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Durham University

Durham

Competition for MSc mathematics with physics

I'm planning on going to durham in 2016 to study a BSc in maths with physics, but I wondered from anyone who takes this course if they know how busy/competitive it is to get in. I've not yet started my A levels but I'm taking maths, further maths, physics, economics and philosophy..all predicted at least an A, as I'm going to my high schools sixth form so they're able to make predictions for me. I know I also need to get an A* in either maths or physics to get on the course, but is there anything else I can try and do to improve my chances?

Reply 1

Namige

Concentrate on enjoying your summer for heaven's sake.

Durham University

Durham

Visit website

Reply 2

Infraspecies

Yes, get better grades than A
Also hobbies with transferable skills to which you can refer in your personal statement.
And be good at these hobbies.

Reply 3

theshinnbin

Maybe apply for a Nuffield summer placement next year or sit some UKMT competition papers or something similar

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Reply 4

godd

Jheez, maths at university is intense. Even though I did a maths degree, I wouldn't recommend it. It's so much abstract crap, you will never need or use in your life.

Stick to Finance, Economics, Accounting, Operational Research kids. The pure maths will only depress you.

Reply 5

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Terrible advice, OP please ignore.

Reply 6

godd

Original post by rayquaza17

Terrible advice, OP please ignore.

Why so?
I'm speaking from personal experience.

Reply 7

godd

From a pure sanity point of view, maths at a place such as warwick or cambridge is not ideal.

Reply 8

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Why so?
I'm speaking from personal experience.

The OP is obviously interested in maths and physics, and you're suggesting they go and do Economics or Finance!

How do you know the OP won't live pure maths??

Reply 9

godd

Original post by rayquaza17

The OP is obviously interested in maths and physics, and you're suggesting they go and do Economics or Finance!

How do you know the OP won't live pure maths??

Do you release how much of a mind**** maths is at cambridge?
No one enjoys that ****.

They only do it to get into IB at Goldman Sachs.

Reply 10

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Do you release how much of a mind**** maths is at cambridge?
No one enjoys that ****.

They only do it to get into IB at Goldman Sachs.

No, I don't study at Cambridge so I don't know.

Obviously some people enjoy it otherwise they would drop out? What about people going on to do postgrad in the areas that you hate??

Some people study maths because they love it, not because it's a means to an end.

Reply 11

godd

Maths at uni is 80% proofs. It's nothing like A Level maths.

Reply 12

godd

Original post by rayquaza17

Where do you study?

Reply 13

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Where do you study?

Newcastle.

Reply 14

godd

Original post by rayquaza17

Newcastle.

Word of advise. It only gets harder.
Especially 3rd year.

You are very brave doing maths.

Reply 15

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Word of advise. It only gets harder.
Especially 3rd year.

You are very brave doing maths.

What do you study and where?

3rd year might be hardest but it looks like the most interesting year!

I wouldn't say I was brave..

Reply 16

godd

Original post by rayquaza17

What do you study and where?

3rd year might be hardest but it looks like the most interesting year!

I wouldn't say I was brave..

Finished Msc Finance and Econometrics at QMUL.

Was hell I tell you!!! Econometrics at graduate level is basically meeting the devil and letting him **** you around.

Reply 17

rayquaza17

Original post by godd

Finished Msc Finance and Econometrics at QMUL.

Was hell I tell you!!! Econometrics at graduate level is basically meeting the devil and letting him **** you around.