School of Maths
On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about starting your studies at the School of Maths.
Make sure you read the ‘All students’ section first – this covers things like how to find out information about your programme, where to go for more information or support and how to meet other students.
Then scroll to the section that applies to you – new undergraduate student, returning student or new postgraduate student. We’ve also included some helpful links at the end of the page to direct you to anything else you might need.
If you’re a postgraduate researcher, find your faculty welcome and induction information to help you get started.
All students
How will I find out more about my programme?
You will have a specific programme talk during induction week where the programme leaders will give you lots of information about what to expect. You can also find out more information by taking a look at the undergraduate programme catalogue or postgraduate programme catalogue.
Are there any specialist software or systems that I need for my programme/module and where do I find out information about them?
Python, R and LaTeX are the main specialist software used in the School of Maths. You can find out more on Minerva, or by asking your personal tutor or programme or module manager.
Where can I go for support?
For general enquiries you can speak to the University’s Student Information Service. The SIS team is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can find more information about the service and how to contact them on the asking for help page.
If you need support with your programme or academic work, you should first contact your personal tutor and you may also want to speak to the programme manager.
Where do I turn if I need extra academic support?
You can contact your module leaders, programme leaders or academic personal tutor for support. Skills@Library is also a great resource providing extra support for students.
How will I meet my academic personal tutor? How will academic personal tutoring work?
You will have regular meetings with your academic personal tutor (and your tutorial group if you are in first year) at key points throughout the year. However, you can contact your personal tutor to ask for further meetings should you have anything you’d like to discuss.
You can approach your personal tutor if you have questions about the course, your module choices, academic progress or if you need to talk about circumstances impacting your studies. You can learn more about an academic personal tutor’s role.
How will I get to know other students?
During induction week, there will be activities where you can see and speak to other students.
You may want to join MathSoc (the Maths Society), which will link you to other like-minded students in a social setting. There are also plenty of other clubs and societies (you can search these on the LUU website), through which you can share your interests or try something new alongside other students.
You can get to know other students within the School by becoming a course rep and, if you are in first year, there will also be a chance to meet other students within your PAL group when you meet your mentor.
We will also share links to other events happening within the University that will allow you to meet students outside of the School.
What is the role of a course rep and how do I volunteer?
Course reps play an important role in making each course better for students like you. As a course rep, you will gather and represent the views and opinions of the students on your programme of study, help to negotiate change for students, and assist the School Rep with campaigns, projects and events for the School. You’ll also receive unique training and development opportunities, and have the chance to network and develop your CV.
You can find out more about what’s involved in being a course rep and what’s in it for you on the LUU website. If you’re interested in becoming a rep, you can email the Maths Taught Student Office at maths.taught.students@leeds.ac.uk.
Are there any societies I can join for the School/programme?
Yes, you can join MathSoc. We bring together students with an interest in maths, either for their degree or a general love.
How does assessment work on my programme?
The school has a Code of Practice on Assessment (CoPA). There are a variety of assessment methods used throughout your programmes. Each module leader will go though in detail what the requirements are for each module. Find out more information regarding assessment and visit the Maths Organisation in Minerva.
I’m a new undergraduate student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Look out for information and communications from the School and the University and read everything carefully to make sure you are prepared for the start of the year. Make sure you have retrieved your IT username and password and completed your online registration and module enrolment. You will need to register from 1 September and have read the welcome letter, which we have sent to you. Make sure you’ve got all of your belongings with you – don’t forget your passport and acceptance letters!
What does my induction timetable look like?
There will be various on-campus activities throughout induction week (w/c 26 September). We will be arranging some important welcome and programme talks, as well as some social activities, including meeting with your academic personal tutor and other tutees, campus tours and boardgames.
Your induction timetable will be available via Minerva.
Where can I access resources for my degree?
The majority of the resources you need will be provided on the module areas on Minerva. Should you require anything else, this will be told to you by your module leader.
Are there any peer mentoring schemes operating in my school?
Yes, there is the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme – these are bi-weekly sessions run by students in higher levels to support you academically throughout your first year. During induction week you will be assigned a PAL group and will get a chance to meet your mentor and other students in the group.
I’m a returning student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Look out for information and communications from the School and the University, and read everything carefully to make sure you are prepared for the start of the year. Make sure you have completed your module enrolment and have registered for the next academic year.
What welcome activities do you have planned to welcome me back to Maths?
Your induction timetable will be available via Minerva and will include returning students welcome back meetings.
I’m a new postgraduate student
What do I need to do before I arrive?
Look out for information and communications from the School and the University, and read everything carefully to make sure you are prepared for the start of the year. Make sure you have retrieved your IT username and password and have completed your online registration and module enrolment. You will need to register from 1 August and have read the welcome letter, which we have sent to you. Make sure you’ve got all of your belongings with you – don’t forget your passport and acceptance letters!
What does my induction timetable look like?
There will be various on-campus activities throughout Induction Week. There will be a taught postgraduate welcome talk and programme talks and drop-ins, as well as some social activities.
Your induction timetable will be available via Minerva.
Where can I access resources for my studies?
Most of your study materials will be available to you through module areas on Minerva. Some module leaders may also use other ways to share materials, but this will be explained to you.
Do I need to provide my core reading texts?
Many core reading texts can be accessed through the University library.
Where can I find relevant career information for postgraduate students?
The Careers Centre has information, services and support for graduates and students at all levels.