Mathematics and Statistics

University of Edinburgh.

I took Maths, Further Maths and Physics as my A-levels, and also an Extended Project in Philosophy.

Moving from GCSEs to A-levels, I was unsure about which subjects to choose, and was worried about studying too many STEM subjects. However, I did not regret my choices and soon realised I loved the process of working through a tough question to reach an answer. I therefore chose to take maths further and study it at university, even though I had heard it would be a challenge. Maths is interactive and engaging, and I knew it would open a broad range of doors for me at the end of my degree because it is applicable to multiple fields of work. I also liked the idea of learning about all different fields of maths, from computing to statistics to pure maths.

A normal day includes a walk to campus in the morning for a couple of lectures. I usually meet friends for lunch and then head to the library to complete the week’s hand-ins, or go to a tutorial if I have one timetabled. In tutorials, you sit with a small group and work through problems together – this really helps with understanding. In the evening I usually have running training, and will then cook some pasta for dinner with my flatmates. Depending on the day of the week, I might also meet up with friends in the evening.

I like the problem-solving aspect of maths. Each lecture is engaging, and I have never found myself having to copy out facts. It’s all about thinking and trying to work through questions.

Some of the concepts at university level are really challenging, and I have often found myself switching off mid-lecture because I am completely confused. I have now learned to go back over material at the end of each week because some topics take a lot of re-reading and practice questions to make even the slightest bit of sense. However, with hard work, it all comes together in the end! It is also different to school because there isn’t a designated classroom teacher, however there are always tutors, students and lecturers to ask for help when you are stuck.

Ideally I would like to use the problem-solving, statistics and computing skills that I am currently learning to be effective and efficient in a business role. I would love to work at a company where I can travel and experience different cultures at the same time.

As with any subject, some concepts will sink in really easily, but sometimes they might take a little more time. If you put in the hard work and hours it will all come together in the end. Remember to enjoy it all too!