Maths degree, where to look, not very top tier

[3sthemagicnumber]

DS is in Y12. Studying Maths, Biology and Geography A Levels. I think he/we had all been expecting him to lean towards Geography/Environmental Science etc, but actually he's really enjoying the Maths and that's what he's leaning towards at university.
He's a pretty smart kid, but his work ethic is definitely a work in progress, and it's therefore hard to predict what sort of grades he'll get. I think the very best case is AAB (A in Maths), but could easily be more like ABC.
He has no real sense of if he wants campus or city etc. Not a big drinker, plays and watches a lot of sport. Very (too!) laid back (but my other kids are extremely driven and focused which I think skews my perspective a bit). I'd like to show him a range of different places so he can start to work out what he likes, but I'm not really sure where to start. Any thoughts?

@3sthemagicnumber I’m not sure if he’s thought of this, but quite a few universities are offering Environmental Engineering. This would use his maths and geography and biology would be suitable. The A levels required should be achievable and there’s work. It’s definitely better than environmental science for employment and probably won’t have lots of FM students on the courses. Engineering students often don’t stay in engineering either and can move into jobs some maths grads do. Would he consider this?

Interesting idea @OhDear111. Pretty sure he hasn't thought of this - I will mention.

I would suggest also looking at natural sciences- lots of options for combining maths/ geography/ environmental science.

My dd is at Sheffield. She went because she wanted to stay local. They want high grades but not as high as Manchester or Lancaster.

She was in the second set at school, and refers to it as like that. I think they want AAB.

Places like Hull (I have a lot of affection for this friendly but much-maligned little city) and Lincoln are also worth a look, potentially as insurance options if he’s aiming for Russell Group but actually great universities in their own right. Also extremely wallet-friendly too. I have family member who are thriving at both.

Swansea is good very chill apparantly ...other favourites Liverpool, Cardiff, Southampton .. theres good robot stuff (?)at Swansea as well as marine at both Cardiff and Swansea..and some good eco at Cardiff especially...
Liverpool just a great city to be a student at... Know some that have done geography orientated courses there as well as maths and done well.....

What about Scottish unis? The four year degree could give him time to ensure math is right for him and the flexibility to switch if it isn't.

This is definitely worth some thought.

Yes supposed to be good. Hope it helps and he gets inspiration and ends up somewhere he loves.

FM (or whatever the Maths test equivalent for those who didn't do FM) isn't a requirement for some decently ranking Unis such as Leeds, York, Lancaster and Bath. But he'd really have to pull his socks up to get AAA or AAB, unless he went through clearing where ABC is often the required grade as per their websites. All those rank highly for Maths and seem to be respected by big employers such as the large insurance/life/pensions/financial firms.

Not many unis actually require FM (Imperial Warwick, UCL and Bath do tbf) but even at those that do not, a majority of students may well have it - which means the course may be a challenge for those who don’t. That’s why I suggest finding out the numbers.

Thank you all. Lots of think about there. My own view is that he would be better suited to something other than straight maths, so I will definitely bring up joint degrees, Scottish system as options he may not have thought of.
The further maths advice is also helpful and appreciated.

What our DS discovered was, rather than "joint" Maths, i.e. Maths with Economics or Maths with Physics, he found "Financial Maths" which was it's own proper degree subject but that concentrated on statistics and probability kinds of Maths, no geometry nor engineering Maths, but also lots of modules on business finance, economics and accounting. It was exactly what he was looking form as he had no interest in geometry/engineering/trigonometry etc., which seemed at least partly still obligatory modules in the "Maths with economics" or "Maths with business" kinds of degrees. From what I gather, the "with" subject is always a kind of "after thought" or side issue, often just one module per year with Maths being the dominant subject, whereas business/finance/economics is "baked in" to the Financial Maths degree course as integral and integrated with proper links with the Uni's business & finance department. Lancaster, Leeds and York all seem to offer Financial Maths and are highly regarded for the subject.

@poetryandwine If he’s going to the expense of 4 years in Scotland, he’s almost certainly better off swerving maths and doing Environmental Engineering at a uk university. He could then look at MEng. He doesn’t need Physics and probably won’t find a majority with FM either. It’s a good area of engineering to get into these days.

Agree Env Eng is a great field, especially now, @OhDear111 . I think it is largely a question of what DS wants, and whether he feels the need to continue exploring before committing fully to a degree programme.

I have two young cousins (brothers) both studying Env Eng. The one finishing up has already taken an excellent job, where he did his internship last summer. They are both having a great time.

@poetryandwine I was looking from a value for money point of view. Although if dc really wants maths, it won’t suit. For anyone wanting less intense maths, it could. Solutions to environmental problems like flooding are needed. I think it’s a better shout than financial maths personally but DS should do what interests him. Lots of dc don’t know about the vast array of engineering degrees though so just think working for Dyson is engineering.

DD is studying in Sheffield and loves the city and student experience there. (Not maths)
Some colleges offer FM as a one year course? But maybe only for the highly motivated.
DD did an EPQ and got a reduced offer from Sheffield.

I agree with all of this.

Many lack a real idea of what engineers do. Engineering can be very creative!

For those who like maths and physics with an emphasis on applications, it can be a hugely satisfying career. Well worth some thought by this DS, IMO.

Many Env Eng courses don’t require physics and I don’t think DS is taking it. So Env Eng is quite unusual in this as applicants require maths and a science. He’s doing geography and biology so should be a good fit. I also think it’s got better career prospects than Env science. DN did that but it’s not easy to get a job and too many are with low paying charities. Engineering has better job outcomes.

@OhDear111 I had forgotten which ALs DS is doing - I am posting in a rush. I only meant that I think most engineers appreciate the basic principles of physics intuitively, have - or develop - a good sense of scale, etc. Not to suggest the ALs suitable for Env Eng, which is not my field.

Friends' DD did Financial Maths at Hertfordshire. I think she did a year abroad. I dont think she is particularly sporty, but another friend's DS did Economics there and had a sports scholarship. Not for football or cricket, though. (Sorry, this is a bit 'logic puzzle' like, I know, but both liked the university.

Swansea seems to tick all the boxes.

They offer a joint in Maths and Sports Science -would that be of interest?

Liverpool would take him at A star B C.

I think he probably needs to dig deep into exactly what the maths courses are made up module wise to see what matches his interests

DS1 did maths and statistics at Liverpool. He loved it and now works for the civil service. He played cricket for the uni third team which was good fun too!

I was just looking for that course, wondering if PE A level would be required, but the link goes to page not found. So maybe they don't do it – shame as it might be a good shout for the OP's DS.

ETA: Agree re Swansea in general tho, underrated uni IMO