You will often hear the term ‘numerate graduate’ mentioned when graduate careers or degree choices are being discussed.
But just what is a numerate graduate?
Quite simply, a numerate graduate is anyone who graduated from university with a degree that contains a high concentration of mathematics skills. These degrees include Computer Science, Physics, Economics and Engineering (more on this later).
The skills gained from studying numerate degrees are highly sought after as the graduates possess the skills to analyse data, find patterns and make predictions.
To truly understand what a numerate graduate is, we have outlined the numerate degrees, the skills students gain and possible career choices after students graduate.
What is a Numerate Degree?
Degrees in mathematics related subjects are known as numerate degrees.
These degrees include:
- Engineering
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Architecture
- Natural Sciences
- Medicine
Numerate subjects can be taken before university education.
Numerate A-level Subjects
Similar to the different numerate degrees, numerate A-level subjects will include some form of mathematics. For example, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Economics etc. A combination of these A-levels will likely be required for subjects such as Engineering, Maths, Natural Sciences, Economics and Medicine.
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Numerate Degree Skills
Numerate degrees give students the opportunity to develop incredibly valuable skills to help them with the challenges faced during university and in their future careers. These skills include:
- Building models
- Data analysis
- Simulating situations
- Prediction making
These skills make numerate graduates useful as they possess the ability to analyse data, find patterns and make predictions. This analytical and predictive ability is indispensable to businesses as they want to operate as efficiently and effectively as they can in an uncertain future. If businesses can foresee how a market might change, or how successful a production process might be before doing it, they will be able to maintain a competitive edge.
The methods of analysis and ways of thinking about the world that is instilled in numerate graduates are transferable into decision making and management. Taking an analytical approach and stripping a problem down to its critical factors can often give an edge in situations where others are bogged down or confused.
What Are The Career Options?
There are many different careers that numerate graduates go into:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Actuarial Science
- Accounting
- Banking
- Data Management
- Market Research
- Software Development
- Architecture
- Medicine
- Statistics
- Urban Planning
Although a lot of other workplace skills can be developed by a company in a candidate, without having a solid mathematical base after graduating from university, it is very unlikely that numeracy can be developed later. This is another reason why numerate graduates are sought after, and naturally, the careers available are well paid.
A numerate graduate possesses the ability to confidently deal with mathematical situations which arise at work. Often, co-workers may complain about having to do maths or their lack of mathematical ability. The ability to call on this confidence will not only win points with your superiors, but also decrease stress as there are very few jobs without any maths involved. This confidence is gained by having had to solve problems at university which are typically more difficult than those encountered on a day to day basis in the workplace.
If you are at the stage of considering what degree to choose to apply for, some thought should be given to how that degree will develop one’s numeracy skills. The modern workplace will give plenty of opportunities for graduates to develop soft skills, or even gain life experience more generally, but if a graduate misses the opportunity to be seen as numerate at the beginning of their career (based upon their choice of degree) it will often never be presented again.
The right time to start preparing is now. Utilise our Oxbridge Tutors to give yourself the best chances of receiving your dream numerate degree offer.
We help you craft the perfect Personal Statement, achieve a highly competitive Admissions Test score and teach you how to Interview effectively – covering all the different Oxbridge numerate degrees, from Mathematics to Engineering.
Discover our Oxbridge Premium Programmes by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.
