Mathematics

Entry requirements

UK & EU: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content.

OS: A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing substantial maths and/or statistics content. Applicants must have covered subjects such as: Real Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics at 60% or above.

Other degrees considered: Electrical / Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Economics.

Applicants that do not meet the entry criteria will be considered for the 2 year MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences programme.

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc Mathematics programme is your gateway to a successful career. We provide a strong foundation in key theoretical principles and analytical techniques that are crucial in the field.

Our curriculum delves deeply into a wide range of mathematical topics, equipping postgraduate students with the skills needed to make a substantial impact in their future careers.

You will master mathematical techniques through core coursework, and our diverse electives allow you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career aspirations.

Our programme is designed to produce exceptional mathematicians who can effectively communicate ideas, models, and proofs with precision and excellence.

Earning this Master's degree will not only deepen your mathematical knowledge but will also enhance your employability.

Summer research projects under faculty guidance will enhance your practical research skills, making you a valuable asset to potential employers. Examples of project topics include:

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

Your student experience

Our expertise

Our MSc Mathematics 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 mathematical concepts and applications.

• Applied Mathematics: Exploring the practical, real-world applications of mathematical techniques in various industries, including finance, engineering, and more.

• Statistical Analysis and Data Science: Developing essential statistical and data analysis skills to extract meaningful insights from data sets and inform decision-making.

• Optimization and Operations Research: Mastering the techniques for solving complex optimisation problems, improving efficiency and problem solving in various domains.

The Maxwell Institute of 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.

• We are part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics, alongside the University of Edinburgh, which consists of five joint research institutes and a joint graduate school.

Information for international students

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.

Fees and funding

Scholarships and bursaries