BSc Applied Mathematics

Year 1

You will take the compulsory courses Linear Algebra, Calculus and Proofs & Problem-Solving. These are common to all our programmes and will take up half of your timetable.

They will allow you to build on your knowledge of pure mathematics and will introduce you to the more rigorous ways of mathematical thinking required at university level.

You will also take courses in subjects other than mathematics.

You will receive support from MathsBase, our popular walk-in help centre, and from our Student Learning Advisor.

Year 2

You will spend between half and two thirds of your time on mathematics. You will take compulsory courses in pure mathematics, extending your knowledge of calculus and analysis, and will be introduced to the abstract ideas of group theory.

In Facets of Mathematics you will discover a range of modern applications of mathematics, studying topics such as fractals, image processing and mathematical biology.

You will study probability, statistics and computing and numerics.

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

Year 3

You will focus on the main subjects of your programme. You will receive an excellent grounding in advanced mathematics, preparing you for the options available later in your programme.

Year 4

You will have a wide range of mathematics courses to choose from and you can follow a programme that suits your particular interests and career aspirations.

We offer a large selection of courses in areas of applied mathematics, statistics and operational research. You can also take options in pure mathematics and areas such as mathematical education, financial mathematics and mathematical biology.

Current course titles include Nonlinear Optimization, Dynamical Systems and Multivariate Data Analysis. You will complete a substantial project on a topic in applied mathematics.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2017/18)

Our facilities

In Year 1, classes typically take place in the University's Central Area. In subsequent years, teaching will take place at the School of Mathematics, located at the University's King's Buildings.

You will have access to the University's extensive libraries and computer facilities.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad through Erasmus or University-wide exchange programmes. Students have recently completed placements in Vienna, California, Sydney and Seoul.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

You will be taught mainly through lectures, workshops and tutorials. In Year 1 lectures are usually interactive; lecturers use online voting systems and encourage small group discussion to improve your understanding of core material. You can also work with other students in the MathsBase, with tutors on hand to answer questions, and there are also regular MathPALs study sessions led by higher-year students.

We encourage students to work together throughout their studies and to engage with lecturers and tutors outside of timetabled classes. Our Student Learning Adviser will offer advice on study skills throughout your programme.

How will I be assessed?

Most courses involve regular coursework as well as a final exam, while some will involve producing a group report or giving a presentation. Some will be assessed entirely by coursework.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Our graduates have a range of careers open to them. The logical and analytical abilities, together with the presentation and practical problem-solving skills you will develop, are sought by employers.

Many recent graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial sector. Others have gone into fields including software engineering, logistics, education and civil service.

We regularly invite alumni back to the School to share their experiences with students and to showcase the breadth of careers available to maths graduates.

There are many opportunities within the School for you to develop your skills and enhance your CV. Share your love of mathematics by working with the wider community as a member of our Outreach Team; join our team of Student Ambassadors and enthuse prospective students; become a MathsPAL and support Year 1 students; or apply for a project scholarship and work with a lecturer during the summer.

Typical offer range

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - AABB.
• A Levels: A*AA to include Mathematics at A* - AAB.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: AABB.
• A Levels: AAB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S5 or AABBB/AAAB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6, to include Mathematics at Grade A. We strongly recommend that you study Advanced Higher Mathematics.
• A Levels: AAB in one sitting, to include Mathematics at Grade A. Further Mathematics is recommended.
• IB: 32 points overall and award of IB Diploma with 655 at HL to include Mathematics at Grade 6.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

For direct entry to second year the minimum requirements must be exceeded, including the following:

• SQA Advanced Highers: AAA to include Mathematics. One further science subject is recommended.
• A Levels: A*AA in one sitting, to include Mathematics at A* and Further Mathematics.
• IB: 38 points overall and award of IB Diploma with 766 at HL to include Mathematics at Grade 7. Further Mathematics is recommended.

Other entry pathways

Entry to many degrees in Science & Engineering is possible via other qualifications (eg HNC/D, Access, SWAP).

• Science & Engineering applications

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BSc Applied Mathematics

Additional costs

You should expect to purchase necessary textbooks for some compulsory and optional components of your programme.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Recruitment & Admissions Officer
• Email: apply@maths.ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5060
• Web: Mathematics website
• International enquiries