Mathematics / Applied Mathematics / Pure Mathematics

Mathematics is a vast and ever-growing subject which incorporates successful explorations of numerical, geometrical and logical relationships.

Programme structure

You can choose to take a Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics Honours degree. You will make your decision at the end of second year.

Year 1

In your first year you will take a number of courses covering matrices, linear equations, probability, complex numbers, vectors and calculus.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

We offer a wide variety of courses in second year covering multivariable calculus, linear algebra, topics in applied mathematics, topics in linear algebra and calculus, introduction to real analysis, foundations of pure mathematics, financial modelling, number theory and cryptography.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4), you will study a wide range of topics.

The Mathematics degree programme is for students who are interested in all aspects of mathematics, not just those aspects that have immediate applications. It is possible to specialise towards applied or pure mathematics in the final years. The Mathematics degree provides an ideal route for keeping future options open.

The Applied Mathematics degree programme allows students with a flair for mathematics who prefer the practical and applicable aspects of the subject to concentrate on these elements. You will study a wide range of subjects in applied mathematics including mathematical biology, solid and fluid mechanics, and mathematical physics.

The Pure Mathematics degree programme is ideal for students who prefer the abstract
and logical aspects of the subject. You will study a wide range of subjects in pure mathematics including geometry, topology, algebra and analysis. These courses give a wide-ranging introduction to pure mathematical thought, applicable to a wide range of careers.

In fourth year you will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of choice and will undertake a project carried out under the personal supervision of a member of staff.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree – a five-year Advanced Honours degree.

Partnership with schools

A popular fourth-year project option is to take part in our ambassador scheme, where students spend time in schools, experiencing teaching at first hand and developing vital workplace skills.

Our international links

There are currently two options available for study abroad: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme (where you will study at a major European university for three to 12 months) and the International Exchange Programme, which allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, or the USA.

Career prospects

Many of our graduates go on to careers in the financial services sector or computing, or undertake postgraduate study. Others are employed in industry, using the modelling and problem-solving skills gained on the programme.

Glasgow International College

For international students entry to this programme is supported by courses from GIC.

BSc

  • Applied Mathematics: G122
  • Mathematics: G100
  • Pure Mathematics: G111
  • Astronomy/Mathematics: FGM1
  • Chemistry/Mathematics: GF11
  • Computing Science/Mathematics: GGK1
  • Geography/Mathematics: FG81
  • Mathematics/Business & Management: NG21
  • Mathematics/Economics: LG1D
  • Mathematics/Philosophy: GVD5
  • Mathematics/Physics: GF14
  • Mathematics/Psychology: CG81
  • Mathematics/Statistics: GGC3

MA

  • Mathematics: G102
  • Archaeology/Mathematics: GV14
  • Celtic Civilisation/Mathematics: GQ15
  • Celtic Studies/Mathematics: GQC5
  • Classics/Mathematics: GQ18
  • Digital Media & Information Studies/Mathematics: GGM1
  • English Language/Mathematics: QG3D
  • English Literature/Mathematics: QG3C
  • French/Mathematics: GR11
  • Gaelic/Mathematics: QG51
  • German/Mathematics: GR12
  • History of Art/Mathematics: GVC3
  • History/Mathematics: GV11
  • Italian/Mathematics: GR13
  • Latin/Mathematics: GQ16
  • Mathematics/Music: GW13
  • Mathematics/Philosophy: GV15
  • Mathematics/Russian: GR17
  • Mathematics/Scottish History: GVC2
  • Mathematics/Scottish Literature: GQ12
  • Mathematics/Theatre Studies: GW14
  • Mathematics/Theology & Religious Studies: GV16
  • Spanish/Mathematics: RG41

MA(Soc)

  • Business & Management/Mathematics: GND2
  • Business Economics/Mathematics: LG11
  • Central & East European Studies/Mathematics: RG78
  • Economic & Social History/Mathematics: VG31
  • Economics/Mathematics: GL11
  • Mathematics/Politics: LG21

MSci

  • Applied Mathematics: G120
  • Mathematics: G101
  • Pure Mathematics: G110
  • Astronomy/Mathematics: FG5D
  • Chemistry/Mathematics: FG11
  • Computing Science/Mathematics: GG4C
  • Mathematics/Physics: FGJ1
  • Mathematics/Statistics: GGH1

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc, MSci

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results will be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.

A-levels: AAB, including two science subjects. Normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

MA

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including English and a humanities subject or a language (including Gaelic) at grades A/B or B/A) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

A-levels: AAB.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

  • overall score 6.5
  • no sub-test less than 6.0
  • or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
     

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

  • ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
  • PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: Elaine.Shortt@glasgow.ac.uk

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

my academic qualifications are below the requirements?

Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

How to apply ...