General advice about choosing options
This page contains general points to bear in mind when thinking about your module choices and options. Please note that there are more pages providing more detailed advice about choosing options which are specific to degree programmes and year groups elsewhere in this handbook. It's important you read these carefully too - you can find them in the left hand menu arranged by degree programme.
Key Points
Other than making sure you comply with the regulations for your degree (see the detailed regulations elsewhere in this handbook), there are two points to bear in mind when choosing modules.
- First, you should choose modules you are really interested in; finding optional modules you are well motivated to work on is an excellent path to success at university.
- Second, you have to figure out how to divide your time and, later in the year, count CATS and think about exam strategy. Do not take extra optional modules if you are unable to devote the necessary time to them. Following a university lecture course requires a substantial input of effort and thought for each lecture from you, in addition to revision work in the vacation and before the exams.
- In each year of your programme, among other regulations, is the requirement that you need to pass 90 CATS of modules at the corresponding level of study. This is a reference to the FHEQ level of the modules you take, it means passing
- 90 CATS of modules at FHEQ Level 4 in year 1 to progress to year 2
- 90 CATS of modules at FHEQ Level 5 in year 2 to progress to year 3
- 90 CATS of modules at FHEQ Level 6 or above in year 3 (to be awarded an honours degree in the case of a BSc course or to progress to year 4 in the case of the MMath)
- 90 CAT of modules at FHEQ Level 7 in year 4 to be awarded an MMath.
In general a module with code of the form xxnxx is at FHEQ Level n + 3 but there are some exceptions, see Maths Degree Programmes for a full explanation of FHEQ levels.
Note that this requirement means that it is sensible to take one or two extra modules, above 90 CATS, at the FHEQ level you are required to pass in each year so that you can afford to fail at least one module at that level.
Before reaching a final decision on which modules to take, it's always a good idea to consult your personal tutor.
Look ahead!
A module you want to take next year may have a prerequisite module, which you therefore should take this year. There is often no rigid requirement that you have taken the earlier module for exam (although if you don't know the material or the points of view of the earlier module, you may have some reading up or some figuring out to do later) but note that some departments will require you to have taken the prerequisites for examination, such as the Warwick Business School (WBS) and Economics.
For instance, MA3G1 Theory of PDEs requires MA263 Multivariable Analysis. A second year Computer Science module may need knowledge of MA117 Programming for Scientists (which is equivalent to CS118 Programming for Computer Scientists (but CS118 cannot be taken by Maths students, they must take MA117 instead).
To find what you need to know in advance for a given Maths module, look at its module page in this handbook. These are linked from this handbook but to get there directly the URLs have the form (example for MA124 given):
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/maths/currentstudents/modules/ma124
For modules provided by departments other than Mathematics, links are generally given in this handbook or you can refer to the department's webpages themselves.
For students on a joint degree, or hoping to change to one, the stated prerequisites are usually compulsory.
Pure or Applied?
Rather than deciding straight away that you don't like pure maths or applied maths, wait until you've taken some of your core modules. You'll probably find that neither is quite what you expect it to be, and this will inform your choices for year 2.
Two strings to your bow
By choosing options systematically from a second subject, you can develop a sideline, for example, in Statistics, Business Studies, Economics, Computing, or Engineering. By doing this, you can come very close to following a joint degree, and, indeed, keep that option open. The following First Year modules are those recommended by those departments listed in the example.
- Statistics: we have a dedicated page to outline progression through Statistics modules to keep your options as wide as possible,
- Computer Science: MA117 Programming for Scientists.
- Economics: EC106 Introduction to Quantitative Economics.
- Warwick Business School: IB104 Mathematical Programming I.
- Philosophy: PH144 Mind and Reality, PH146 Reason, Argument and Analysis.
- Physics: PX155 Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity, PX157 Electricity and Magnetism, PX156 Quantum Phenomena.
Learning a Language
The Language Centre (http://warwick.ac.uk/languagecentre) offers a wide range of modules at various levels in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Portuguese and Spanish.
These modules are available via the two programmes provided by the Language Centre (note all Language Centre modules should be taken as Unusual Options but submission of an Unusual Option form is not required):
1. Academic Programme
Students across Warwick can take an optional module for credit as part of this programme (or alongside their degree not for credit, see LLL below). Ten languages are offered: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. See The Language Centre - Academic Modules for a full list with module codes.
2. LLL (Lifelong Language Learning) Programme
This programme is available to students (not for credit), members of staff, and members of the public. It allows participants to learn a language at a slower pace with a lighter workload. Eleven languages are offered: the same ten languages as the academic programme, plus Hindi. See University of Warwick: The Language Centre: Language Courses
Most students opt for an academic module for credit. The information below pertains to these modules.
The Language Centre describes its modules in terms of levels (which are not the same as FHEQ levels!).Level 1 is for absolute beginners, i.e students who have never learnt the language up to level 7 which is advanced and aimed at students who are not native speakers to become fluent in the language. There are also Beginners Accelerated (covering levels 1 and 2 in one year) and Intermediate Accelerated (covering levels 3 and 4 in one year) modules. Modules have titles like French 3, indicating the module is at level 3.
The table below shows the availability of modules at various levels by their code. Note that it is now possible (from 24/25 onwards) for third and fourth year students to take language modules at FHEQ Level 6. Indeed these students must take the LL3xx versions of the modules.
| Language Centre Level | Modules for year 1 and year 2 students, FHEQ level shown with code type in brackets |
Modules for year 3 and year 4 students, all at FHEQ Level 6, code type in brackets. |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 4 (LL1xx) | Not applicable, year 3 and year 4 students cannot take beginners level 1 language modules. |
| Level 2 | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Beginners Accelerated | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Level 3 | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Level 4 | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Intermediate Accelerated | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Level 5 | 5 (LL2xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Level 6 | 6 (LL3xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
| Level 7 | 6 (LL3xx) | 6 (LL3xx) |
For example year 1 and year 2 students can take LL236 French 3 which is at FHEQ Level 5 and year 3 students must take LL336 French 3 for finalists which has additional assessment objectives and is at FHEQ Level 6.
Enrolment for academic programme language modules opens during Welcome week via an online form Language Centre - Academic Enrolment (warwick.ac.uk). Note that part of the enrolment process for language modules involves a individual Teams meeting where your proficiency in the language is assessed and your motivations for taking the module are discussed.
Note
- you may only take one language module for credit in each year.
- all language modules must be taken as an Unusual Option, but you do not need to fill in an Unusual Options form!
- plan ahead! Note that third year student cannot take beginners level (level 1) language modules and fourth year students cannot take any language modules.
To change course, or to take options?
A small number of students take advantage of the Mathematics Department's flexible options policy by remaining on the mathematics degree course, while taking up to 50% of their course credit from another department. If you wish to do this as an alternative to transferring to another department or changing to a joint degree, it's fine by us. The only essential point is that, in order to remain on the maths degree, you must satisfy our requirements (notably in the 3rd year of the BSc. taking at least 57 CATS credits from List A, including at least 45 CATS of modules with codes beginning MA3 or ST318).
If you transfer to another department or a joint degree, you will of course have a different set of requirements, possibly more substantial and less flexible.
Where am I going? Which modules lead to which?
At every stage it is important to look ahead. Otherwise you might one term run out of modules you want to take, or find that you have not taken modules one year that are prerequisites for modules you want to take in a later year.
Most modules and descriptions list some prerequisite courses. These are usually advisory rather than compulsory unless explicitly stated, but the advice should be taken seriously. If you know which modules you want to take in future, you should also ask advice from your tutor about the optional modules to select now.
Within the Mathematics Department you can usually still take a module even if you have not done all the previous modules you are supposed to need. In that case you might find it very difficult, but if you are resourceful and determined there is usually a way round (ask the lecturer for advice).
If you are taking modules in other Departments and particularly if you are on a joint degree, it may sometimes be compulsory to have taken prerequisite modules; you should read other Department's course descriptions very carefully.
It is possible to take second year optional maths modules in the third year. You may wish to consider delaying optional modules in this way if you are finding the mathematics very challenging, or if you are just too busy with other choices.
NOTE: fourth year MMath students will only be able to take second year modules as Unusual Options, and will need to provide a compelling reason for doing so. Module choices should take this into account.
Advice specifically for first year students
As described in the General section of this handbook, first-year Mathematics students get regular supervisions in groups in Terms 1 and 2, and the first 6 weeks of Term 3, in groups (normally of five) which are assigned at the start of the year. Personal tutors are available to answer questions about the course, individual modules, or anything else within reason.
Your A level background. There are many different A level syllabuses, with wide variations from one exam board to another, and from one selection of modules to another; in addition, not all schools teach the entire syllabus. Thus, some students may have missed out on some material which is needed for degree work, or may only have covered some topics skimpily and without adequate practice.
For the success of your career at Warwick, it is most important that you know these topics inside out, and are able to work with them fluently, confidently, and rapidly, even in the new and sometimes unexpected contexts of university maths. In the middle of a complicated argument, a lecturer may well simply assume that you can handle this kind of stuff easily and transparently, and lack of this ability may be a serious impediment to getting the most out of the course. Before you arrive you should have attempted the Refresher Mathematics module, MA1K2, to make sure that you are up to date and proficient in the material that you need to know. This module will appear on your registrations, but does not count for any credit towards your degree.
Tutorials. Every student has a personal tutor, with whom they will (where possible) remain throughout their degree. Tutors usually see their first-year students in groups of five once every two weeks, though students can see their tutors individually, in principle, as often as they want. The aim of the regular meetings is to find out how the students are getting on, and to provide extra help where needed. At the start of the year, your tutor can also help you to choose your optional modules.
The relationship between student and tutor is an important one. Your tutor is there to help you not only with mathematical difficulties, but also with other problems that may arise: difficulties in settling down to a steady programme of study, noisy neighbours in the Halls of Residence, how to catch up after an absence through illness, etc. etc. He or she also plays an important role after examinations at the end of each year. For example, if your marks are lower than they should be because you were unwell during your exams, they can give you advice and in the case of mitigating circumstances provide secondary evidence for the exam board (you must always provide primary evidence from third party professionals such as doctors or counsellors). Of course, this can only happen if he or she knows you and has a good idea of your ability. See also the section on Mitigating Circumstances.
Advice specifically for second year students.
Several maths modules are now cross-listed between years of study, year 2 and year 3 in this case.
| Module | Year 2 version, at FHEQ Level 5 | Year 3 version, with additional assessment, at FHEQ Level 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Combinatorics | MA241 | MA341 |
| Geometry | MA243 | MA343 |
| Combinatorial Optimisation | MA252 | MA352 |
| Theory of ODEs | MA254 | MA354 |
| Introduction to Number Theory | MA257 | MA357 |
| Asymptotics and Integral Transforms | MA269 | MA369 |
This mean that these modules appear in both the year 2 and the year 3 optional module lists. If you are considering taking any of these modules then you should also consider whether to take them in year 2 or year 3. You may wish to take such a module in year 2, as an FHEQ Level 5 module, if it is a prerequisites for modules you are likely to take later or in year 3. You may wish to take such a module in year 3, as FHEQ Level 6 module, to help you to meet the requirement to take and pass at least 90 CATS of FHEQ Level 6 modules during year 3.
Note that MA350 Partial Differential Equations is available for the first time from 24/25 as a FHEQ Level 6 module but this is only available to students who did not previously take MA265 Methods of Mathematical Modelling 3 in 23/24.
Finally, if your first year results were disappointing, care in choosing modules may help to turn a third class first year performance into a second class degree result. For example, if you are a G100 student, you could consider restricting your Maths to the Core/Optional Core/List A requirement (totalling to 75 CATS, see G100 Year 2 Specifications) and taking more outside options. Modules from Social Studies and Humanities usually produce marks that cluster more in the second class, so you are more likely to get a respectable mark from such options. Business Studies, Education, Law and Politics offer usual options in the second year without prerequisites.