Course Accreditation and Recognition (CAR)

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Overview
The IMA’s Course Accreditation and Recognition (CAR) scheme recognises UK university mathematics degree courses that meet the educational requirements, either partially or fully, for:

IMA membership (at Student, Associate, Member, or Fellow grade)
Chartered Mathematician (CMath) designation

The CMath designation places mathematicians alongside other chartered professionals in various fields, so your role ensures that the next generation of mathematicians are well-prepared, have increased employability prospects, and professionally recognised.

CAR helps students take their first steps toward professional recognition and supports universities in delivering high-quality, career-focused mathematics education.

Key Benefits
Recognition and accreditation provide value for:

Universities: Enhanced course reputation, closer links with the IMA, and support for graduates’ careers.
Students: A clear pathway to the CMath designation, improved employability, early IMA membership (Student Member or Associate Member, as appropriate to the individual), and a pathway to Advanced Membership of the IMA (Member or Fellow).
Employers: Assurance of high-level problem-solving ability and industry-ready skills.
The mathematics profession: Ensuring high standards, supports a strong pipeline of talent for STEM fields, and builds a strong professional community.

Process and Criteria
CAR is awarded at three levels:

Recognition: Recognised as meeting the educational requirements for membership of the IMA; General Membership (Student Member or Associate Member) or Advanced Membership (Member or Fellow), as appropriate to the individual.
Accreditation at BSc (Hons) level: Meets the educational requirements of the CMath designation when followed by either:
- subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain competencies to a level specified by the QAA for taught masters degrees, or
- a higher level taught or research degree (FHEQ level 7) in mathematics or a cognate subject.
Accreditation at Masters level: Meets the educational requirements of the CMath designation.

Where a degree course is recommended for Accreditation at either BSc (Hons) or Masters level, Recognition is granted automatically.

For full criteria, process details, and documentation requirements, please refer to the Course Provider Handbook which can be downloaded in the relevant documents section below.

Fees
CAR application fees are based on the total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students enrolled across all years of the degree course(s) submitted for consideration under the CAR scheme.

Fewer than 150 FTE students: No charge
150 – 600 FTE students: £500
More than 600 FTE students: £800

This fee is charged by the IMA to contribute towards their administrative costs of processing and managing applications and covers the full period of accreditation and/or recognition (typically 5 years).

The External Assessor role is an honorary, unpaid position. Where an in-person visit is arranged as part of the CAR process, the university is expected to cover the External Assessor’s reasonable expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence. Please note that an online CAR visit may not incur any additional expenses for the External Assessor.

Apply or Renew
Applications are welcome for new courses, renewals, or adding additional degrees.

Download the CAR Application Form and return it via email to the IMA’s Education Team.

To support universities through the CAR process, a checklist is available to help ensure all relevant aspects are considered. This checklist is for internal use only and does not need to be returned to the IMA.

Request an Extension
In exceptional circumstances, a one-year extension may be granted to the accreditation and/or recognition already awarded to degree course(s). The extension is strictly for one year, during which the degree course(s) must be reviewed under the CAR scheme for the accreditation and/or recognition to continue. Further extensions beyond this one-year period cannot be granted.

To request an extension, download the Extension Request Form and return it via email to the IMA’s Education Team.

Changes made to accredited and/or recognised degree course(s)
The IMA recognises that universities may make changes to their degree courses during the period of accreditation and/or recognition.

Minor course changes, such as those arising from an internal course review resulting in the redesign of a group of modules, would normally only need reconsideration at the next Course Visit.

However, significant changes must be reported to the IMA to ensure that the degree courses) continue to meet the required standards throughout the accreditation and/or recognition period.

To report changes, download the Change Notification Form and return it via email to the IMA’s Education Team.

Course Accreditation and Recognition (CAR)

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