Key information
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Precise and efficient scientific computations are vital for interdisciplinary collaborations. It IS crucial that these computations are stable, efficient, and lead to accurate solutions for complex challenges across diverse fields.
Our master's programme is designed to equip students with the skills needed to conduct effective computer simulations for a wide range of practical mathematical, physical, chemical, and industry-related problems.
As part of this programme, students will actively participate in research projects that place a strong emphasis on computational aspects. These projects encompass a diverse range of captivating topics, all of which are relevant to real world applications, including but not limited to:
- Simulation of Granular Flow and Growing Sand-piles
- Finite Element Discretisation of Ordinary and partial differential equations
- Domain Decomposition
- Computational Spectral Theory
- Mathematical Modelling of Micro-electron Mechanical Systems
By honing your computational skills through this programme, you will be well-positioned to take advantage of the many exciting career opportunities available. The programme provides cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience to help students transition successfully into professional roles involving large-scale simulations, modelling, and machine learning models.

Thinking about a future in Mathematics?
Join our webinar on Tuesday 20 May at 11am (GMT) with Professor Des Johnston to explore our MSc Mathematics programmes. Hear from Prof. Michela Ottobre on cutting-edge research and get student insights. Includes a live Q&A and entry into a £2,000 bursary draw.
Sign up nowYour student experience
Within our MSc in Computational Mathematics and Data Analysis, our academics bring a wealth of expertise to enhance your educational journey. Their research and teaching intersect the realms of computational and applied mathematics, including:
- Data Science for Healthcare: Leveraging data analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods to advance medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and healthcare efficiency.
- Financial Modelling: Applying mathematical and computational techniques to analyse financial markets, risk assessment, and investment strategies.
- Artificial Intelligence in Robotics: Exploring the convergence of AI and robotics to develop innovative automation and autonomous systems, from self-driving vehicles to industrial automation.
Go Global
There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Mandatory September
- Modelling and Tools
Optional September
- Optimisation
- Modelling and Simulation in the Life Sciences
- Numerical ODEs
- Statistical Methods
Mandatory January
- Data Assimilation
- Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
- Artificial Intelligence
Optional January
- Partial Differential Equations
- Bayesian Inference & Computational Methods
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Programme Video

Computational Mathematics, MSc video playlist
Fees and funding
Status | Full Time |
---|---|
UK | £10,528 |
International | £19,816 |
- 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).
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Entry is aimed at graduates with strong mathematical knowledge and skills. A 2:1 honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a related subject with a substantial mathematical content is desired. We will accept 2:2 with relevant academic subjects and relevant professional qualifications. Motivation and a willingness to work hard are also important pre-requisites.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Student life
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