Bachelor's Mathematics - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Putting the puzzle together

During this Bachelor’s programme, you will have the chance to work on assignments about topics like how population dynamics do work in a predator-prey system. Or how you model, and therefore prevent, the spread of infectious diseases. Whether that's theoretical mathematical structures or their application in modern society, this programme has it covered.

Study paths
In year 2 you will choose one of the seven study paths you are most interested in, as shown below. Each study path has courses in common with the other study paths but also courses that are characteristic of the characteristic of the chosen specialisation.

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide.

Programming
You learn how to code using Python. Prior knowledge of programming is not necessary.

Theory and projects
With interactive lectures to learn the theories, tutorial groups to work on assignments in small groups, and study sessions to present challenges and solutions to your classmates, VU Amsterdam's varied teaching methods ensure plenty of personal contact between staff and students.

Optimise the planning of operating rooms in hospitals
Analyse satellite images for solar-induced fluorescence
Develop better delivery routes for food delivery

Also, many of your teachers are top researchers across mathematics and related fields like computer science and econometrics. With an open-door policy, professors are easily accessible for questions.

Part-time
You can also study Mathematics part-time, following the same courses as full-time students but but fewer classes per year. Lectures aren’t scheduled on fixed days, evenings, or weekends. With about 20 study hours per week, the program takes around 6 years. You can make a personal study plan with the study advisor.

The start date of this programme is September 1^st.
Facts and Figures

VU Bachelor's Day - 7 February 2026

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1st year
2nd year
3rd year

The first year

In your first year, you'll take several core courses that will give you a solid grounding in all types of mathematics - whether pure or applied. You will learn the theory behind differentiation and integration, how to write mathematical arguments, and translate real life problems into mathematical language. You'll also study group theory, which is central to abstract algebra. And you'll learn broader, transferable skills like programming.

Courses

Basic Concepts in Mathematics
English Language Test
Linear Algebra
Single Variable Calculus
Discrete Mathematics
Introduction to Mathematical Modelling, Latex and Mathematica
Introduction to Programming (PYTHON)
Group Theory
Mathematical Analysis
Multivariable Calculus
Probability Theory
Mathematical Modelling of Dynamical Systems

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide

The second year

In your second year, you'll specialise in one of the seven study paths. Study counsellors are on hand to help you make an informed choice, and there's also room to choose additional optional courses from other tracks. Either way, you have the flexibility to pursue the topics that are of most interest to you.

Algebra and Geometry
Analysis and Dynamical Systems
Probability and Statistics
Biomedical Mathematics
Computer Science
Data Science
Optimisation and Economics

Courses

Fourier Analysis
Mathematical Statistics
Numerical Methods
Mathematical Modelling of Stochastic Systems
Dynamical Systems
Project Mathematics

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide

The third year

In your third year, you'll gain even deeper knowledge of your chosen track. In the first semester, you'll take a minor either within the mathematics department or in a related field. You'll also have the opportunity to take your minor abroad, studying at another university, or you can take the Education track, which enables you to teach in Dutch high schools. In the second semester, you'll take advanced courses relating to your chosen track, as well as write your Bachelor's thesis on an individual research topic, combining (almost) everything you've learned before. You could even take an internship and write your thesis project based on the organisation you work for.

Courses

History of Science
Bachelor Project Mathematics
Philosophy and Ethics

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide

1st year
The first year

In your first year, you'll take several core courses that will give you a solid grounding in all types of mathematics - whether pure or applied. You will learn the theory behind differentiation and integration, how to write mathematical arguments, and translate real life problems into mathematical language. You'll also study group theory, which is central to abstract algebra. And you'll learn broader, transferable skills like programming.

Courses
Basic Concepts in Mathematics

English Language Test

Linear Algebra

Single Variable Calculus

Discrete Mathematics

Introduction to Mathematical Modelling, Latex and Mathematica

Introduction to Programming (PYTHON)

Group Theory

Mathematical Analysis

Multivariable Calculus

Probability Theory

Mathematical Modelling of Dynamical Systems

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
2nd year
The second year
In your second year, you'll specialise in one of the seven study paths. Study counsellors are on hand to help you make an informed choice, and there's also room to choose additional optional courses from other tracks. Either way, you have the flexibility to pursue the topics that are of most interest to you.

Algebra and Geometry

Analysis and Dynamical Systems

Probability and Statistics

Biomedical Mathematics

Computer Science

Data Science

Optimisation and Economics
Courses
Fourier Analysis

Mathematical Statistics

Numerical Methods

Mathematical Modelling of Stochastic Systems

Dynamical Systems

Project Mathematics

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
3rd year
The third year

In your third year, you'll gain even deeper knowledge of your chosen track. In the first semester, you'll take a minor either within the mathematics department or in a related field. You'll also have the opportunity to take your minor abroad, studying at another university, or you can take the Education track, which enables you to teach in Dutch high schools. In the second semester, you'll take advanced courses relating to your chosen track, as well as write your Bachelor's thesis on an individual research topic, combining (almost) everything you've learned before. You could even take an internship and write your thesis project based on the organisation you work for.

Courses
History of Science

Bachelor Project Mathematics

Philosophy and Ethics

You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide

After the Bachelor’s programme, you can specialise by following a Master’s programme. When you graduate as mathematician, you could work as a data scientist, analyst, consultant, ICT specialist, teacher or researcher in banks, insurance firms, consultancies, R&D companies, academic institutions and more.

Discover your future prospects