
About this program
Applied Mathematics, BSc
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. You will have a great choice of courses, individual attention in small classes, and a challenging syllabus which emphasises reasoning, rigour and application.
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.).
You will learn from teachers and researchers internationally recognised as leaders in pure mathematics, especially algebra, analysis, geometry and topology and on their application to complex systems, particularly in biology.
Mathematics and computational science are used in almost every field of science, engineering, industry, and technology and a degree in Applied Mathematics is the gateway to a wide variety of challenging careers.
However, it’s not just about crunching numbers – it is about solving problems and looking for opportunities. Employers are keen to recruit mathematicians because they can think logically and analyse new developments in business, commerce or technology, opening up opportunities especially in the financial sector, computing and information technology, geophysics and data analysis.
You will thrive in our friendly and vibrant international community, on our beautiful medieval campus with great facilities for learning, sports and leisure, and the many opportunities to develop the extra skills and interests – and the broader horizons – that will give you the competitive advantage in whichever career path you choose.
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.
Admission requirements
General Entry Requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
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.
Please Note: National 5/ Standard Grade/ GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics / Applications of Mathematics is required in addition to the requirements noted above.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
International Applicants
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
For more information about admission requirements, please contact the provider.
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Learn moreProgram content
Year 1:
Compulsory Courses
- Calculus 1
- Algebra
- Calculus II
- Set Theory
- Programming for Sciences and Engineering
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
Year 2:
Compulsory Courses
- Linear Algebra i
- Analysis i
- Linear Algebra II
- Analysis II
- Probability
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
Year 3:
Compulsory Courses
- Group Theory
- Analysis III
- Analysis Iv
- Differential Equations
Optional Courses
Select 15 credit points from courses of choice, plus select 45 credits from the courses below.
MX4086 - Optimisation Theory
MX4549 - Geometry
- Metric and Topological Spaces
- Rings & Fields
- Financial Mathematics
- Knots
Year 4:
Compulsory Courses
- Project A
- Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos Theory i
- Modelling Theory
- Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos Theory II
Optional Courses
Select 15 credit points from courses of choice, plus select 45 credits from the courses below.
- MX4086 - Optimisation Theory or MX4087 Financial Mathematics (run in alternate years)
- MX4549 - Geometry or MX4540 Knots (run in alternate years)
- Financial Mathematics
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Tuition
- RUK: £9,250
- EU / International Students: £18,000
- Home Students: £1,820
Career paths
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.
About this institute

University of Aberdeen
Founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland's third oldest and the UK's fifth oldest university. William Elphinstone established King's College to train doctors, teachers and clergy for the...