Durham University is ranked among the top ten universities in the UK for Mathematics by major national league tables, including The Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide. As a member of the Russell Group, the Durham Maths entry requirements reflect the academic rigour of the programme.
Although the Durham Maths entry requirements may initially appear less demanding than those of some other Russell Group Mathematics courses– such as Warwick Maths – applicants are still expected to achieve strong academic results. Prospective students are also encouraged to take a mathematics admissions test, such as the TMUA or STEP, to strengthen their application.
In this guide, we examine the Durham Maths entry requirements in detail and use admissions data from previous cycles to provide context on competitiveness. We also outline specific requirements for international students and practical steps applicants can take to improve their chances of admission.
Available Mathematics Degrees At University of Durham
Within Durham’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, there are four courses, including two MMath options. These are:
- BSc Mathematics (UCAS code: G100), which is a 3-year full-time course leading to a Bachelor’s degree
- MMath Mathematics (UCAS code: G103), which is a 4-year full-time course leading to a Master’s degree
- BSc Mathematics and Statistics (UCAS code: G111), which is a 3-year full-time course leading to a Bachelor’s degree
- MMath Mathematics and Statistics (UCAS code: G114), which is a 4-year full-time course leading to a Master’s degree
The first two years of both MMath courses follow a similar structure to their BSc counterparts, but from the third year onwards offer a broader range of modules that explore advanced mathematical and statistical techniques in greater depth.
The entry requirements for these four degrees are identical, and Durham University recommends that applicants take the TMUA or STEP.
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What Type Of Maths Student Is Durham Looking For?
Mathematical Sciences at Durham University offer broad and rigorous curriculums covering Pure Mathematics, Applied & Computational Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematical & Theoretical Physics and Probability. Teaching is strongly research-led, with many members of the department actively involved in current mathematical research. As a result, the courses place particular emphasis on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to engage with abstract concepts in depth.
The structure of the Mathematics BSc (G100) course reflects this academic focus. The first year provides a broad foundation across core areas of mathematics, while the second and final years offer increasing flexibility, allowing students to specialise or continue studying a wide range of mathematical disciplines. In the final year, students complete an independent project, which further highlights the importance Durham places on independent thinking and academic exploration.
For applicants, this means that meeting the Durham Maths entry requirements is only one part of a strong application. While high grades are essential, successful applicants are also expected to demonstrate genuine academic interest in the subject beyond the syllabus. You may include evidence of independent problem-solving, wider reading in Mathematics, participation in maths competitions or enrichment activities, or engagement with mathematical topics outside the classroom.
The personal statement is a key opportunity to demonstrate this academic curiosity. You should aim to show not only what you have studied, but why you are interested in mathematics and how you have developed your skills in reasoning, analysis, and independent learning.
Durham Maths Entry Requirements
Below are the entry requirements for Mathematical Sciences at Durham University.
General GCSE Requirements
For Mathematics at Durham University, A-level qualifications are the primary focus of the admissions process. While GCSE performance is considered, it plays a secondary role compared to post-16 study.
Durham does not specify formal GCSE subject or grade requirements for Mathematics. However, as with most competitive UK university courses, applicants are generally expected to have achieved at least a Grade 4 (C) in GCSE Mathematics and English. These are standard baseline expectations across UK higher education rather than specific requirements set by Durham.
The particular GCSE subjects taken are unlikely to have a significant impact on an application, as Mathematics is a compulsory subject at GCSE level. While some schools offer GCSE Further Mathematics, holding this qualification is not required and typically does not provide a meaningful advantage in the admissions process. Similarly, optional GCSEs such as Statistics or ICT are not decisive for Maths admissions.
Overall, GCSEs are best viewed as a supporting component of an application, with far greater emphasis placed on A-level Mathematics (and Further Mathematics, where available) and overall academic performance.
A-Level Requirements
For applicants taking A-levels, Durham University sets high academic expectations for the Mathematics BSc (G100), reflecting the quantitative and theoretical demands of the course.
Typical A-Level Offer
Grades: A*A*A
- A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Alternatively, applicants may receive an offer of A*AA, including A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, provided they achieve a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics admissions test.
Grades: A*AA
- A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and
- Suitable performance in either the TMUA or STEP
Contextual A-Level Offer
Durham also makes contextual offers to eligible applicants. The typical contextual A-level offer is A*A*C, which must include A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. In some cases, contextual applicants may receive an offer of A*AB or A*AC, including A*A in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, again subject to a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics admissions test.
Grades: A*A*C
- A*A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and
- Suitable performance in either the TMUA or STEP
Alternative Qualifications
In addition to A-levels, Durham University accepts several alternative UK, EU, and other international qualifications for entry to its courses. If you’re applying with alternative qualifications you will need to consult the official university pages, as requirements can vary depending on factors such as the country of study. Some UK qualifications, such as the Welsh Baccalaureate, are not normally accepted toward offers for Mathematics.
These qualifications include but are not limited to:
BTEC/OCR
Applications from students taking a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma are also accepted, with expected grades of D*D*D to D*DD. Applicants must also meet the A-level requirements outlined above where applicable.
BTEC/OCR Offer:
- D*D*D to D*DD, and
- A-level requirements
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD)
Standard offer: 38 points, including 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches), and 7–7–6 in the remaining Higher Level subjects or 7-6-6 in higher level subjects, including a 7 in Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches) and a suitable performance in an accepted mathematics test.
Scottish Advanced Highers
Admissions Test Recommendations
While Durham University does not require an admissions test for entry to the Mathematics BSc (G100) or related courses, applicants are strongly encouraged to sit an additional mathematics test if available.
Accepted optional tests:
The purpose of the test is to demonstrate mathematical ability and problem-solving skills beyond standard qualifications which helps the admissions team identify candidates most likely to succeed on the course. Additionally, by taking a test and achieving a sufficiently high score may entitle you to a reduced offer, lowering the grade requirements for entry. For more details on scoring, consult our TMUA Scoring & Results 2025 Guide.
Personal Statement
As is standard for any university application in the UK, you will need to write and submit a personal statement as a part of your UCAS Application. The statement will be submitted digitally, is written in three parts and cannot exceed 4,000 characters.
The personal statement provides context for your application and acts as a short sales pitch for yourself as a potential student, all based on three questions that have been set by UCAS. It’s your chance to explain why you want to study mathematics, discuss your experiences with the subject both in and out of school, and showcase what you can contribute to the university if accepted.
Durham University doesn’t have formal scoring or specific requirements for personal statements, but generally, most universities consider factors like your motivation, community involvement, work experience, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities.
Interview
For Maths at Durham you will not need to give an interview as part of your application.
English Language Requirements
If you have not recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the recognised English-speaking countries, you will need to prove your knowledge of English. This is commonly achieved through English Language Proficiency Tests, such as Academic IELTS and PTE, which generally should be taken within two years and one month before the start date of your course. The language level required for Mathematical Sciences at Durham is Band B.
Recognised English-Speaking Countries
If you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries you do not need to prove your knowledge of English.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- the British Overseas Territories
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if:
- You’re a national of Canada
How Competitive is Maths at Durham University?
While some admissions data from more recent entries were excluded from the University’s response to a FOI (Freedom of Information) request, data from previous years provides useful context when assessing how competitive Maths at Durham University is.
For example, in the 2022/23 admissions cycle, the G100 Mathematics BSc course had an offer rate (offers divided by applications) of approximately 80%. However, success rates beyond the offer stage were significantly lower, with an offer-holder acceptance rate (enrolled students divided by offers) of around 29% and an overall enrolment rate (enrolled students divided by applications) of approximately 23%.
This gap indicates that while a large proportion of applicants may meet the minimum entry requirements, successful applicants are typically those who achieve the required grades comfortably and present a strong overall academic profile.
G100 Mathematics BSc — Admissions Overview
2023/24 Entry
Applications: 635
Offer Rate: 22.7%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: N/A
Overall Enrolment Rate: N/A
Enrolment data for the 2023/24 admissions cycle was not released under FOIA, so acceptance and enrolment rates cannot be calculated.
2022/23 Entry
Applications: 725
Offer Rate: 80%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 29%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 23%
2021/22 Entry
Applications: 830
Offer Rate: 80%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 26%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 21%
2019/20 Entry
Applications: 605
Offer Rate: 79%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 25%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 20%
The success rates shown above combine both UK and overseas applicants. When the data is split by fee status, another clear difference emerges, particularly for international applicants. For example, in the 2022/23 cycle, the offer-holder acceptance rate for overseas applicants was just 5.3%, with an overall enrolment rate of 4.7%.
G100 Mathematics BSc — Admissions Overview (UK vs non-UK Applicants)
2022/23 Entry
(Overseas Applicants)
Applications: 215
Offer Rate: 88.4%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 4.7%
(UK Applicants)
Applications: 510
Offer Rate: 76.5%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 41%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 31.4%
2021/22 Entry
(Overseas Applicants)
Applications: 245
Offer Rate: 85.7%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 6.1%
(UK Applicants)
Applications: 585
Offer Rate: 77.8%
Offer-holder Acceptance Rate: 35.2%
Overall Enrolment Rate: 27.4%
Overall, this data reinforces that the Durham Maths entry requirements should be viewed as a baseline rather than a guarantee of enrolment. In addition to achieving the required grades, applicants — particularly those applying from overseas — should be aware of other factors that can influence outcomes, including conditional offers, competing university offers, and practical considerations such as visa timelines.
Conclusion
Understanding the Durham Maths entry requirements is only the first step in crafting a strong application. While high grades in Mathematics and Further Mathematics are essential, they are not the sole criteria for admission. Durham seeks students who demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills, and the ability to engage deeply with mathematical concepts both inside and outside the classroom. Independent study, participation in maths competitions, and engagement with research-led projects can all help applicants stand out.
Admissions data from previous cycles shows that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee enrolment. With offer rates around 80% but overall enrolment closer to 23%, the course is highly competitive, particularly for international applicants. This emphasises the importance of presenting a well-rounded application, including strong personal statements, optional mathematics test scores (TMUA or STEP), and a clear demonstration of academic motivation.
If you are planning to apply for Durham Maths, you should approach the application process strategically, using the entry requirements as a roadmap. Planning ahead, ensuring subject prerequisites are met, and taking advantage of optional enhancements like admissions tests or enrichment activities can significantly improve the likelihood of success. By combining academic excellence with evidence of genuine passion for mathematics, you can maximise their chances of joining one of the UK’s leading mathematics programmes. We wish you every success in your academic journey.
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