Overview
Applied Mathematics combines the rigours of mathematics with practical applications in fields such as engineering, physics, and economics. By studying Applied Mathematics, you'll gain the skills to analyse complex systems and model real-world phenomena.
There is a growing demand for scientists and engineers who can interpret and utilise complex data effectively. Applied mathematicians are sought after for their quantitative skills and their ability to optimise processes, develop algorithms, and create mathematical models.
This course delivers that sought-after combination – through our teaching style, and our focus on real-world applications of both mathematical and statistical techniques. For example, you'll use the mathematics computing laboratories as an integral part of your learning process, making your study as much experimental as theoretical.
Our Computing Science and Mathematics division provides a stimulating and supportive learning environment, and we have a strong and active research group. Its primary interest is the application of mathematics to biology, economics and life sciences.
Our undergraduate degree courses are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications.
Each year we offer the following prizes:
- Outstanding performance Year 1 Mathematics modules.
- Outstanding performance in Year 2 Mathematics modules.
- Two prizes of membership of the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications for outstanding performance in mathematics degree programme.
- The Francis K Bell prize for most improved student in Year 3.
- The Kate Howie award for best Year 4 student in statistics modules.
- A Faculty research prize for an outstanding research project.
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
ABBB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English access course
Access to Higher Education Diploma - 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Advanced entry may by possible depending on your qualifications.
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the routes available.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
In Semesters 1-3, you’ll take Mathematics plus two other subjects. Material covered at secondary level is reviewed and applied before being developed further, ensuring a smooth transition from a school teaching approach to a university one.
You’ll take core modules in: Calculus of One and Several Variables; Vectors, Matrices, Complex Numbers and their Application in Geometry and Systems Theory; Probability; Python Programming; and Analysis. You can also opt to take an additional mathematics modules in Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics.
In Semesters 4-8, the Applied Mathematics Honours course covers a broad range of skills. Advanced modules cover the following key areas: mathematical techniques for solving a wide range of problems; the theory underlying these mathematical techniques; and model-building, for example, converting real-world problems into mathematical form. This will include projects that allow further development of skills in areas of applied mathematics.
Employers increasingly look for research experience and extracurricular activities in addition to a good degree. We’ve been entering teams of students in The Mathematical Contest In Modeling with great success since 2011. This offers students the chance to develop skills that employers are looking for.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
In the National Student Survey 2022, mathematics at Stirling was ranked 3rd in the UK and 1st in Scotland. Furthermore, the University of Stirling has been awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. Teaching methods include lectures, online materials, practical classes, seminars, and individual and group projects. Many of the course modules are assessed by coursework assignments, means of class tests and an end-of-semester examination.
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research. We are an active research Institute, with funded research from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of over £1.4m, as well as funding from the European Union FP7 Programme, other UK Research Councils and funding agencies.
Additional weekly assignments are used by tutors and students to monitor progress. In some modules class tests are replaced by projects in which you’ll solve problems based on real-world data. Typically, in your final year you’ll undertake a challenging project or series of problems under the guidance of a project supervisor.
We help our students to build strong links with industry through summer placements with local employers and large corporates.
Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability, or think about further study.
You can study abroad through our well-established connections with North American, Australian and European universities.
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
Preparing you for the world of work
There is a growing need for graduates with mathematical skills in business, research and the sciences. This course provides both the theoretical background and the quantitative skills you need to solve real-world problems. Engagement with potential employers, work-related learning and the year-long dissertation project in your final year will develop your professional skills.
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