UCAS code GV15
What are numbers? Do they exist? How can we know about them if they are not to be found in the familiar world of space and time that we inhabit? These are just some of the philosophical questions raised by the study of Mathematics.
The relationship between philosophy and mathematics runs both ways: mathematics has helped formalise the study of logical argument that lies at the base of all good philosophy. So, it is no surprise that some of the greatest philosophers (eg Descartes, Leibniz, Frege, and Russell) have been mathematicians too.
This programme allows you to study Mathematics and Philosophy in equal amounts over three years. The Philosophy component of the degree course includes modules in logic and the formal study of reasoning, in which you will learn how to assess arguments and construct proofs. You will learn how to understand complex and demanding texts, and to recognise good and bad arguments. In Mathematics, the core first-year modules introduce fundamental ideas, and are designed to bridge the gap between previous study and university. In subsequent years, you will generally take four modules in mathematics each year, choosing either to specialise or to continue to study a broad range of topics.
By the end of the programme, you will be able to understand complex and demanding texts, reason intelligently and imaginatively about ethical, metaphysical, and epistemological issues, and have a grasp of the advantages and problems of a wide range of metaphysical and philosophical views. In addition, you will have mastered a wide range of mathematical disciplines, and have extended your numerical, logical, and quantitative skills.
This programme is available with a Year in Industry. Year Three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. You will be supported by the School of the Arts and the Department of Philosophy throughout, and your reflective written account of the experience will contribute towards your final degree result. If you wish to study this programme with a Year in Industry, please put the option code ‘YI’ in the ‘Further Choices’ section of your UCAS application form.
We want you to feel welcome from the moment you apply to study at Liverpool. We offer lots of support for our students who are moving from abroad. We can welcome you at Manchester Airport with our meet and greet service (for September starts) and we have a friendly International Advice and Guidance team who run events to welcome you on to campus and provide in person support and events all year round.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will take seven required modules: four from Philosophy, and three core foundation modules from Mathematics; and choose one optional module from Mathematics in semester two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MIND, KNOWLEDGE AND REALITY (PHIL103) | 15 |
| PHILOSOPHY TOOLKIT (PHIL105) | 15 |
| CALCULUS I (MATH101) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA (MATH103) | 15 |
| CALCULUS II (MATH102) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC (PHIL127) | 15 |
| PHILOSOPHICAL INSIGHTS (PHIL106) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| NEWTONIAN MECHANICS (MATH122) | 15 |
| NUMBERS, GROUPS AND CODES (MATH142) | 15 |
| INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS USING R (MATH163) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In each semester, you will take 30 credits from Mathematics and 30 credits from Philosophy (SOTA260 counts towards Philosophy credits).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (MATH221) | 15 |
| LOGIC (PHIL207) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In each semester, you will take 30 credits of Mathematics and 30 credits of Philosophy. Modules weighted at 30 credits are whole-year modules and count as 15 credits per semester. SOTA300 counts as a Philosophy module.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In studying Philosophy you will learn how to defend your views with reasoned arguments, and to assess the arguments of others. Argumentative skills are learned through attending lectures and reading philosophical texts, developed by group seminar discussions, and formally assessed through essays and exams. You will complete modules to the value of 120 credits per year, from a wide range of options available. Most modules employ a blend of lectures, seminars, and online support materials. You will learn by reading and studying outside class time, by attending and participating in classes, by doing coursework and, for dissertations, via one-to-one meetings with a supervisor. There is also scope, both formally in the placement module and informally, for you to develop practical skills by volunteering.
In Mathematics, your learning activities will consist of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, problem classes, private study, and supervised project work. In year one, lectures are supplemented by a thorough system of group tutorials, and computing work is carried out in supervised practical classes. Key study skills, presentation skills, and group work start in first-year tutorials, and are developed later in the programme. The emphasis in most modules is on the development of problem solving skills, which are regarded very highly by employers. Project supervision is on a one-to-one basis, apart from group projects in year two.
Philosophy employs a mixture of modes of assessment: exams and coursework in many different varieties including essays, oral presentations, dissertations, exercises, and supported independent work (eg in the placement module).
In Mathematics, most modules are assessed by an examination lasting two and a half hours in January or May, but many have an element of coursework assessment. This might be through homework, class tests, mini-project work, or exercises in developing key skills.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | 26 points overall with no score less than 4 including 5 in HL Maths, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,4,4 in 3 HL subjects including 5 in HL Maths. Plus a minimum of 5 in SL/HL English A or 7 in SL English B or 6 in HL English B |
| HKDSE | 433 from 2 electives (including 4 in Extended Maths) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 4 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language |
| India Standard XII | Overall average of 60% from four core subjects including 75% in Maths, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) |
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
The Department of Philosophy is based in the School of the Arts, although teaching will take place across the campus, including Mathematics. Our staff and students have created an environment where critical, independent thinking flourishes, in a city that has a long tradition of welcoming radical thinkers and philosophers. Our friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere makes the exchange of ideas enjoyable, as well as intellectually stimulating.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The academic staff in the Department are fantastic and their doors are all open if you want to go and talk to them.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A mathematically-based degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including some of the most lucrative professions.
Recent employers of our graduates are:
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
US District Judge Wendy Beetlestone described her time at University of Liverpool as a “great start” that delivered the “thought discipline” that continues to influence her professional life.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
Full-time place, per year - £26,600
Year abroad fee - £13,300 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.
Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.
We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.
If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 7 July 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions