The IMA welcomes the Mathematical Sciences recruitment and graduate outcomes – A diversity perspective of the landscape of Mathematical Sciences in UK universities report, commissioned by the Heads of Department of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS) and the Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS).
This report examines the landscape regarding recruitment to mathematical sciences first degree subjects across the UK and outcomes achieved by graduates from these degrees. The research sought to examine pre-university entry attainment patterns (i.e. A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Highers and Advanced Highers in Scotland) and to examine diversity from the perspectives of sex and socio-economic background in relation to graduate outcomes. The aim of the study has been to help inform a better understanding of how such diversity relates to mathematical sciences graduates’ careers. The report uses HESA and UCAS data 2016-2021.
Findings are that overall, the number of acceptances to mathematical sciences degrees fell slightly over the period to around 8,300 in 2021, but trends differ between institutions according to their entry requirements. Those with the highest entry requirements accepted increasing numbers of entrants. Those with lower entry requirements accepted fewer entrants, with the largest relative declines among institutions with the lowest entry requirements.
There was little evidence that an institution’s entry requirement was associated with differing employment and/or further study rates post-graduation. Around 89% of graduates were in employment and/or further study post-graduation, irrespective of the entry requirement category of the institution from which they graduated. Mathematical sciences graduates work across the economy and a high proportion are employed in managerial/professional/ associate professional occupations. Proportions in different types of employment do vary by institutional entry requirement, with a lower proportion of those from the highest entry requirement institution going into teaching than from the lowest entry requirement institutions (8% vis 25%) for example.
Conclusions that can be drawn are that mathematics is a gateway to successful employment, and that it is not necessary to get the very highest grades at A level Maths in order to do a mathematics degree and go on to employment.
The IMA’s MathsCareers website is an excellent source of inspiration and information for those considering a career in mathematics.
