to catch an 11pm train. I went to uni in Bristol – we used to go to Bath for an occasional fancy day out but genuinely if you wanted the buzz/offer/interest of a big city you are better off going there in the first place.

@Dangermouse999's DS tho wants to live in a smaller place and that is totally valid.

Original poster

Dangermouse999 · 23/09/2025 00:44

mamagogo1 · 22/09/2025 15:07

I would also advise you to be careful putting too much emphasis on how amazing these top universities are just a couple of weeks into sixth form, it’s a huge jump up from a GCSEs and kids who got straight a stars can find themselves getting b’s. Not saying your dc will be definitely talk up finding the best fit for them over ranking until this year is complete, you’ll have far more idea once they take mocks in June. I’ve seen so many “star” students including my dd start to do less well in sixth form and feeling they have failed despite them doing really well, just not Cambridge well (she got b’s not A’s)

That’s a fair point in general but DS is a bit of an outlier I think. He took the mocks for Maths and Further Maths A levels early in year 11 and was close to getting A star/A.

Based on that, he’s fairly confident he can get the required grades in almost two years time for the real thing.

OP posts:

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 04:34

dizzydizzydizzy · 19/09/2025 11:35

I know your DS is saying no to London, but like several PPs, I'm also going to say don't rule out Imperial. It is an absolutely fantastic place. DC1 recently graduated from there (not maths). Imperial consistently ranks as one of tbe world's top universities.

DC1 was sent to work with a research group at the University of Toronto one summer. Imperial gave them a bursary of £3000 to cover their costs.

DC1 also have many well paid student jobs both in term time and in the holidays. Some of them were actually intellectually very interesting.

Also, all UK students with a parental income below some quite high amount (£60k?) get bursaries of £2k and upwards.

What sort of intellectually interesting work and which year did he start it in?

How did he get the Canadian research position and what year was it in?

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 06:01

Mapletreelane · 20/09/2025 07:11

https://warwick.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/apply/admissions-tests/
Scroll to maths

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/2026/mathematics-bsc/
Under general entry requirements

Show quote history

Imperial says their STEP offer is for those unable to sit TMUA - not necessarily those who don't want to take it.

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 06:20

friendsDisUnited · 22/09/2025 08:35

Yes I did mean we were shown round a sixth form college by a y13 applying to Cambridge. Was interesting to hear how many hours she was putting into STEP preparation.
@Muu9 we are talking about students who haven’t studied maths since taking their GCSEs in June, I don’t see any point in trying to do STEP preparation without having studied any A level content but perhaps I am wrong.

I think AS content is a prerequisite for the STEP 1 prep course and "advanced problems in core mathematics" by Siklos. Of course there is no STEP 1 but it's still good prep for the STEP 2 course and the other Siklos book

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 07:02

poetryandwine · 22/09/2025 09:45

Hi, @Muu9 - glad to share what I can about Physics, and I won’t step out of my lane.

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Yes please, it's always rare to hear anything about unis from "behind the curtain" so to speak.

dizzydizzydizzy · 23/09/2025 07:04

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 04:34

What sort of intellectually interesting work and which year did he start it in?

How did he get the Canadian research position and what year was it in?

Show quote history

DC1 was at Imperial from 2020 to 2024.

DC1 has several well-paid jobs at Imperial. The most interesting one was a project to provide better information for new chemistry students. DC1 and some other students made an interactive map, with links to videos (that they made), photos and written information. They weren’t instructed on what to do, they came up with the idea themselves and had to learn about some piece of software to create the map. They earned a 4-figure sum for this project: I can’t remember how long they spend on it. It might have been 2 weeks. They also had jobs on the holidays looking after teenagers on university taster days. The pay for this was £17 ph and again DC1 ended up earning into the thousands.

They got the Toronto project by applying. It was the summer of 2023. All chemistry students were invited to apply but not that many did. DC1 and one other student were picked. They were given a long list of research teams at the university they could choose to work with - it was a great experience for DC1 both learning about how professional research teams work and also experiencing living in Canada.

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 07:16

Also, I don't mind anyone stepping "out of their lane" - if I had to stay in mine, I wouldn't be able to say much.

Onvacation · 23/09/2025 08:36

poetryandwine · 22/09/2025 10:29

Hi, @Onvacation -

I am sorry that your DD feels intimidated by the comments of others. In itself, I think that means absolutely nothing. But it is important for her to work out the type of programme she wants.

Are her teachers helpful and encouraging of her? If so they may be able to give her some good guidance. Is some if the intimidation possibly down to surging testosterone? That does play a role through the UG years and beyond, but it isn’t correlated (or anti-correlated) to achievement. You just need to learn to ignore it. Teachers and lecturers do, but I have a lot of sympathy because I remember how annoying and yes, intimidating, it can be.

Your question about timing is excellent. I agree with @user1469447079 that trying too much too soon could backfire , when the reason the practice papers look hard is that you haven’t learnt the material yet. Perhaps the Christmas holiday would be a good time to start, gently - start with questions having familiar themes.

MEI also has prep materials (hopefully including past papers and answer keys) for MAT and TMUA, as well as general guidance on test prep, etc. I don’t know whether they offer (paid, but reasonably priced) group tuition for these exams. If so the sessions will be advertised online and tend to book up quickly.

Could DD work with a study buddy? Often, though not always, it works well. Explaining things to each other solidifies their own knowledge. Even if DD is the more studious or talented, spending an hour or two a week helping a friend is in her own interest.

STEP problems are more intricate than the others. As prep for MAT/TMUA I would leave them until later and only if feeling pretty confident.

As with all higher level revisions, the main thing is to concentrate on active learning and not just memorising the solutions.

Best wishes to DD

Show quote history

Thanks so much for your reply. I am not sure what her teachers are like but her further maths teacher told the class something like they were going to find FM impossibly hard, and would be in seven levels of hell (I don’t remember the exact words). She doesn’t start FM until after Easter (when the A-level work is completed). She is currently doing work for A-level she has already done in FSMQ, so with that she is very confident. I wish the teacher had explained it a bit differently, but I am glad she starts before the summer because she will have some experience of it before she needs to make a decision. She is in a girls school, with a lot of strong STEM, but still with few FM students, and apparently a reasonable number who drop it at some point. But testosterone related confidences won’t be an issue.

However, in line with what you have said, my impression was that starting to think about MAT and TMUA from December/January wasn’t a bad idea. I am thinking given she is finding A-Level content straightforward thus far, it might be good to start before FM content kicks in. My understanding at the moment is that a lot of the requirement for these exams is learning to think differently about maths, so learning not to simply follow a process to get an answer, but rather to problem solve and explore how you might find an answer, and to combine principles/methods rather than just to apply one method. But please do correct me, anyone, if I am wrong!

Your suggestion of a study buddy is really helpful. I will get her to scope out if any of her friends are thinking of MAT/TMUA/STEP. I don’t think she will need STEP, so I will lean her towards other materials as a starting point.

poetryandwine · 23/09/2025 08:39

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 07:02

Yes please, it's always rare to hear anything about unis from "behind the curtain" so to speak.

Show quote history

Any particular questions?

poetryandwine · 23/09/2025 08:48

Onvacation · 23/09/2025 08:36

Thanks so much for your reply. I am not sure what her teachers are like but her further maths teacher told the class something like they were going to find FM impossibly hard, and would be in seven levels of hell (I don’t remember the exact words). She doesn’t start FM until after Easter (when the A-level work is completed). She is currently doing work for A-level she has already done in FSMQ, so with that she is very confident. I wish the teacher had explained it a bit differently, but I am glad she starts before the summer because she will have some experience of it before she needs to make a decision. She is in a girls school, with a lot of strong STEM, but still with few FM students, and apparently a reasonable number who drop it at some point. But testosterone related confidences won’t be an issue.

However, in line with what you have said, my impression was that starting to think about MAT and TMUA from December/January wasn’t a bad idea. I am thinking given she is finding A-Level content straightforward thus far, it might be good to start before FM content kicks in. My understanding at the moment is that a lot of the requirement for these exams is learning to think differently about maths, so learning not to simply follow a process to get an answer, but rather to problem solve and explore how you might find an answer, and to combine principles/methods rather than just to apply one method. But please do correct me, anyone, if I am wrong!

Your suggestion of a study buddy is really helpful. I will get her to scope out if any of her friends are thinking of MAT/TMUA/STEP. I don’t think she will need STEP, so I will lean her towards other materials as a starting point.

Show quote history

Wow, I would like to have words with that teacher.

FM is indeed a big step up from A level Maths but you never know how these comments will be received. Some good pupils will be unnecessarily put off. Also, some pupils get off to a slow start and then it all comes together. Finally, there are a number of good Maths degree programmes that do not require FM.

I agree with your post concerning the philosophy of test prep. I really hope DD enjoys her Maths

ShanghaiDiva · 23/09/2025 08:51

@Onvacation am surprised at the comments from the maths teacher re FM and several levels of hell..why make the students feel worried and nervous before they have even started the course?
my Dd is not studying maths but did take FM and maths a levels and achieved a stars in both with 100% in some papers - not saying this to brag but to give context. For her thinking started to change with maths - less I know what’s expected in this problems to more - what do I have in my maths toolkit to approach this problem, taking ‘tools’ from different areas too. Not sure which options your Dd is taking but Dd found mechanics to be the trickiest, but it helped that her teacher was an ex engineer.
good luck to your dd!

Eightyfivepercent · 23/09/2025 09:03

ButterPiesAreGreat · 18/09/2025 21:22

Yes, she’s the same year. 😂 She’s doing the course with placement next year (assuming she finds one). She’s quite reserved but has got to know some people. Has probably got to know fewer people by not living in uni halls first year.

She was there for a term before she was introduced to a girl doing Maths who recognised her from her A level college.

Show quote history

My Dd also in second year studying Maths at Sheffield!

She is loving Sheffield, we visited (far too) many universities, including Bristol, Edinburgh and Lancaster from your list @Dangermouse999. She was very tempted by Bristol, but in the end loved the friendly feel of Sheffield, the first year student halls are fantastic, it also really doesn't have a big city feel and is really easy to get out into the Peak District.

Eightyfivepercent · 23/09/2025 09:20

Onvacation · 23/09/2025 08:36

Thanks so much for your reply. I am not sure what her teachers are like but her further maths teacher told the class something like they were going to find FM impossibly hard, and would be in seven levels of hell (I don’t remember the exact words). She doesn’t start FM until after Easter (when the A-level work is completed). She is currently doing work for A-level she has already done in FSMQ, so with that she is very confident. I wish the teacher had explained it a bit differently, but I am glad she starts before the summer because she will have some experience of it before she needs to make a decision. She is in a girls school, with a lot of strong STEM, but still with few FM students, and apparently a reasonable number who drop it at some point. But testosterone related confidences won’t be an issue.

However, in line with what you have said, my impression was that starting to think about MAT and TMUA from December/January wasn’t a bad idea. I am thinking given she is finding A-Level content straightforward thus far, it might be good to start before FM content kicks in. My understanding at the moment is that a lot of the requirement for these exams is learning to think differently about maths, so learning not to simply follow a process to get an answer, but rather to problem solve and explore how you might find an answer, and to combine principles/methods rather than just to apply one method. But please do correct me, anyone, if I am wrong!

Your suggestion of a study buddy is really helpful. I will get her to scope out if any of her friends are thinking of MAT/TMUA/STEP. I don’t think she will need STEP, so I will lean her towards other materials as a starting point.

Show quote history

My Dd didn't do step, or anything else in addition to her 4 A'Levels, but she knew she didn't want to go the Cambridge route. She got A* A A A and got offers from all her uni choices without having done the additional tests. She didn't do further maths prior to sixth form and found it fine, so hopefully your Dd will be the same if she's already getting on well with the A'Level maths.

Original poster

Dangermouse999 · 23/09/2025 09:27

ShanghaiDiva · 23/09/2025 08:51

@Onvacation am surprised at the comments from the maths teacher re FM and several levels of hell..why make the students feel worried and nervous before they have even started the course?
my Dd is not studying maths but did take FM and maths a levels and achieved a stars in both with 100% in some papers - not saying this to brag but to give context. For her thinking started to change with maths - less I know what’s expected in this problems to more - what do I have in my maths toolkit to approach this problem, taking ‘tools’ from different areas too. Not sure which options your Dd is taking but Dd found mechanics to be the trickiest, but it helped that her teacher was an ex engineer.
good luck to your dd!

Agree, those comments about FM from that teacher are deplorable.

I think you summed it up well that FM requires a change in the thinking approach. This is perhaps one of the key differences between those who succeed at FM and those who find it more challenging. But a lot of it will come down to practice and being able to solve ‘problem style’ questions and getting confident in doing so.

A friend whose parents are both maths lecturers shared some interesting long term stats about Maths A level performance. Something like 60-70* of A stars achieved in Maths are gained by those also doing FM.

In other words, it’s almost a pre-requisite to do FM if you want an A star in Maths.

So even if students find FM tough, it will still have a likely positive impact on their regular Maths grades.

OP posts:

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 10:21

poetryandwine · 23/09/2025 08:39

Any particular questions?

Show quote history

Your thoughts on the undergraduate teaching, rigor, and access to research opportunities (the last being more feasible for undergrads on physics than maths, I believe, and hence more important for PhD admissions) among Woxbridgeperialhamdrews and any other universities you feel are worth mentioning

Mapletreelane · 23/09/2025 10:39

Dangermouse999 · 23/09/2025 09:27

Agree, those comments about FM from that teacher are deplorable.

I think you summed it up well that FM requires a change in the thinking approach. This is perhaps one of the key differences between those who succeed at FM and those who find it more challenging. But a lot of it will come down to practice and being able to solve ‘problem style’ questions and getting confident in doing so.

A friend whose parents are both maths lecturers shared some interesting long term stats about Maths A level performance. Something like 60-70* of A stars achieved in Maths are gained by those also doing FM.

In other words, it’s almost a pre-requisite to do FM if you want an A star in Maths.

So even if students find FM tough, it will still have a likely positive impact on their regular Maths grades.

Show quote history

Definitely, my son studied maths and FM alongside each other at 6th form, I know some schools do maths Y12 then FM Y13. He said FM was really tough but on the flip side it made maths really easy for him.

Nost · 23/09/2025 17:22

Sorry to hijack, but can anyone advise what would be good prep for TMUA/STEP/MAT for a yr12? Thanks!

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 17:50

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/admissions/step/ (the core mathematics textbook)

https://static.djalbat.com/companion.pdf

https://maths.org/step/ (foundation for now, not step 2 until you have A level content down)

@Nost

Nost · 23/09/2025 18:09

Muu9 · 23/09/2025 17:50

https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/admissions/step/ (the core mathematics textbook)

https://static.djalbat.com/companion.pdf

https://maths.org/step/ (foundation for now, not step 2 until you have A level content down)

@Nost

Edited

Thanks!

mahonga · 23/09/2025 22:32

Woxbridgeperialhamdrews

I've never heard that portmanteau before! Which 'ham is it? @Muu9

Muu9 · 24/09/2025 02:14

mahonga · 23/09/2025 22:32

Woxbridgeperialhamdrews

I've never heard that portmanteau before! Which 'ham is it? @Muu9

Durham

mahonga · 24/09/2025 09:34

Muu9 · 24/09/2025 02:14

Durham

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Doh, of course! I was thinking Birming' Notting' and even Sout'ton, but didn't even think of Dur' 😂