MSc Mathematics

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    Key information

    Location
    Edinburgh
    Mode of delivery
    On-campus
    Delivery type
    Full-time, Part-time
    Start date
    September
    Duration
    1 year
    Qualification
    MSc

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

    Our MSc in Mathematics is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of a range of topics in mathematics. In addition, students who meet the appropriate criteria and proceed to the project will gain experience in presenting results in mathematics in a clear and concise manner. The MSc has at its core fundamental courses in pure mathematics and students will be able to take options from both pure and applied mathematics. Projects will concentrate on core mathematics.

    Core courses include functional analysis and partial differential equations, while the various optional courses we offer include optimisation, solitons and differential geometry. The range of options for summer projects is broader and includes topics in spectral theory, applied analysis, integrable systems and mathematical physics.

    Learn more about the MSc Mathematics directly from the Head of the Mathematics Department, Professor Bernd Schroers in this video

    Programme duration

    • MSc - One year
    • Diploma - 9 months

    Also available part-time over 2 to 3 years.

    Watch a video

    Visit our YouTube channel to see videos from our Staff, students and recent graduates

    September 2024 entry

    The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

    Video

    Course content

    Year 1

    The MSc, has at its core, fundamental courses in pure mathematics and students will be able to take options from both pure and applied mathematics.

    Students will take a total of 8 courses, 4 in each of the 1st and 2nd Semesters followed by a 3-month Project in the summer. A typical distribution for this programme is as follows:

    Core courses:

    • Modelling and Tools;
    • Functional Analysis;
    • Partial Differential Equations;

    Optional Courses:

    • Mathematical Ecology
    • Optimization
    • Numerical Analysis of ODEs
    • Applied Mathematics E (Thermodynamics or Fluids)
    • Pure Mathematics E (Topology or Number Theory)
    • Stochastic Simulation
    • Mathematical Biology and Medicine
    • Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
    • Geometry
    • Pure Mathematics F (Solitons or Hilbert Space Operators)
    • Data Assimilation with Application to Climate Change

    Typical project subjects:

    • Domain Decomposition;
    • Mathematical Modelling of Crime;
    • The Geometry of Point Particles;
    • Can we Trust Eigenvalues on a Computer?;
    • Braess Paradox;
    • The Ising Model: Exact and Numerical Results;
    • Banach Alegbras.

    Project

    Projects will concentrate on core mathematics.

    Go Global

    Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Tuition fees
    Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
    UK 9152 4576
    Overseas [footnote 2] 19056 9528

    Footnotes

    1. 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. Find out more about tuition fees.
    2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

    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.

    View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

    Entry requirements

    Entry

    Entry is aimed at graduates with strong mathematical knowledge and skills. A good honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a related subject with a substantial mathematical content is desired. Motivation and a willingness to work hard are also important pre-requisites.

    English language requirements

    If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

    We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

    • 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
    • 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
    • 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
    • 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Ranking (Mathematics, The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

    We are ranked 2nd in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Mathematics by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

    Maths Gym

    Maths Gym is a cross-campus initiative which aims to support all Heriot-Watt students, across all our campuses, to strengthen their mathematical and statistical skills and to boost their mathematical confidence.

    Clubs and activities

    At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!

    Edinburgh campus accommodation

    Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union

    Edinburgh Campus facilities

    At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!

    Health and wellbeing

    Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.

    Heriot-Watt Student Union

    There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.

    Living in Edinburgh

    Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.

    Sport facilities

    Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

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