Key information
Heriot-Watt University was ranked 2nd in Scotland by the National Student Survey 2025 and 5th in the UK by the Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our MSc Mathematics programme is your gateway to a successful career. We provide a strong foundation in key theoretical principles and analytical techniques that are crucial in the field.
Our curriculum delves deeply into a wide range of mathematical topics, equipping postgraduate students with the skills needed to make a substantial impact in their future careers.
You will master mathematical techniques through core coursework, and our diverse electives allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career aspirations.
Our programme is designed to produce exceptional mathematicians who can effectively communicate ideas, models, and proofs with precision and excellence.
Earning this Master's degree will not only deepen your mathematical knowledge but will also enhance your employability.
Summer research projects under faculty guidance will enhance your practical research skills, making you a valuable asset to potential employers. Examples of project topics include:
- The Geometry of Point Particles;
- Can we Trust Eigenvalues on a Computer?;
- Braess Paradox;
- The Ising Model: Exact and Numerical Results;
- Banach Alegbras.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour student experience
Our MSc Mathematics programme provides a wide range of expertise and research opportunities in various mathematical disciplines. These include:
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Advanced Mathematical Theory: Delving deeply into the fundamental theoretical principles that underlie mathematical concepts and applications.
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Applied Mathematics: Exploring the practical, real-world applications of mathematical techniques in various industries, including finance, engineering, and more.
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Statistical Analysis and Data Science: Developing essential statistical and data analysis skills to extract meaningful insights from data sets and inform decision-making.
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Optimization and Operations Research: Mastering the techniques for solving complex optimisation problems, improving efficiency and problem solving in various domains.
The Maxwell Institute of Mathematical Sciences
We are part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a joint research institute
bringing together within a single body the research activities of:
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The Department of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University.
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The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University.
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The School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh.
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We are part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics, alongside the University of Edinburgh, which consists of five joint research institutes and a joint graduate school.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Modelling and Tools
Optional September
- Mathematical Ecology
- Fluid Mechanics
- Functional Analysis
- Optimisation
- Modelling and Simulation in the Life Sciences
- Numerical ODEs
- Topology
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Mandatory January
- Partial Differential Equations
Optional January
- Mathematical Biology and Medicine
- Data Assimilation
- Lie Groups and Lie Algebra
- Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
- Geometry
- Artificial Intelligence
- Quantum Theory
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Mathematics Postgraduate Subject Video
Student testimonials
Iain's story
Mathematics MSc
After struggling with mental health issues for several years, Iain found the courage, with the support of his friends, family and University staff members, to completely transform his performance and outlook, graduating with a Masters in MathematicsSee more
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £10,864 | £5,432 |
| International | £20,456 | £10,228 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
UK & EU: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content.
OS: A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content. Applicants must have covered subjects such as: Real Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics at 60% or above.
Other degrees considered: Electrical / Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Economics.
Applicants that do not meet the entry criteria will be considered for the 2 year MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences programme.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Student life
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