Applied Mathematics (BSc)

Introducing BSc Applied Mathematics

Mathematics at university encourages you to think in an entirely different way.

You will develop a rigorous mindset and be introduced to new mathematical concepts not explored at school level.

This new way of approaching and analysing complex problems is a particularly valuable skill, applicable to many exciting career paths. This makes mathematics graduates very employable.

Areas of study

This programme covers a broad range of mathematical topics, from abstract methods to numerical computation; it also emphasises their application to real-world problems.

The programme's modular structure allows you to specialise in areas of particular mathematical interest, such as mathematical biology or scientific computing.

Optional courses

In addition to your mathematics courses in Years 1 and 2, you will study courses in other subjects. These may be in related areas such as physics or informatics, or from the wide and varied range offered across the University, such as philosophy or languages.

From Year 3 onwards, you will study your degree subject only.

Flexibility between BSc and MMath

You can change between the BSc and MMath Applied Mathematics programmes up until the beginning of Year 4, subject to strong academic performance.

Second year entry

This degree programme offers the option to start your studies in Year 2 and study an accelerated degree programme. This option shortens the length of your degree by a year, meaning the BSc degree takes three years instead of four.

On this route, you will focus on mathematics from the beginning, rather than studying a broader range of subjects in Years 1 and 2.

For information about the programme structure, please see the details listed under What you will study (Year 2).

Entry requirements for this accelerated programme can be found under the Second Year Entry drop-down section.

(Revised 15 April 2024 to remove duplicate information from the introduction)

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: A*AA - A*AB in one set of exams.
• IB: 38 points with 766 at HL - 34 points with 765 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: A*AB.
• IB: 32 points with 765 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. Your Mathematics qualifications must have been achieved no more than two academic years prior to entry. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A*. Your Mathematics qualifications must have been achieved no more than two academic years prior to entry. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 7. Your Mathematics qualifications must have been achieved no more than two academic years prior to entry. SL: English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

As a mathematics graduate, you will have a wide range of careers open to you.

You will develop skills that are highly sought-after by employers:

• logical and analytic abilities
• programming
• data analysis
• presentation skills
• practical problem-solving

Many recent graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial sector. Others have gone into fields including:

• software engineering
• logistics
• education
• the civil service

Further study is also a popular option. You can progress from this programme into masters or PhD level study in mathematics, or apply your mathematical training to postgraduate study in another subject.

We regularly invite alumni back to share their experiences and showcase the range of careers available to you.

Enhance your CV

Within the School of Mathematics, you will have many opportunities to develop your skills and enhance your CV.

For example:

• Share your love of mathematics by working with the wider community as a member of our Outreach Team.
• Join our team of Student Ambassadors and inspire prospective students.
• Become a MathPALS leader and support Year 1 students.
• Apply for a project scholarship and work with a lecturer during the summer.

Employability support

You will also be able to access the School’s weekly employability events including:

• presentations from industry employers
• alumni careers showcases
• useful workshops to help you prepare for applying to internships, jobs and further study