Our modern society is underpinned by many mathematical results and insights. Mathematics is a living subject with new processes, techniques, and theories constantly being devised, tested, and explored. Mathematicians are at the forefront of breakthroughs in science, technology, and finance. Did you know: Money is kept secure when using internet banking protocols based on mathematical cryptography and prime numbers. Medical images such as MRI are reconstructed using mathematical tools that were first developed in the early 1800s. The mathematics of wavelet transformations helps us to understand seismic activity, which may one day assist us with the prediction of earthquakes. Mathematicians can find solutions to equations that govern the universe to help us understand physical phenomena, without the need for expensive experiments. Mathematical modelling can help with the protection of our native flora and fauna. Mathematical thought is one of the greatest human achievements, and has been around for over 4,000 years. In all these millennia, mathematicians have been one step ahead and are already preparing for the technological advances of the coming generation.

Perhaps the most important quality that a Mathematics graduate develops is the ability to reason logically and in-depth. Vocational courses provide expertise with an immediate usefulness, but technological change is rapid and what is learnt one year may be superseded within a decade. On the other hand, the habits of thought promoted by a study of Mathematics are of permanent value. Many Mathematics graduates move into teaching and significant numbers are absorbed by computing, finance, commerce, insurance and scientific establishments, such as the Crown Research Institutes. Employment opportunities are particularly good for people who combine qualifications in Mathematics with qualifications in other disciplines such as the Physical Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Management and Economics.