Keeping HE Maths where it Counts - The decline in provision of mathematical sciences courses with more moderate entry requirements: drivers and implications (Jun 2007)
Professor Nigel Steele

Closure of mathematics departments and the termination of recruitment to mathematics courses have a number of effects which are not restricted to the loss of student opportunity, and work against Government and HEFCE targets. The main emphasis of this report is on the availability of high-quality local course provision for able students who, for a variety of reasons, need or wish to live at home whilst studying on a full-time basis. The report also discusses the beneficial effects of Higher Education mathematics and statistics departments on the local community and its economy, and looks at some of the drivers in the HE funding system which threaten the continued existence of some mathematics departments.

Higher Education in Facts and Figures
Research and Innovation Summer 2007

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) – Annex to the subject benchmark statement for mathematics, statistics and operational research
The draft new annex to the subject benchmark for mathematics, statistics and operational research to cover integrated master’s is available on the QAA website for consultation. The closing date for responses is Friday 21 November 2008. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/review06.asp

UCAS
Understanding the 14-19 Diplomas
The new Diploma is an alternative to the traditional GCSE or A level route. It offers a mix of classroom learning, creative thinking and hands-on experience.

Statements from universities and colleges about the Diploma
Some universities and colleges have provided a statement regarding their view of the Advanced Diploma

Engineering diploma breathes new life into university engineering degrees
The new Advanced Diploma in Engineering has been acknowledged by admissions tutors as an approved route for studying engineering at university, at an event held at JCB World Headquarters at Rocester, Staffordshire on 30th October, 2007.

more maths grads
"more maths grads" is a three-year £3.3 million programme funded by HEFCE, designed to increase and widen participation in undergraduate degrees in the mathematical sciences. It will operate through four key themes: increasing awareness of career opportunities; helping school students to find more enjoyment and fulfilment in studying mathematics; increasing and developing teachers' enjoyment and confidence in mathematics; and development of aspects of the higher education curriculum. It will do all this in three areas of the country for the three years, with a view to national coverage later.

Royal Society Report: 'A degree of concern? UK first degrees in science, technology and mathematics'
There have long been concerns that the UK education system may not provide the numbers of skilled people needed for the workforce. This report sets out the background information and initial findings of a project to explore the widespread concerns over the supply of skilled people needed to maintain the UK as a leading knowledge economy. The report concentrates on science, technology and maths (STM) first degree courses in the UK.

The UAS - Giving Our New Young Scientists Vital Skills For The Future
Launched in 2002 by science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh, the Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS) is proving a highly popular new way of introducing science, technology, engineering and mathematics students to the real world of teaching and providing them with the opportunity to gain transferable skills which will be invaluable in their future careers.
For more information, please visit www.uas.ac.uk.

Mathematics Departments - UK

Mathematics Departments - Ireland