BSc Computer Science and Mathematics

Year 1

You will be introduced to basic principles of programming and computation.

You will study how information can be represented and processed in computer systems, and learn fundamental techniques for managing data and solving problems using computer programs.

This year also includes courses in the mathematics necessary for all areas of informatics.

Together, these form the foundations for more in-depth study of computation in future years.

Mathematics courses

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

You will study:

• Introduction to Linear Algebra
• Calculus and its Applications
• Proofs and Problem Solving

Some students will also take optional mathematics courses:

• Fundamentals of Algebra and Calculus, an introductory course that provides extra preparation in key topics from advanced mathematics and supports your transition to university.

• Introduction to Data Science, where you will learn to collect and explore data, before using models and predictions in order to make rigorous conclusions.

You can also choose option courses from various schools across the University.

Support

Students in the School of Informatics benefit from access to services created to support their learning, particularly in the beginning of their degree.

InfPALS is a peer support service for year 1 students focusing on material covered in courses but also general topics related to informatics.

InfBase is a drop-in helpdesk for year 1 and 2 students to get additional tutoring and support with their courses.

You will also be invited to join CompSoc, a tech society which offers a varied programme of events and ProgClub, to get more practical programming experience.

Pastoral support is offered by personal tutors and the Informatics Student Support Team.

You will also receive support from the MathsBase, our popular walk-in help centre, and from our Mathematics Student Support Team.

Year 1 students also have the option of taking part in the peer-assisted learning scheme, MathPALS.

Year 2

You will build on Year 1, covering more advanced programming and data structures, together with the related mathematics.

You will develop a greater understanding of:

• algorithms
• learning from data
• mathematics

From this year onwards you can use the MathsHub, a student-run social centre and work space.

Option courses include a variety of subjects from different schools across the University.

Year 3

Your studies will become more focused and you will have more choice in selecting specialised courses, according to your interests. We offer a range of options in:

• computer science
• artificial intelligence
• relevant mathematics
• other areas of informatics

Your coursework assignments will typically provide you with experience in:

• practical work
• independent problem solving
• group work

Your exact curriculum depends on the courses you choose. Options offered in recent years include the following (and around 12 others):

• robotics
• computer security
• machine learning
• operating systems
• computer networks
• differential equations
• complex variables

Mathematics courses

The School of Mathematics' honours courses provide an excellent grounding in advanced mathematics and prepare you for the options available later in your programme.

Each course contains a skills component. These enable you to develop valuable employability skills such as:

• programming
• group work
• presentation skills

Current optional mathematics courses include:

• Financial Mathematics
• Introduction to Number Theory
• Statistical Computing

Year 4

You will choose from a large number of advanced courses in mathematics, artificial intelligence and computer science. This gives you the opportunity to build a portfolio according to your interests and career aspirations.

Year 4 includes an individual honours project, where you will learn to develop a viable project starting from a given topic. You will have a variety of choices in selecting your topic, with a supervisor to guide you.

Mathematics courses

The mathematics course selection is influenced by the varied research interests in the School of Mathematics. It includes courses in:

• pure mathematics
• applied mathematics
• statistics
• operational research
• financial mathematics
• mathematical biology
• mathematical education

Current mathematics courses include:

• General Topology
• Symmetry and Geometry
• Stochastic Modelling
• Entrepreneurship in the Mathematical Sciences

Our facilities

Computer Science

You will be based in the School of Informatics, with lectures, tutorials and classes held in Appleton Tower. The building provides purpose-built facilities and dedicated learning and teaching spaces, all located in the University's Central Area.

You will have access to computer laboratories and quality software support.

The InfBase drop-in helpdesk is located in Appleton Tower. When access to the campus is restricted, InfBase operates as a virtual helpdesk.

InfPALS is run by year 2 and 3 students as small study groups in Appleton Tower. When access to the campus is restricted they operate regular virtual meet-ups.

The Informatics Student Support Team are based within the Informatics Teaching Organisation in Appleton Tower.

Mathematics

In Year 1, mathematics classes typically take place in the University's Central Area. In subsequent years, mathematics teaching will take place at the King's Buildings campus, often in the James Clerk Maxwell Building where the School of Mathematics is located.

Please note that your subjects will be taught on different campuses from Year 2 onwards, and so you may need to travel between campuses for classes

In addition to the University's extensive libraries and computer facilities, you will have access to the School of Mathematics’ facilities, MathsBase and MathsHub.

Virtual Visit

Take a closer look at all our facilities on the University’s Virtual Visit site.

Virtual Visit

Study abroad

In Year 3 you may have the option to study abroad through the University's international exchange programme.

What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical classes

In later years, you will spend more time working on projects that involve:

• building computer systems from scratch
• developing systems
• doing experimental work
• working on theoretical topics with guidance from your supervisor

Mathematics teaching

Year 1 mathematics lectures are usually interactive; lecturers use online voting systems and encourage small-group discussion to improve your understanding of core material.

Lectures in later years follow a more 'traditional' lecturing style but occasionally incorporate the voting system.

Mathematics lectures are supported by small-group teaching workshops. These sessions give you an opportunity to apply the concepts you learned in lectures and develop your understanding. You will work with 5-6 other students, with a tutor on hand to support you and answer questions.

How will I be assessed?

In the School of Informatics you will be assessed by:

• coursework assignments
• larger projects
• exams

You will undertake some project work individually and some together with other students.

You will complete a large individual project in your final year.

Mathematics assessments

In your first and second year, mathematics has mainly ‘open book’ exams, where you can use your textbook and notes. This allows you to concentrate on understanding and using the ideas and concepts involved, instead of just memorising procedures.

Most maths courses have regular assessments (both written and online) so you can get feedback on your progress. These typically count for a small part of your course grade.

After first year, some courses are assessed entirely by coursework - usually reports or presentations.

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 (2021/22)

Our graduates have excellent career prospects. The vast majority make direct vocational use of their qualification in the IT industry.

And increasingly, our graduates also find work in the trades, industries and professions that rely heavily on computing systems, including:

• media
• communications
• finance
• energy
• medicine

Popular employers

Popular employers include:

• Google
• Facebook
• Amazon
• IBM
• SkyScanner
• Intel
• Samsung
• ARM
• Nvida
• Keysight
• RockStar North
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• J.P. Morgan
• Citigroup

Startups and spinouts

The School of Informatics boasts a record number of startups and spinouts over the last ten years, including those set up by alumni, such as:

• Unicorn company, FanDuel
• Robotical
• PlayerData
• Speech Graphics

The School of Mathematics regularly invites alumni back to share their experiences and showcase the breadth of careers available to graduates with a maths background.

Enhance your CV

The School of Mathematics also offers many opportunities 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.
• Apply for a project scholarship and work with a lecturer during the summer.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - AAAB (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: A*AA - A*AB.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: A*BB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A*. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 6. SL: English at 5.

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

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

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

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition) 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

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 Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BSc Computer Science and Mathematics

Additional costs

You should expect to purchase the necessary textbooks for some components of your programme.

Due to the current hybrid teaching model, you may also need access to a laptop and digital writing device to take part in online workshops.

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

• Enquiry Management Team
• Email: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk