A numerate degree is a degree with a heavy concentration of courses in mathematics. Those who earn numerate degrees work in occupations in both the private and public sector that demand numerical and mathematical ability.

1

Types

Degrees classified as numerate include degrees in business studies, economics, mathematics, statistics and accounting. Degrees in information technology, engineering and science sometimes fall into the category of numerate degrees.

2

Relevance

Besides mathematics, those studying for a numerical degree often take courses relevant to business like e-commerce, globalisation and business ethics.

  • A numerate degree is a degree with a heavy concentration of courses in mathematics.
  • Besides mathematics, those studying for a numerical degree often take courses relevant to business like e-commerce, globalisation and business ethics.
3

Potential

Those with numerate degrees demonstrate to a potential employer that they can work effectively with numbers and complex mathematical and analytical problems. They also show that they can evaluate and understand the results of analytical problems.

4

Employment

Graduates with numerate degrees work in finance and banking, insurance, management, business, computer science, consulting and government.

5

Salaries

Industries that hire graduates with numerate degrees traditionally pay higher salaries than do other industries. This is true for banking and finance, as well as for engineering, which pays some of the highest entry-level salaries for those with four-year degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2009, petroleum engineers earned the top average starting salary at £54,028, while civil engineers earned the lowest at £33,831.