A University Careers Consultant regularly visits the department to meet with students.

Careers and employability

What careers do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates go into?

Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record. Our graduates excel in specialist mathematical and computer science fields and across a broad range of other sectors. There are also plenty of options to further your knowledge of Mathematics and Computer Science once you finish your Undergraduate degree.

Find out who employs our students, some example job titles and examples of further study that recent graduates have chosen here.

How do we prepare our Mathematicians and Computer Scientists for employment?

A rich curriculum

Our degree programmes are specially designed to develop academic, personal and professional skills that will prepare you for employment or future study. You will develop the essential skills valued by employers, such as problem-solving, teamwork, decision-making, communication, planning and organising, time management, presentation and leadership.

Strong links with industry

Strong links across industries provide real examples of situations to be solved logically. We have 3 Met Office professors within climate mathematics and good links with Biosciences and Physics.

Specialist careers advice

There is also a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides specific services such as careers workshops tailored to careers in Mathematics and Computer Science and support in matters such as applications and job interview skills.

A dedicated Employability Officer

The Employability Officer is active in developing aspects of our courses and services that improve the employability of our students. The Employability Officer also builds and maintains links with appropriate organisations to ensure that you get to meet relevant employers before you graduate.

An active Student Staff Liaison Committee

The Mathematics and Computer Science Student Staff Liaison Committee is made up of proactive students from all years who work together to suggest improvements to the courses. In the last 2 years, the Mathematics and Computer Science SSLC has organised specific careers events for their disciplines to ensure that students get to meet employers and to encourage them to take up work placements.

Work placements

Thanks to our excellent links with the business community and the business experience schemes coordinated by the College and University, there are numerous opportunities to develop your CV and gain work experience before you graduate.

Students are encouraged to use their vacations to gain valuable experience in industry.

All our undergraduate students can choose to take an optional Commercial and Industrial Experience module during the vacation before the third year, subject to availability. This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience while earning credits towards your degree programme. The College Employability Officer can provide assistance in finding suitable placements.

Personal development

Our students take advantage of the wide range of extra-curricular and personal development opportunities offered by the University, from study abroad to volunteering and playing an active role in student societies.

Careers events and initiatives

We encourage Mathematics and Computer Science students to make full use of the services offered by the Employability and Graduate Development team. Services offered include:

  • 4 careers fairs throughout the year
  • Skills training workshops
  • Employer events
  • Exeter Award
  • Exeter Leaders Award

Further information about careers and employability:

My dissertation on the use of data mining techniques to explore healthy ageing, is an inter-disciplinary project conducted with data from the Peninsula Medical School. The goal is to determine a model for how mid-life behaviour affects the quality and length of later life, using techniques learnt through the taught component of my course. I'm looking to continue my studies through to PhD in an area which allows me to use my knowledge of computer systems, but with a cross-disciplinary project which allows me to explore another area of science. 

As an undergraduate here (BSc Hons In Internet Computing), I found employers look for more than just a degree. At Exeter there is a huge potential for getting involved with activities beyond your course as well as being able to study in a productive and supportive environment. The University and the Guild provide opportunities for formal courses to enhance career prospects. Additionally, the ability to join societies such as Student Radio, Amateur Dramatics, and the annual Arts Week, provide a wealth of opportunities for CV enhancement, as well as a lot of fun. Being able to do both your course and have fun is something which makes an already great experience that much better.

And being from the country, having a very green and grassy campus was a big attraction for me!

Chris Powell,
BSc Hons In Internet Computing graduate