Mathematician

Mathematics and statistics play a part in almost all daily activities. Mathematicians research mathematical theory and techniques which can be applied to real life problems.

Mathematicians work in either applied or theoretical (pure) mathematics or both.

Many areas of work use applied mathematics or have a high mathematics content including, for example, engineering and science. They may be known as analysts, programmers, consultants, modellers, designers, engineers and statisticians.

Mathematicians in academic settings may study pure mathematics and carry out research without an immediate practical goal or they may work on a real-life problem with colleagues or an external company.

Many mathematicians may work standard office hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with extra hours to meet project deadlines.

The work is often office based. Some travel may be needed to meet clients or attend conferences.

Salaries range from about £25,000 a year to over £100,000 in industry.

Mathematicians must:

• be logical thinkers, able to analyse complex problems
• have a keen eye for detail
• have a natural feeling for problem solving
• be able to work in a team and on their own initiative
• be self-critical and able to identify sources of error
• have an awareness of the commercial environment in which they work.

Mathematicians are employed across the UK and overseas in education and research, finance, insurance, banking, engineering, ICT, architecture, design, political research and medicine. Public sector employers include research institutions, universities and government departments. Large companies in a variety of fields, including defence, software, engineering and management consultancy, also employ mathematicians.

Mathematicians usually hold a first degree, generally in mathematics, statistics, operational research, physics or another subject with a high mathematical content. Many also have a postgraduate qualification. An MSc usually takes one year full time, while a PhD usually requires three or four years' full-time study. The Open University and several other universities and colleges offer degrees in mathematics and statistics by distance learning.

Training is mainly on the job, usually within a structured graduate training scheme. There may be a need to acquire additional qualifications relating to the specific area of work.

With experience, mathematicians may lead a research team or take on a more specialist role. It may be possible to move into a more general role such as management or marketing.

Further details