Mathematics is one of the key disciplines of our modern society. It offers versatile methods for theory development, analysis and understanding, modelling and simulation, prediction and control of processes in technology, life sciences, medicine, business and society. Its strengths lie in its structural and conceptual clarity, the clarity gained through abstraction and its broad applicability. It is therefore no coincidence that mathematicians work in a wide variety of sectors and institutions. The career prospects for mathematicians continue to be excellent. The Master's degree in mathematics also forms the basis for a doctorate in mathematics.

The degree programme in mathematics teaches the fundamentals and methods that are important in theory, application and academic appointments. Structures and methods of linear algebra, analysis, stochastics, algebra and numerics are therefore essential subject content at the beginning of the degree programme. Advanced and in-depth courses build on this, enabling you to work independently in a research- and application-oriented mathematical field of your choice.

Studying mathematics in the dual-subject programme offers you an education in the fundamentals of the subject, which are important in theory, application and academic appointments. Structures and methods of linear algebra, analysis, stochastics and algebra are therefore essential subject content of the programme. In addition, there is an introduction to problem solving, a specialisation in a mathematical field of your choice, a seminar and subject didactics. This provides access to the content, methods and didactics of modern mathematics in application and research. Special profile features of the degree programme are the emphasis on practical relevance and application, both in the subject itself and in its didactics.

Good prerequisites for a successful degree programme are the enjoyment of solving problems and logical and structural thinking, as well as geometric imagination. In addition, you should be willing to overcome difficulties through your own efforts and enjoy communicating with experts in other fields of knowledge, with lay people and especially with students.

Mathematics in a small circle

Elementary mathematics and mathematics in particular are comparatively small degree programmes. With us, you are not an anonymous number among a thousand others. Instead of loud and crowded lectures, we offer you a personal, appreciative and quiet place to study. This also means that you don't usually have to worry about finding a seat in the lecture theatre or in seminars - an absolute luxury at university. In addition, lecturers have the opportunity to answer questions in detail and individually.

Experiencing maths together

Contrary to popular belief, mathematics is a very communicative degree programme. Good networking is extremely important, because maths doesn't do itself You will work a lot in small groups: For example, it is common practice to solve the weekly exercise sheets together.
This not only makes your work easier, you will also connect more quickly and constantly receive new stimuli that will deepen your understanding.

Maths connects in the long term

It is not uncommon for study groups to develop into close friendships. Unlike at school, you quickly lose track of each other at university, as everyone takes a different seminar and different exams. Mathematics, on the other hand, offers you a common and standardised course of study. This means that you can study together with your friends without any complicated arrangements.

Maths is exciting

Do you only know maths from school as calculating, applying formulae and algorithms? Do you imagine studying (elementary) maths to be rather monotonous, dull and boring? Far from it - maths is one thing above all: exciting! Studying (elementary) maths is not about finding the right solution. Rather, it is about understanding problems. It's about asking the question "Why?". It's about finding the irrefutable truths behind the questions and linking areas of knowledge. Maths is never boring: there are always new problems, better solutions and further applications to discover. From the first semester onwards, maths will amaze you: Or did you know, for example, that one plus one doesn't always equal two? If you enjoy puzzles and want to discover something new every day, then studying (elementary) maths is the right choice for you!

Maths is the key to the world

Mathematics is omnipresent: infrastructures, weather forecasts, the device on which you are reading this text - maths is behind everything. If you study (elementary) maths, you will not only understand internal mathematical relationships better, but also the processes in your environment. In addition to diversity in your studies, maths also offers you a wide range of career opportunities.

You will surpass yourself when studying maths

Take yourself back to when you were a child: you wanted to learn how to ride a bike, for example. You tried and tried, but somehow it didn't really work. You stumbled, tipped over and fell down. But did you give up then? No, you tried again! You got up and kept falling down until it worked!

Do you remember the feeling when you rode your bike down the road for the first time? That's what it feels like to have solved a difficult maths problem. Although you never thought it was possible and it took a lot of time, the euphoria and pride of having done it is indescribable.

Of course, there will be problems in your (elementary) maths course that will drive you to the brink of madness, but you will solve them! What's more, every attempt, every question, every mistake will help you progress! Maths is not about having solutions at your fingertips, but about developing ideas. Problem-solving strategies, perseverance and creativity characterise a good mathematician and will help you progress. Studying (elementary) maths is work, but it's worth it!

Studying maths often has the dubious reputation of being incredibly difficult. Although the degree programme is certainly challenging, it is by no means as bad as its reputation.

However, to make it easier for you to start your subject bachelor's degree in mathematics (extracurricular) or your 2-subject bachelor's degree in mathematics (aim: grammar school, vocational teaching or extracurricular), we offer a preliminary course! This serves as a link between school and university mathematics.

Together with your future fellow students, you will have the opportunity to listen to mathematical lectures by experienced students, carry out your first mathematical proofs in small exercise groups and make friends! The exercise groups are also led by two experienced students who are always on hand to give you advice and support. You can not only ask them questions about the content, but also about studying in general or about life in Oldenburg. We strongly recommend that all prospective students on the above-mentioned degree programmes take part in the preliminary course!

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However, if you do not want to study mathematics but elementary mathematics , the preliminary course is not suitable for you because an extra preparatory course that prepares you for the content of the elementary mathematics degree programme is not required.

To help you settle into your new phase of life and to support you at the start of your studies, there is a mentoring programme for all prospective elementary mathematics students.

Here you will be accompanied by experienced students in small groups throughout your first semester. As with the preliminary course, we will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about studying and living in Oldenburg.

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The orientation week takes place in the week before the very first week of lectures and is designed to help you organise your studies. We - the Mathematics and Elementary Mathematics student body - offer you timetable help, guided tours of the university buildings, breakfast and fun games and social evenings. This will help you get to know new people and start your studies in a relaxed manner. The O-Week is an absolute must for all prospective first-year students, so you shouldn't miss it!

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Of course, we won't leave you alone after the start of the semester. Although you are well equipped with the preliminary course/mentoring programme and the orientation week, we are still there for you:

The freshers' trip

The first highlight of the current semester is our freshers' trip, which usually takes place on one of the first weekends of the first semester. The main aim here is to have lots of fun and get to know your new mates. However, as places are limited but highly coveted, you should keep your ears open at the start of your studies so as not to miss out on registration!

more about the Erstifahrt

Academic support

If you have subject-related problems, we offer you the Learning Centre and the Tutoring Board. The Learning Centre is a co-operation project between us - the student body - and the Institute, where you can find help from experienced students and academic staff every afternoon with your exercises. If you have major difficulties, you may find help via our tutoring board!

more about the learning centre

more about the tutoring board

When the exams come

We also provide you with old exams for exam preparation and are available for you during office hours every Wednesday.

more about old exams