MMath vs BSci

Have tried to find a post that covers this but have failed.

Many universities offer both MMath and BSci (or BA) with common courses and grades. Does applying for one or the other reduce your chances of getting an offer ie is there a fixed number of places for both in a university? #mathematics #applications #ucas

Reply 1

UoS Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Caconym

Have tried to find a post that covers this but have failed.
Many universities offer both MMath and BSci (or BA) with common courses and grades. Does applying for one or the other reduce your chances of getting an offer ie is there a fixed number of places for both in a university? #mathematics #applications #ucas

Hello My name is Adama, a student rep a UOS.

This is a great question and I found this on the internet. Here's a breakdown of how MMath and BSc/BA programmes typically work, especially in the context of UK universities and UCAS applications.

"MMath This is usually a 4-year integrated Master's degree that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study. Whereas, BSc/BAs are typically 3-year undergraduate programmes. For students who perform well, some universities offer the option of transferring to the Math programme after a few years. In the early years, the courses for MMath and BSc/BA students are often very similar, if not identical. This is done to give students flexibility if they want to switch between the two programmes.
So, to answer your question, applying for one does not reduce your chances of getting an offer. In general, universities do not set aside a fixed number of places for MMath vs. BSc/BA applicants. Many institutions allow students to switch between the two during their course, depending on their academic performance. The main difference in admissions is often the entry requirements, where MMath may have slightly higher grade expectations due to its integrated Master's nature. However, if you're applying with good grades, you should be considered for both.
Universities also tend to allocate places based on demand and merit, rather than fixed quotas for MMath vs. BSc/BA programmes. If you have good grades and meet the entry requirements, applying to both won't necessarily reduce your chances. Often the decision to stay on a BSc/BA or switch to MMath is made after a year or two, giving students flexibility.
For example, when applying through UCAS, some students apply for the MMath programme because it gives them more flexibility (and they can always switch to a BSc/BA later if they wish). However, if you're unsure about committing to a 4-year programme, the BSc/BA with the option to transfer to MMath later may be more suitable."

My advice is to apply for the programme that matches your goals. If you're sure you want the extra year of study, go for the MMath. If you're unsure or prefer flexibility, the BSc/BA is fine, knowing that you can transfer to the MMath later based on performance. Hopefully, you will find this helpful.

Reply 2

Caconym

Thanks for responding. Really helpful.

Reply 3

McGinger

Usually, if the entry requirements are the same for both courses then they are assessed as one group and there are not separate quotas for each one - you would therefore have the same chance of an offer whichever you applied to. This is one reason for not applying for both a 3-year and 4-year degree in the same subject at the same Uni - you may be just applying for the same course twice. If in doubt, just call the Uni and ask - they wont mind.

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Most universities consider them as a single cohort. Note also its usually straightforward to move between the two versions of the courses within the first two years of the degree. In terms of student finance for UK students it's simpler to start on the 4 year course then swap to the 3 year course if you decide against it. As I understand for international students though with how the visa system works it's easier to start on the 3 year course then extend to the 4 year course!

Note also while often the undergraduate masters course may have slightly higher grades, unis will usually make an offer for the 3 year course if they feel you may not quite be at the grade requirement for the 4 year course but otherwise meet their requirements for the 3 year course.