is there a lack of maths at Lancaster uni
hi, I got an offer for Lancaster uni to study computer science and I am torn between Lancaster and Liverpool. the only thing stopping me from Lancaster is that I have heard about a lack of maths and im wondering if this will affect me in the future because I know places like Liverpool need a level maths or computer science while this course doesn't and I saw online someone say that it can prevent certain career paths, like quantum investing or something. will it be harder to get onto masters without the maths content? because I want to get onto computational neuroscience at Nottingham for masters. I know they are doing some changes to courses this year so they may include more maths. also I know they do minors at Lancaster (not sure if they still do after the changes) but does this mean ill be learning less computer science than I would be at other unis? thanks for any help
Reply 1
Hi there!
I am currently a Lancaster University student doing a joint major between Computer Science and Management, so I thought I would share my experience. In terms of the maths side, I personally don’t think the idea that Lancaster lacks maths in the course is really accurate. One of the main modules we study in first year is Fundamentals of Computer Science, which basically teaches you the fundamental mathematics behind computing. Then later on you still encounter quite a lot of maths depending on the modules you choose. For example, one of the modules I’m taking this year in third year is Computer Vision, and it is actually very heavy in mathematics (things like transformations, geometry, optimisation, etc.).
Regarding minors, you’re right that Lancaster offers that flexibility. You can choose minor modules in mathematics if you want more technical depth, or even do a joint major between Computer Science and Maths if that’s the direction you want to go. But doing minors definitely does not mean you’ll study less computing. It just means the university gives you flexibility to explore another area if you want , some people choose maths, others choose things like languages or business. You can also still pick more computing-related modules as your minor, so you stay very technical if that’s your preference.
In terms of careers and employability, I also wouldn’t worry too much about that. For example, I’ve secured a graduate role in FinTech, which is quite close to the quantitative finance space you mentioned, and the computing skills from Lancaster were definitely enough for that path. So overall, I’d say the course still gives you strong technical foundations and flexibility depending on what you want to specialise in later on.
Hope this helps and best of luck with your decision,
Best regards,
Maryam - Lancaster student ambassador
I am currently a Lancaster University student doing a joint major between Computer Science and Management, so I thought I would share my experience. In terms of the maths side, I personally don’t think the idea that Lancaster lacks maths in the course is really accurate. One of the main modules we study in first year is Fundamentals of Computer Science, which basically teaches you the fundamental mathematics behind computing. Then later on you still encounter quite a lot of maths depending on the modules you choose. For example, one of the modules I’m taking this year in third year is Computer Vision, and it is actually very heavy in mathematics (things like transformations, geometry, optimisation, etc.).
Regarding minors, you’re right that Lancaster offers that flexibility. You can choose minor modules in mathematics if you want more technical depth, or even do a joint major between Computer Science and Maths if that’s the direction you want to go. But doing minors definitely does not mean you’ll study less computing. It just means the university gives you flexibility to explore another area if you want , some people choose maths, others choose things like languages or business. You can also still pick more computing-related modules as your minor, so you stay very technical if that’s your preference.
In terms of careers and employability, I also wouldn’t worry too much about that. For example, I’ve secured a graduate role in FinTech, which is quite close to the quantitative finance space you mentioned, and the computing skills from Lancaster were definitely enough for that path. So overall, I’d say the course still gives you strong technical foundations and flexibility depending on what you want to specialise in later on.
Hope this helps and best of luck with your decision,
Best regards,
Maryam - Lancaster student ambassador
Reply 2
Original post
by Anonymoushi, I got an offer for Lancaster uni to study computer science and I am torn between Lancaster and Liverpool. the only thing stopping me from Lancaster is that I have heard about a lack of maths and im wondering if this will affect me in the future because I know places like Liverpool need a level maths or computer science while this course doesn't and I saw online someone say that it can prevent certain career paths, like quantum investing or something. will it be harder to get onto masters without the maths content? because I want to get onto computational neuroscience at Nottingham for masters. I know they are doing some changes to courses this year so they may include more maths. also I know they do minors at Lancaster (not sure if they still do after the changes) but does this mean ill be learning less computer science than I would be at other unis? thanks for any help
Hello!
I am also a Computer Science student in second year. Entry wise, yes, Lancaster is not as rigorous for maths, but you will be well-equipped by the time you'd graduate! So far the course hasn't been as maths heavy as some of them but like Maryam mentioned there is a major module in first year which covers a lot of maths and logic which you need, I am currently studying the AI module and there is a lot of maths in it about the different grouping methods and models! I do believe minors are likely to be scrapped after the changes, however the Computing department is putting together more modules. I would recommend you have a look at the Computing and Maths course as that will give you as much Maths as any other top uni!
If you can't find any major differences between that and the Liverpool course then make sure you have truly considered where you want to live! It's going to be 3 years of your life, would you rather be in a busier and bigger Liverpool or a smaller more welcoming Lancaster.
If you want to know anything else I'd be happy to help!
Best wishes
Zak (2nd year Computing)
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