Key information
- UCAS code
- GGD3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our popular BSc in Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences provides comprehensive training in modern mathematics, contemporary statistics and actuarial sciences. Studying this variety of courses offers a dynamic blend of analytical problem-solving skills, data interpretation and a sound understanding of the intricacies of the insurance, pensions, economic and finance sectors. This degree offers the opportunity to gain exemptions from Core Principles subjects of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA) Curriculum professional exams. This programme of study equips individuals to address complex real-world challenges, making them highly sought after in a wide array of career paths. As a major financial and insurance centre, Edinburgh offers excellent career opportunities.
We have carefully designed a curriculum that teaches a comprehensive programme in modern mathematics, statistics and actuarial sciences. 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 career 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.
Centre of Actuarial Excellence
Heriot-Watt University is recognised as a ‘Center of Actuarial Excellence’ by the Society of Actuaries (SOA), North America. We are the only ‘Center of Actuarial Excellence’ in Europe and one of only 30 other schools worldwide with this designation. With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world's largest actuarial professional organisation with more than 28,000 actuaries as members.
Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK administers examinations necessary to achieve the esteemed designation of a Fellow of the IFoA. Passing these rigorous exams is crucial for individuals aiming to become fully qualified actuaries, allowing them to practice in the field. This degree programme offers the opportunity to gain exemptions from Core Principles subjects of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFOA) Curriculum professional exams.
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
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.
Undergraduate webinar series
Sign up to our undergraduate webinar series to find out more about this programme and what your studies at Heriot-Watt might look like.
Sign up for updatesYour student experience
Our BSc Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences 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.
- Actuarial Science: Developing key knowledge of actuarial and financial mathematics and applying mathematics to insurance, pensions and risk management scenarios that play a vital role in the career of an actuary.
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
Has been designed to ease the transition from school to university. Students take courses in calculus and algebra which continue the development of these subjects already studied in school while also taking courses on statistics, economics and finance.
Mandatory September
- Calculus A
- Introduction to University Mathematics
- Elements of Probability
- Logic and Proof
Mandatory January
- Calculus B
- Becoming a Professional
- Topics in Statistical Practice
- Problem Solving
Programme Video
Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University
Student testimonials
Takura Matarise
BSc (Hons) Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Sciences graduate
Heriot-Watt stood out to me for studying my degree. I enjoyed learning mathematical problem solving through exposure to real-world examples.
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.
Standard entry requirements
- Highers ABBBB (including Mathematics at A)
- A-Levels BBB - ABB (including Mathematics at B)
- Int. Baccalaureate 28 points (with Mathematics at Higher Level 5)
- BTEC DDM (including sufficient Mathematics)
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including Mathematics at B)
- A-Levels BBC (including Mathematics at B)
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish 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
- 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
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
- Information Technology Professionals
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
Student life
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