The Mathematical Tripos was historically the first Tripos to be established at Cambridge and the study of Mathematics has always been seen as one of the University’s main strengths. The course provides a solid foundation for progression to advanced mathematics, develops the student’s mathematical understanding to a very high level, and allows a very wide choice of topics in which to specialise. There is also a fourth year course, leading to a M.Math degree, intended mainly, but not exclusively, for those who wish to go on to research. This course covers a wide range of advanced mathematics, and also many areas of theoretical physics, and about 50% of Trinity undergraduates stay on to take it.

In the first year of the Tripos mathematics students follow a common, core course. The aim of the core course is to provide an introduction to both pure and applied mathematics. The second year has more flexibility and it is possible to begin specialising in one area of mathematics, be it pure, applied, or applicable (where, in Cambridge terminology, ‘applicable’ means probability and statistics). In the second and third years there are also separately assessed computer projects. Although not compulsory, students are encouraged to do these, at least in the second year.

The Cambridge Mathematics course also provides a very good basis for studying a variety of other subjects. Although the numbers in any year are not large, students who have decided to change from Mathematics at the end of their first or second year have had an excellent record of subsequent achievement in Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Economics and a range of other subjects.

Trinity has a strong reputation in Mathematics and many of our undergraduates achieve outstanding results in Tripos examinations. But the College does not take a narrowly academic view of the subject. Trinity is a large college and the success of our students owes as much to the breadth and depth of our teaching resources as it does to the students’ natural abilities. The 40 or so students we admit each year go on to pursue a wide range of careers. Many go on to higher degree courses, others find attractive positions in many fields, particularly in the financial sector and in computing.

There is a separate option Mathematics with Physics in which 25% of the first year lectures are replaced by some from Natural Sciences. The threshold for admissions, in particular in terms of mathematical background, is no different from Mathematics, and is not an easier option.

There are currently eleven teaching Fellows in Mathematics (listed below with their wide range of research interests), who take the main responsibility for undergraduate supervision, as well as many research Fellows and graduate students, who also undertake some College teaching. Trinity has the capacity not only to stretch the brightest students but also to provide individual assistance for any who find difficulty with parts of the course.

The large number of undergraduate mathematicians at Trinity results in a strong sense of ésprit de corps among our students who learn a lot by interacting with each other. This is manifested in a thriving Mathematical Society which runs an extensive programme of talks and social events.

Applicants for places at Trinity will be taking two Mathematics A-levels.

The College is always keen to attract women mathematicians. We are also willing to consider applications from those seeking to defer entry for a year, although it is felt that deferred entry is not generally beneficial for those wishing to study mathematics.