MORSE (BSc) (Full-Time, 2021 Entry)
This course is closed
for Clearing 2024
This course is closed for Clearing 2022
If you would like to study at Warwick, there are other courses available for 2025 entry.
UCAS Code
GLN0
Qualification
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration
3 years full-time
Start Date
27 September 2021
Department of Study
Department of Statistics
Location of Study
University of Warwick
Our MORSE degree balances mathematical theory and its practical applications, with subject specialists from the departments of Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Warwick Business School teaching core modules.
Course overview
MORSE balances mathematical theory and its practical applications with teaching from subject specialists from the departments of Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Warwick Business School. You will learn through a combination of lectures, small-group tutorials and practical sessions based in the Statistics Department’s well-equipped undergraduate computing laboratory. You can also take modules from outside the Statistics Department, for example from Physics, Philosophy or the Language Centre. We also work with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries to design modules that can lead to exemptions for some Actuarial Exams.
Course structure
The first two years of the MORSE degrees follow a (mainly) fixed set of courses, laying the foundations of the four main subjects. For part of the first two years, and the whole of the third, students are free to choose from a wide range of topics. Final year students can elect to specialise in one or two of the main subject areas or can continue a balanced programme by selecting topics from all four departments.
Year One:
The compulsory modules in year one concentrate on the underlying mathematical ideas. You also study basic material from economics and OR.
Year Two:
In year two the statistics, economics and OR are developed further, and there is a wide range of optional modules. At the end of year two, you finalise your choice between the three-year MORSE degree and the four-year MMORSE (the latter requiring you averaged of least 60% and took the module ST221 on linear statistical modelling).
Final years:
The third year includes optional modules on advanced probability, statistical modelling, and financial mathematics.
How will I learn?
You will learn from a combination of lectures, small-group tutorials and practical sessions based in the Statistics Department’s well-equipped undergraduate computing laboratory. Many core modules are designed specifically with MORSE students in mind. These cover the technical intricacies of theoretical subjects, while emphasising their modern applications.
Core modules are taught by staff from all four partner departments, and involve deriving theorems, optimisation, quantitative reasoning and modelling complex systems. MMORSE students work on their own research project under the guidance of a lecturer or professor.
Overseas and European students forming about one-third of the intake allowing our students to form lifelong, global friendship networks whilst at Warwick.
Class size
Class sizes vary from 15 students for selected optional modules up to 350 students for some core modules. Support classes usually consist of 15 students.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by a combination of closed and open-book examinations, continuous assessment and project work, depending on your options. The first year counts 10%, the second year 30% and the third year 60% towards the final BSc degree mark.
Work experience
You may additionally choose to spend an ‘intercalated’ year in an approved industry, business or university between your last two years at Warwick.
General entry requirements
A level:
- A*AA to include A* in Mathematics and A in Further Mathematics
- OR AAA to include Mathematics + STEP (grade 2)
IB:
- 37 overall to include 7 in Higher Level Mathematics ‘Analysis and Approaches’
- OR 36 overall to include 6 in Higher Level Mathematics ‘Analysis and Approaches’ + STEP (grade 2)
- OR 36 overall to include 7 in Higher Level Mathematics ‘Applications and Interpretations’ + STEP (grade 2)
Alternative offers and additional requirements:
Find out more about our typical conditional offers.
You will also need to meet our English Language requirements.
International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
Find out more about international entry requirements.
Contextual data and differential offers
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in the Realising Opportunities programme, or who meet two of the contextual data criteria. Differential offers will be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer (to a minimum of BBB).
Warwick International Foundation Programme (IFP)
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
Taking a gap year
Applications for deferred entry welcomed.
Interviews
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Year One
Introduction to Quantitative Economics
The focus of this module is mainly on economic theory but "real world" applications of relevant theories will also be examined, subject to time limitations. The module covers aspects of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics is concerned with the economic behaviour of individual consumers and producing firms, and their interaction in markets for goods, services and factors of production. Macroeconomics, on the other hand, is concerned with aggregate economic variables or the workings of the national economy as a whole such as Gross Domestic Product, unemployment, inflation and interest rates, and with government economic policies to influence these variables.
Mathematical Programming I
Operational Research is concerned with advanced analytical methods to support decision making, for example for resource allocation, routing or scheduling. A common problem in decision making is finding an optimal solution subject to certain constraints. Mathematical Programming I introduces you to theoretical and practical aspects of linear programming, a mathematical approach to such optimisation problems.
Linear Algebra
Linear algebra addresses simultaneous linear equations. You will learn about the properties of vector space, linear mapping and its representation by a matrix. Applications include solving simultaneous linear equations, properties of vectors and matrices, properties of determinants and ways of calculating them. You will learn to define and calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a linear map or matrix. You will have an understanding of matrices and vector spaces for later modules to build on.
Calculus
Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change. In this module there will be considerable emphasis throughout on the need to argue with much greater precision and care than you had to at school. With the support of your fellow students, lecturers and other helpers, you will be encouraged to move on from the situation where the teacher shows you how to solve each kind of problem, to the point where you can develop your own methods for solving problems. By the end of the year you will be able to answer interesting questions like, what do we mean by `infinity'?
Sets and Numbers
It is in its proofs that the strength and richness of mathematics is to be found. University mathematics introduces progressively more abstract ideas and structures, and demands more in the way of proof, until most of your time is occupied with understanding proofs and creating your own. Learning to deal with abstraction and with proofs takes time. This module will bridge the gap between school and university mathematics, taking you from concrete techniques where the emphasis is on calculation, and gradually moving towards abstraction and proof.
Statistical Laboratory 1
If you’re studying ST115 (Introduction to Probability) or ST111/2 (Probability), this course supports your understanding of statistical analysis. You’ll lay foundations for applying mathematical probability, and learn to calculate using probabilities and expectations. You’ll become familiar with the R software package for exploratory data analysis, and gain experience of elementary simulation techniques on real data, and, using visualisations, be able to propose probabilistic models for simple data sets. You’ll also cover sampling technique (standard discrete and continuous distributions – Bernoulli, geometric, Poisson, Gaussian and gamma) and learn generic sampling methods for univariate distributions, preparing you to move on to ST221 (Linear Statistical Modelling).
Introduction to Probability
Following modules MA137 (Mathematical Analysis) and MA138 (Sets and Numbers), this builds your knowledge by introducing key notions of probability and developing your ability to calculate using probabilities and expectations. You will experiment with random outcomes through the notion of events and their probability, and look at examples of discrete and continuous probability spaces. You will learn counting methods (inclusion–exclusion formula and binomial coefficients), and study theoretical topics including conditional probability and Bayes’ Theorem. Later, you will scrutinise important families of distributions and the distribution of random variables, and the light this shines on the properties of expectations. Finally, you will examine mean, variance and co-variance of distribution, through Chebyshev's and Cauchy-Schwartz inequalities.
Mathematical Techniques
Want to think like a mathematician? This practical, problem-solving module is for you. Building on your A-level knowledge, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and relations, using problem-solving techniques such as visualisation and pattern exploration. Using concrete examples from counting, combinatorics, calculus, geometry and inequalities, you will learn to express mathematical concepts clearly and precisely and enhance your mathematical and logical reasoning and communication skills. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to comprehend, construct, visualise and present a coherent mathematical argument.
Year Two
Stochastic Processes
The concept of a stochastic (developing randomly over time) process is a useful and surprisingly beautiful mathematical tool in economics, biology, psychology and operations research. In studying the ideas governing sequential stochastic processes, you’ll learn about Markov chains, which use conditional probability for a widely applicable family of random processes; random walks – the building blocks for constructing other processes as well as being important in their own right – and renewal theory, for processes that ‘begin all over again’. Your understanding will extend to notions of behaviour, including transience, recurrence and equilibrium, and you will apply these ideas to problems in probability theory.
Mathematical Methods
Following the algebraic modules MA106 (Linear Algebra) and MA137 (Mathematical Analysis), you will gain expertise in the everyday techniques of probability and statistics essential to your continued study. You will gain a grounding in optimisation, convergence, regression and best approximation. By the end of your course, expect to apply multivariate calculus (integration, calculation of under-surface volumes, variable formulae and Fubini’s Theorem) and to use partial derivatives, critical points and extrema, and to understand constrained optimisation. You will work on eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalisation, characteristic polynomials, constant co-efficient differential equations, and orthogonal bases and orthonormalisation. You will also study convergence and continuity in metric spaces to advance your mathematical thinking.
Mathematical Statistics Part A
If you have already completed ST115 (Introduction to Probability), on this module, you will have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge you need to study more advanced topics in probability. You will study discrete, continuous and multivariate distributions in greater depth, and also learn about Jacobian transformation formula, conditional and multivariate Gaussian distributions, and the related distributions Chi-squared, Student’s and Fisher. In the second part, you will move on to more advanced topics, including moment-generating functions for random variables, convergence, and the Law of Large Number and the Central Limit Theorem.
Mathematical Statistics Part B
If you’ve completed Part A, this second-term module is your next step, where you’ll study the major ideas behind statistical inference, with an emphasis on likelihood methods of estimation, repeated sampling, and testing. You’ll learn to apply important models (such as the parametrised statistical model), hypothesis tests, linear models, estimators, and the Chi-squared goodness of fit. You’ll spend time calculating sampling distributions (Fisher’s theorem), and confidence intervals, and understand the principles of data reduction, point estimation and the notion of sufficient statistics. You’ll also become familiar with asymptotic normality and contingency tables, giving you a very firm foundation for your future engagement in advanced mathematical statistics.
Mathematical Economics 1A
This module aims to provide a basic understanding of pure game theory and also introduce You will acquire a sense of the importance of strategic considerations in economic problem solving and will learn that a few simple, intuitive principles, formulated precisely, can go a long way in understanding the fundamental aspects of many economic problems.
Mathematical Programming II
This module builds on the first year module Mathematical Programming 1. You will learn how to identify the business problems that can be modelled using optimisation techniques and formulate them in a suitable mathematical form. You will then apply optimisation techniques to the solution of the problems using spreadsheets and other appropriate software and learn how to report on the meaning of the optimal solution in a manner suited to a business context.
Year Three
The third (final) year of the BSc has no compulsory modules, so you can specialise in your chosen area(s).
Examples of optional modules/options for current students
- Geometry and Motion
- Quantum Phenomena
- Games, Decisions and Behaviour
- Linear Statistical Modelling
- Simulation
- Introduction to Mathematical Finance
- Programming for Data Science
- Bayesian Forecasting and Intervention
- Mathematics of Machine Learning
- Statistical learning and Big Data (MMORSE)
- Advanced Trading Strategies (MMORSE)
Tuition fees
Find out more about fees and funding
Additional course costs
There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your Undergraduate degree course.
Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship 2021
Your career
Recent graduates have pursued job roles such as:
- Actuaries, economists and statisticians
- Software developers
- Chartered and certified accountants
- Finance and investment analysts
- Teachers
- Telecommunication designers
- Data scientists and engineers
- Academics
UK firms that have employed recent Warwick graduates from the Mathematics and Statistics Departments include:
- Adder Technology
- Amazon
- BlackRock International
- Merrill Lynch
- Brainlabs
- Civil Service
- Conduent
- Darktrace
- Deloitte
- Department of Health
- eBay
- Ford Motor Company
- Fore Consulting
- Goldman Sachs
- Government Actuaries
- Investec
- Jane Street Capital
- KPMG
- Lloyds
- MBDA
- Metaswitch
- Met Office
- Ministry of Justice
- RenaissanceRe (Syndicate 1458)
- Oxford Clinical Trials Unit
- Softwire
- Solid Solutions
- Sword Apak
- Ten10
- Towers Watson
- Xafinity
Helping you find the right career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Finding experience to boost your CV in Year One and Two
- Careers in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Interview skills for Statistics students
- Maths and Stats Careers Fair
"I like the way that there are so many people around you and there are a range of different modules to choose from as well. In first year all our modules were compulsory, in second year we have some modules that are compulsory and others that are optional and with the optional ones you get to study with people from other departments who you can talk to and understand stuff together. That’s the part that I really enjoy about it because if something doesn't make sense to me I can ask someone else and get their perspective and through that I can actually get a better understanding.
This year, I participated in quite a lot of the MORSE society events, so there's social events and sporting events so we play football every Wednesday from 4-6pm and that’s quite enjoyable because it’s a good way of getting to know people and making friends across years. It also means that, if they've been in your situation, you can also ask them for help and ask them how they made it through the situation you are in now and that’s quite beneficial as well."
Jason
BSc MORSE
This information is applicable for 2021 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.