Program Overview

Mathematics, MA

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: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: G102
• 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 15 credits from courses of choice.

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*

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: £20,800
• 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.