Mathematics

Information for applicants and offer holders to our Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics programmes.

 

We are delighted that you are considering joining the School of Mathematics.   

Mathematics is incredibly valuable to our everyday lives, particularly in the data-driven world in which we live. It impacts us daily and leads to many exciting careers. In the video above Professor Bernd Schroeder, Head of the School of Mathematics, explains why it's important to study mathematics at university. 

 

Programme details

Need a refresher of the details of your programme? Our Degree Finder provides information, including what you will study, how you will learn and career opportunities, as well as fees and funding.

 

Our Degree Programme Tables (DPTs) provide detailed information about the structure of the Mathematics programmes, including course content. The detailed programme content for 2025-26 will be available in April. Until then, you can view the 2024-25 DPTs. Please note these may be subject to change.

 

Sample timetable

This is an sample timetable of a student in their first semester of study on BSc (Hons) Mathematics programme, taking the following courses:

  • Introduction to Mathematics at University (compulsory Year 1 mathematics course)
  • Introduction to Data Science (optional Year 1 mathematics course)
  • Musical Acoustics (outside course from the School of Physics and Astronomy)

This is intended to give you an idea of how your time might be spent. Courses may be subject to change and availability, and are also impacted by your choice of outside courses. 

As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend time outside of class consolidating what you have learnt, preparing for interactive sessions and completing assessments. 

Monday 

10:30 - 12:00 Introduction to Mathematics at University workshop

12:00 - 13:00 optional MathsBase drop-in session (also available at other times) 

15:10 - 16:00 Musical Acoustics lecture 

 

Tuesday 

12:10 - 13:00 Introduction to Data Science lecture 

15:10 - 16:00 Musical Acoustics tutorial 

 

Wednesday 

10:00 - 10:50 Introduction to Data Science lecture 

12:10 - 13:00 Math PALS session (optional peer-assisted learning session)

 

Thursday 

10:00 - 10:50 Introduction to Data Science lecture 

12:10 - 13:00 Introduction to Mathematics at University lecture

14:10 - 15:00 Musical Acoustics lecture 

 

Friday 

10:30 - 12:00 Introduction to Data Science workshop

12:10 - 13:00 Introduction to Mathematics at University lecture

14:10 - 15:00 Musical Acoustics lecture 

16:10 - 17:00 Musical Acoustics tutorial 


 

Why study Mathematics at Edinburgh

  • We have expertise in a variety of research areas, allowing you to specialise your degree to your area of mathematical interest, for example:
    • Algebra
    • Analysis
    • Data science  
    • Geometry
    • Mathematical education
    • Mathematical finance  
    • Mathematical physics
    • Statistics
  • We have a dedicated Student Support team who are on hand to offer pastoral support. Students can also access academic support through open office hours, drop-in sessions with tutors, and online discussion boards for each course.
  • Our teaching fosters interactive engagement that promotes long-term understanding. Teaching is enhanced by technology, including voting systems and online quizzes, and we actively encourage collaborative working both in and out of the classroom.
  • We work closely with the University Careers Service to provide tailored employability support and careers events.  Regular activities include presentations from industry employers and alumni career showcases, demonstrating the breadth of careers open to mathematics graduates. We host workshops to help you prepare for applying to internships, jobs and further study.
  • We have many opportunities for our students from all years to get to know each other –  such as through Maths Society socials, or through our peer-assisted learning scheme MathPALS. 

 

Reputation and accreditation  

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 5th in the UK for Mathematics and Statistics (Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).  

Our BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics degree programme is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society for the purpose of eligibility for the professional award of Graduate Statistician. 

 

Sample lecture 

Watch an introductory lecture from our year 1 optional Introduction to Data Science course.
 

If you receive an offer, you will have the opportunity to take part in a live sample lecture.   

 

Hear from current students and alumni

Have you got a question you would like to ask a current student?  

Chat with a student via the Unibuddy service

Take a look at our video series for insights into the School of Mathematics from a student perspective.  

"What our students say" video series

Read stories from current students and graduates on our blog.

Mathematics Blog  

 

Resources to get started – suggested reading list

  • How to Study for a Mathematics Degree by Lara Alcock  
  • Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction by Timothy Gowers  
  • How To Prove It by Daniel Velleman
  • How To Solve It by George Polya
  • The Art of Statistics by David Spiegelhalter
  • Hello World by Hannah Fry

 

Preparing after a gap year  

It's easy to forget maths when you're not practising it all the time! You can prepare by looking at A-Level Further Maths, Advanced Higher Mathematics or STEP, or simply by reviewing the maths you've already covered to give your brain a refresher course.  

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