Key information
- UCAS code
- G101
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MMaths
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 5 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
The Master of Mathematics (MMath) provides students with a rigorous education in mathematical theory and practice, developing their expertise across pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computational mathematics. The MMath degree programme utilises our BSc Mathematics course provision up to level 4 and then uses Masters level courses in the final year of the programme. It is designed to equip you with the ability to formulate and solve real-world problems. Mathematics provides the tools to make advances in science, technology and engineering and therefore your mathematical skills will be in high demand in a wide range of sectors.
We have carefully designed a curriculum that teaches a comprehensive programme in modern mathematics. Our programmes also includes courses that emphasize practical and transferable skills, IT expertise, and career readiness. Activities include, giving presentations, producing independent research reports, working in groups to solve problems, and developing your CV and interview skills. Our mathematics degrees are ranked 1st for graduate employment prospects in The Times Good University Guide 2024. Our recent mathematics graduates use their skills in the Financial, Engineering, Data Science and Professional Services sectors, and more.
A graduate from the MMath degree will be able to communicate mathematical ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences and unambiguously demonstrate the ability to work professionally with a considerable degree of autonomy. They will also be well equipped to continue independent study in mathematics (e.g. PhD study), should they wish to do so.
Maths Café
The Maths Cafe is a peer supported initiative that allows maths students to seek help, ask questions or just chat about maths with their peers. The sessions are coordinated by the Maths Gym and organised and guided by peer mentors who are year 3, 4 and 5 maths students. Participants gain invaluable skills in teaching and communicating mathematics. The Maths Café provides support in the following areas:
- help with difficult tutorial questions and exam revision
- advice on how to manage your workload and organise studies
- forming study groups and chatting about maths in an informal atmosphere
your Journey to a PhD
Your Master of Mathematics (MMath) degree is a significant achievement, but the journey doesn't necessarily end there. Pursuing a Ph.D. represents an opportunity to delve deeper into the expansive realm of mathematics. Whether your interest lies in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, or the convergence of both, a Ph.D. provides a platform for you to develop cutting-edge mathematical research. See the type of research projects that are offered to top students.
Maxwell Institute for 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:
•The Department of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University
•The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University
•The School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh
The Maxwell Institute promotes the development of new mathematical theory and tools meaning that the mathematics that we teach is up-to-date and relevant for solving current real world problems.
International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS)
ICMS is jointly owned by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh, with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the UK. Its aims are to advance the mathematical sciences and highlight the impact of mathematical innovation, promoting interactions with other disciplines, industry and commerce. ICMS organises international workshops and conferences in all areas of mathematics and these attract leading mathematical scientists from across the globe.
Your student experience
Our MMath programme provides a wide range of expertise and research opportunities in various mathematical disciplines. These include:
- Advanced Mathematical Theory: Delving deeply into the fundamental theoretical principles that underlie pure mathematical concepts and applications.
- Applied Mathematics: Developing mathematical models that can be applied to solve real world problems.
- Computational Mathematics: Developing extensive numerical and programming skills so you can solve complex mathematical models and optimise solutions of real problems.
- Mathematical Education: We have a dedicated team with expertise in technology enhanced learning and you will benefit from these developments in teaching and assessment.
- Statistics and Data Analysis: Developing essential statistical and data analysis skills to extract meaningful insights from data sets and to inform decision making.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
European Exchange
Worldwide Exchange
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
The core material includes algebra, calculus, statistics and problem solving skills. Level 1 has been carefully designed to ease the transition from school to university. You will take the above subjects together with an elective in each semester.
Mandatory September
- Calculus A
- Introduction to University Mathematics
- Elements of Probability
Optional September
- Logic and Proof
Mandatory January
- Calculus B
- Problem Solving
- Topics in Statistical Practice
Optional January
- Discrete Mathematics
Year 2
The Level 1 work is consolidated and extended in both pure and applied mathematics. A choice between optional courses in computer science and probability and statistics is available.
Mandatory September
- Applied Mathematics A
- Real Analysis
- Linear Algebra
Optional September
- The Economy
- Probability and Statistics A
Mandatory January
- Multivariable Calculus
- Numerical Analysis A
- Pure Mathematics A
Optional January
- Data Science Life Cycle
- Statistics for Science
- Probability and Statistics B
Year 3
A combination of core and optional courses develops mathematical skills and knowledge and introduces the ideas used at the forefront of modern mathematics. Subjects include: analysis, abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, numerical analysis, and ordinary differential equations. A project preparation and skills course offers useful transferable skills.
Mandatory September
- Project Preparation
- Vector Analysis
- Pure Mathematics B
- Abstract Algebra
Mandatory January
- Applied Mathematics B
- Complex Analysis
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis B
Year 4
Further exploration and specialisation is possible with options related to our research expertise including functional analysis, optimisation, differential geometry, mathematical biology and a selection of courses both in pure and applied mathematics. An extended project also builds on the Level 3 project preparation course.
Optional September
- Mathematical Biology A
- Functional Analysis
- Optimisation
- Numerical Analysis C
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Topology
Mandatory January
- Mathematics Project Dissertation
Optional January
- Mathematical Biology B
- Partial Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis D
- Lie Groups and Lie Algebras
- Quantum Theory
- Geometry
Year 5
This year will provide detailed knowledge and understanding at an advanced level, and develop a critical awareness of current problems in some areas of mathematics. Courses on the research specialities of the department such as mathematical biology and ecology will be available. There will be a further in-depth, dissertation-based project.
More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via our current student portal.
Mandatory September
- Mathematics Project Dissertation Part II
Optional September
- Mathematical Ecology
- Functional Analysis
- Optimisation
- Modelling and Simulation in the Life Sciences
- Modelling and Tools
- Numerical ODEs
- Fluid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
- Topology
Optional January
- Mathematical Biology and Medicine
- Data Assimilation
- Partial Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
- Lie Groups and Lie Algebra
- Quantum Theory
- Geometry
- Artificial Intelligence
Programme Video
Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,535 |
| International | £19,456 |
- 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
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBBB (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at A.
- A-Levels BBB- ABB. Must include Maths achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
- HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths achieved at B.
- A-Levels BCC. Must include Maths achieved at B.
- International Baccalaureate 28 points. Must include Maths achieved at Higher Level 5.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths.
- HNC B in graded unit. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
- HND BB in graded units. Must be in a relevant subject and contain sufficient Maths at SCQF Level 6.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Year 2
- Advanced Highers ABB including Maths at A, plus Higher ABBBB.
- A-Levels ABB. Must include Maths at A.
- International Baccalaureate 30 points. Must include Maths at Higher Level 6.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDD. Must be in relevant subject, including sufficient Maths.
- HNC not available.
- HND not available.
- Global College: Successful completion of our Science with Accelerator Programme
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.
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'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.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
- Finance professionals
- Information Technology Professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
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