Mathematics, BSc

Program Overview

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Mathematics, BSc

Introduction

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.

As data and machine learning continue to drive growth in financial services, retail and technology, opportunities for interesting and well-paid careers for maths graduates continue to grow.

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: G100
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Mathematics at Aberdeen explores many fascinating topics such as group theory (the mathematical study of symmetry), ring theory (which underpins cryptography), and topology (the property of shapes, which has applications to data analysis, robotics and neuroscience). Our curriculum covers these key areas of mathematics while building on the mathematical methods you have learned at school and further developing your problem-solving skills and enhancing your abilities in calculation and logical argument.

Employers are keen to recruit our graduates due to their ability to think logically and analyse new developments and opportunities in the world of business, finance and technology. Mathematics is also vital to the physical sciences, engineering and life sciences, as it is the essential tool with which scientists formulate theories and their consequences.

A degree in mathematics is therefore a gateway to a wide variety of careers. Some of the organisations that our graduates have gone to work for in recent years include BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, NHS Grampian, Office of National Statistics, CGG, Community Energy Scotland and Schlumberger.

The abstract study of mathematics is in itself an intellectual pursuit of value, opening up a world which contains excitement and beauty. We offer a challenging syllabus that reflects our specialist expertise and emphasises reasoning, rigour and the argumentative side of mathematics as well the advanced logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills in demand by employers.

BSc or MA?

Both the MA Mathematics and BSc Mathematics (and MA Applied Mathematics and BSc Applied Mathematics) undergraduate degree programmes consist of the same core mathematics courses. The difference between the MA and BSc options is the choice of optional courses from other subjects you can choose alongside your core mathematics courses.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

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: Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Linear Algebra i (MA2008)
  • Analysis i (MA2009)
  • Linear Algebra II (MA2508)
  • Analysis II (MA2509)
• Optional Courses: Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

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

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Galois Theory (MX4082)
  • Project (MX4023)
  • Complex Analysis (MX4557)
• Optional Courses: Select 60 credits from level 4 MX courses, plus a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• 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 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 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.
• We offer attractive joint degrees with Economics, Physics and other disciplines, including languages.
• 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

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

A degree in Mathematics is the gateway to a wide variety of challenging careers. Employers are keen to recruit mathematicians for their ability to think logically and analyse new developments whether in technology, business or commerce. Mathematics lends itself to a career in the financial sector, actuarial sector, computing and information technology, geophysics and data analysis. Not to forget careers in education.

Employers that have employed our graduates include: Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, NHS Grampian, Office of National Statistics, CGG, Community Energy Scotland and Schlumberger.

Our Experts

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors.

Facilities

• Sir Duncan Rice Library: The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.

Program Outline

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Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with:

• A strong foundation in mathematical concepts and principles.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced logical thinking and reasoning abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.

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Program Description:

The Mathematics BSc program consists of four years of study, covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Calculus
• Algebra
• Linear algebra
• Analysis
• Set theory
• Group theory
• Ring theory
• Topology
• Differential equations
• Mathematical modeling
• Optimization theory
• Geometry
• `Calculus 1`
• `Algebra`
• `Calculus II`
• `Set Theory`

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Year 2:

• `Linear Algebra i`
• `Analysis i`
• `Linear Algebra II`
• `Analysis II`

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Year 3:

• `Group Theory`
• `Analysis III`
• `Metric and Topological Spaces`
• `Analysis Iv`
• `Rings & Fields`
• `Differential Equations`

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Year 4:

• `Galois Theory`
• `Project`
• `Complex Analysis`

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, practical assessments, and written examinations. The specific weighting of each assessment method may vary depending on the course.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics, who are actively involved in research and scholarship. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, and group projects.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Mathematics BSc program are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries, including:

• Finance
• Banking
• Insurance
• Technology
• Science
• Engineering
• Government
• Education

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.
• The University of Aberdeen has a strong track record of graduate employability.
• The program is offered on a full-time basis.
• The program is offered on campus.

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Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year RUK: £9,250 EU / International students: £24,800 Home Students: £1,820