Program Overview

Applied Mathematics, BSc

Introduction

Applied Mathematics at Aberdeen gives you all the benefits of a top-quality mathematical education in a thriving centre of mathematical teaching and research, with focus on how we apply mathematics to better understand our world today.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: G120
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Mathematics is not just about crunching numbers – it’s about logical thinking, solving problems, decision making and understanding why things work – the main skills that recruiters look for in potential employees. Mathematicians are in high demand across a range of sectors, including IT, finance, engineering and teaching.

Pure maths is about solving problems and developing theories within mathematics but applied maths is more about using mathematical theory to solve problems in other areas, including science, engineering, and physics. A lot of the theory that gets developed by pure mathematicians later becomes useful for applied mathematicians (and engineers, physicists etc.).

This Applied Mathematics BSc programme covers the core courses as studied in the pure Mathematics BSc degree. Additional core courses offered specifically in the Applied Maths degree include, Engineering Mathematics and Advanced Calculus. There are also a range of optional courses that can be chosen from both maths and physics areas.

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Calculus 1 (MA1005)
  • Algebra (MA1006)
  • Calculus II (MA1508)
  • Set Theory (MA1511)
• Optional Courses: Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Probability (MA2010)
  • Linear Algebra i (MA2008)
  • Analysis i (MA2009)
  • Linear Algebra II (MA2508)
  • Analysis II (MA2509)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Group Theory (MX3020)
  • Analysis III (MX3035)
  • Analysis Iv (MX3535)
  • Differential Equations (MX3536)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select one of the following:
    • Optimisation Theory (MX4086)
    • Financial Mathematics (MX4087)
  • AND
  • Select 30 credits from:
    • Metric and Topological Spaces (MX3036)
    • Rings and Fields (MX3531)
    • Knots (MX4540)*
    • Geometry (MX4549)*
  • Plus select 15 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Project A (PX4011)
  • Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos Theory i (MX4085)
  • Modelling Theory (MX4553)
  • Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos Theory II (MX4555)
• Optional Courses:
  • Select one of the following:
    • Optimisation Theory (MX4086)
    • Financial Mathematics (run in alternate years) (MX4087)
  • Select 15 credit points from courses of choice, plus select 15 credits from MX4 courses.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Seminars
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Applied Mathematics?

• Mathematics is a powerful universal language used to describe situations in abstract terms. At the heart of manipulation with abstract mathematical objects are precision, logical thinking and reasoning skills.
• We offer a degree in Pure Mathematics and a degree in Applied Mathematics to suit your taste and interests. You will only need to make the choice in your 3rd year.
• Our challenging syllabus reflects our specialist expertise and emphasises reasoning, rigour and the argumentative side of mathematics as well the high levels of communication skills in demand by employers.
• Our graduates are highly employable, with many going on to pursue careers in business and banking, as well as the science and tech sector, particularly as actuaries, data scientists, economists or market analysts.
• We offer excellent student experience delivered by enthusiastic staff combined with small class sizes, approximately 25 or less in the Honours years.
• Notable former mathematicians associated with the University of Aberdeen include Colin Maclaurin and James Clerk Maxwell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientists who have ever lived due to his revolutionary work on electricity, magnetism, and optics.
• We offer a range of choices with your degree programme, across both the sciences (BSc) and the Arts (MA). You can focus your attention entirely on Mathematics or you can spread your interests to combine it with other subjects.
• The department run a number of key events and seminars throughout the year, giving you the chance to network with students and academics.
• Interactions with applied maths are fostered through our involvement in the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, comprised of the Department of Mathematics together with the Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

Applied mathematicians go on to careers in computer science, engineering, and business. You may decide to specialise and study to postgraduate level or you may decide to work and specialise at the same time.