Agata Sienicka
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.
What You'll Study
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.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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.
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.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
* Including good performance in Mathematics and one other Science subject by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC*
Minimum: BCC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in Mathematics and one other Science subject by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in Mathematics and one other Science subject by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in Mathematics and one other Science subject by the end of your senior phase of education.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,535 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
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. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
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.
Career Opportunities
- Data and Information Coordinator
- Geophysicist
- Software Developer
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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.
Find out moreDiscover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX