Key information
- UCAS code
- G1G4
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Fundamental ideas in pure and applied mathematics are developed together with key concepts in computer science. In addition to expertise in both subjects, the course fosters the intellectual skills of analytical reasoning, systematic problem solving and the development and clear communication of ideas. Students studying Mathematics with Computer Science study roughly 75% mathematics and 25% computer science.Those interested in a course with a larger computer science component can follow Mathematics and Computer Science (UCAS GG14). The split in this case is 50/50.
Student satisfaction
Mathematics at Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in Scotland and 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2018*.
*Responses from full-time degree students.
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
Year 1
The mathematics content is identical to that of the BSc in Mathematics. Two courses in software development in computer science introduce key ideas in programming.
Mandatory September
- Calculus A
- Introduction to University Mathematics
- Software Development 1
- Elements of Probability
Mandatory January
- Calculus B
- Problem Solving
- Software Development 2
- Topics in Statistical Practice
Year 2
Work in mathematics extends in both applied and pure mathematics. In computer science, software design and programming languages are core courses.
Mandatory September
- Real Analysis
- Linear Algebra
- Programming Languages
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
Mandatory January
- Multivariable Calculus
- Numerical Analysis A
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Introduction to Software Engineering
Year 3
Topics develop mathematical skills and knowledge, and introduce ideas used at the forefront of modern mathematics. The computer science material includes theory of computing and programming language semantics.
Mandatory September
- Project Preparation
- Abstract Algebra
- Pure Mathematics B
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
Mandatory January
- Complex Analysis
- Applied Mathematics B
- Ordinary Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis B
Year 4
Further exploration and specialisation in advanced mathematics is possible with options related to our research expertise, together with computer science options in rigorous methods for software engineering and artificial intelligence and intelligent agents. Students will complete a mathematical 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
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
Optional September
- Mathematical Biology A
- Functional Analysis
- Optimisation
- Numerical Analysis C
- Topology
Mandatory January
- Mathematics Project Dissertation
Optional January
- Mathematical Biology B
- Partial Differential Equations
- Numerical Analysis D
- Geometry
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 and Computer Science at B, plus Higher ABBBB.
- A-Levels ABB. Must include Maths at A and Computer Science or Software Systems Development at B.
- International Baccalaureate 30 points. Must include Maths and Computer Science at Higher Level 6.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDD. Must be in relevant subject, including sufficient Maths and Computer Science.
- 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.
Student life
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