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Introduction

Mathematics is central to everyday life and to the way we see the world. It is an intellectual adventure in its own right but it is also used to understand the physical world – from black holes to global warming – and to find solutions in business and industry.

All of our students take the same core mathematics courses in their early years. In later years you can choose from our wide range of courses in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, operational research or financial mathematics.

What you'll study

Year 1

You will take Linear Algebra, Calculus and Proofs & Problem-Solving courses. These are common to all our degree programmes and will take up half of your timetable. You will build on your knowledge of pure mathematics in a more formal way and be introduced to the ways of thinking required at university level. You will also take courses in subjects other than mathematics. You will be able to get support from MathsBase, our popular walk-in help centre.

Year 2

You will spend between half and two thirds of your time on mathematics, depending on your degree programme. You will take core courses in pure mathematics, extending your knowledge of calculus and analysis, and be introduced to the abstract ideas of group theory. In most programmes you will also take courses in statistics, probability, computing and applied mathematics.

From this year onwards you can use the Maths Hub, our student-run facility that is both a social centre and work space.

Year 3

You will focus on the main subjects of your degree. The year will provide you with an excellent grounding in advanced mathematics which prepares you to study courses from the wide selection on offer in the following year.

Year 4

In these years there is a wide choice of mathematics courses and you can follow a programme that suits your particular interests and career aspirations.

There is a large selection of courses in pure and applied mathematics and statistics as well as options in areas such as mathematical education, financial mathematics, mathematical biology and operational research. Current course titles include Algebraic Coding Theory, Topology and Non-Linear Optimization.

You will also do project work which allows you to research a topic independently.

Year 5

As Year 4

Learning and assessment

You will be taught mainly through lectures and tutorials. In first year you will also have access to the MathsBase help centre. Lecturers always welcome students who come and get help personally, but we also encourage cooperation and learning from each other, both within and between the different years of our programmes.

Most courses are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations.

Careers

Mathematics graduates from the University of Edinburgh find a wide range of careers open to them. The logical, analytical and practical, problem-solving skills you gain during your degree are sought after by employers. Many of our recent graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial and business sector, or have gone on to work in aircraft engineering, software engineering, investment analysis, transport logistics and teaching.

Our facilities

First-year mathematics classes are in the University’s Central Area. In subsequent years, teaching will take place within the School of Mathematics, located at the University’s King’s Buildings campus.

You will also have access to the University’s Main Library and the Robertson Engineering and Science Library.

There are opportunities to study abroad through University-wide programmes. Students have recently completed placements in Berkeley, Melbourne and Singapore.

Study abroad

Opportunities to study abroad are available in this subject area.