Mathematics BSc (Hons)
2017 entry

The BSc (Hons) in Mathematics will teach you to understand complex patterns and structures, and develop the tools with which to analyse them. Whether these patterns relate to physical or biological phenomena or the structure of mathematics itself, the primary aim is to describe, categorise, and understand the processes involved.

Students of Mathematics will acquire the analytical techniques, clear logical thinking and deductive reasoning necessary to explore some of these fascinating areas of research.

Mathematics is studied up to Honours level in both the Faculty of Science (BSc) and the Faculty of Arts (MA). Students who have a background in the sciences or who wish to study Mathematics alongside science subjects at St Andrews should apply for the BSc. For those interested in studying Mathematics alongside arts subjects, the MA in Mathematics may be of interest.

Students interested in the BSc degree may also be interested in the Integrated Masters courses in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, which allows you to graduate with a Master in Mathematics.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

UCAS code

G101

Course type

Bachelor of Science (single Honours degree)

Course duration

Four years full time

Entry requirements

SQA Highers

AAAB, including A in Mathematics and an A or B in two of the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science or equivalent
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Physics
  • Psychology.
GCE A-Levels AAA, including A in Mathematics.
IB points 36, including HL6 in Mathematics.

For the BSc degree, well-qualified school leavers may be able to apply for admission directly into the second year. Find out more about direct entry to second year for Mathematics BSc.

For degrees combining more than one subject, the subject with the higher entry requirements determines the grades you need. You will also need to meet any further subject specific entrance requirements as outlined on their pages.

Find out more about international entry requirements.

Applications for 2017 entry for this course have now closed, see which courses are available for the upcoming academic year.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Yes, applicants are expected to have studied Mathematics at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent.

Faculty entry requirements

You must also meet the Faculty of Science minimum qualifications. These vary depending on which qualifications you hold.  

Other qualifications

Passes in other examinations at equivalent levels and subjects may be accepted by the Dean of the Faculty.

Find out more about Faculty of Science entry requirements.

Course information

The BSc (Hons) in Mathematics is a four-year course run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. The School also offers an MA in Mathematics, which may be more suitable for students who wish to take Mathematics alongside arts subjects. The Mathematics element within both the BSc and MA degree programmes are exactly the same.

In the first two years, you will develop and reinforce your basic mathematical skills and refresh familiar material (e.g. complex numbers, matrices, vectors, differential equations) in preparation for more specialist study at Honours level.

At Honours level, students may select modules from a range of options on advanced and specialist specific topics. Specialist subjects areas may include:

  • abstract analysis
  • fluid dynamics
  • group theory
  • statistics in practice
  • statistical inference
  • history of mathematics.

Final year students must also complete a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with teaching staff at the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

For the BSc degree, well-qualified school leavers may be able to apply for admission directly into the second year. Find out more about direct entry to second year for Mathematics BSc.

It is possible for students to take a five-year Integrated Masters course in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, allowing you to graduate with a Master in Mathematics.

Find out more about studying Mathematics at St Andrews.

Modules

In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Mathematics alongside modules in at least one other subject in the Faculty of Science.

Typically, you will take a total of three modules per semester during your first two years, and two modules per semester during your third and fourth year (known as Honours). Find out more about the modular Scottish degree system.

Students will take between one and three first-year modules. Mathematics is a core compulsory module, and can be studied in either semester.

Students with a strong mathematical background will take the Mathematics module in Semester 1, whilst those who do not meet the entry requirements for the Mathematics module will take the Introductory Mathematics module in Semester 1 and the Mathematics module in Semester 2.

  • Mathematics: introduces ideas, methods and techniques required for applying mathematics in the physical sciences or for further study in mathematics.
  • Introductory Mathematics: designed for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the Mathematics module above. Provides a secure base in elementary calculus.
  • Pure and Applied Mathematics: introduces both pure and applied mathematics.
  • Statistics in Practice: examines statistical reasoning, statistical methodologies, and real world applications of statistics.

Students will take between four and eight modules, depending on their chosen degree path.

  • Linear Mathematics: builds on existing knowledge of matrices and systems of linear equations.
  • Analysis: introduces key concepts of real analysis: limit, continuity and differentiation.
  • Multivariate Calculus: extends basic calculus in a single variable to the setting of real functions of several variables.
  • Combinatorics and Probability: covers combinatorics and finite sets and also the study of probability.
  • Abstract Algebra: explores the key concepts of modern abstract algebra: groups, rings and fields.
  • Vector Calculus: examines the fundamental techniques that are used throughout the mathematical modelling of problems arising in the physical world such as grad, div and curl.
  • Mathematical Modelling: investigates the translation of physical problems into mathematics.
  • Statistical Inference: introduces mathematical models of randomness.

If you decide to take Mathematics in your third and fourth years, you choose from a wide variety of advanced options, including modules in complex analysis, applied statistics, symbolic computation, functional analysis and sampling theory.

Here is a sample of Honours modules which have been offered in previous years:

  • Real and Abstract Analysis
  • Linear and Nonlinear Waves
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Solar Theory
  • Bayesian Inference
  • Theory of Electric and Magnetic Fields.

In fourth year, students also undertake a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice. This independent project enables you to develop key research skills which are desired by both prospective employers and by graduate schools offering postgraduate degrees.

The modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. A full list of all modules currently available can be found in the module catalogue.

Teaching

Teaching format

In first year, teaching for each module centres on a daily lecture (100 to 150 students) and a weekly small group tutorial (5 to 10 students) where students undertake exercises and discuss each week’s topics. In addition, computer labs are held once a week for each module, to assist with both IT and problem solving skills.

In second year, each module typically comprises five lectures (100 to 250 students), one tutorial (8 to 12 students), one computer lab (25 to 60 students), and one examples class per fortnight.

You will develop increasing independence and initiative as you progress through your degree programme so that by third and fourth year the average teaching load drops to around ten hours of lectures and four tutorials per week, supplemented by private study.

Assessment

Progress is monitored through tutorial assignments and almost all of the modules are assessed by a balanced combination of coursework and written exams.

Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.

The School provides feedback on every assessment, with a view to improving your performance in future.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2017 entry

Scotland and EU £1,820
Rest of the UK £9,250
Overseas £20,570

For overseas students, tuition fees will be fixed at this level for the duration of your programme.

More information on tuition fees can be found on the undergraduate fees and funding page.

Accommodation fees

Find out about accommodation fees for University accommodation in 2017.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews offers a number of scholarships and support packages to undergraduate students each year.

Find out more about undergraduate scholarships.

Joint Honours degrees

You can take Mathematics as part of a joint Honours degree alongside one of the following subjects:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Geogrpahy
  • Management Science
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Psychology

"With" degrees

You can take the Mathematics BSc as part of a "with" Honours degree in which the majority of the course deals with the first named subject. St Andrews offers the following "with" degrees for Mathematics:

  • Geography

Your future

Careers

The demand for mathematically-able graduates exceeds the supply and the career prospects for graduates in Mathematics from St Andrews are excellent. Clear logical thinking, deductive reasoning, confidence in data handling, and IT skills are attributes that are highly prized by employers.

Around one third of Mathematics graduates go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications either in the UK or abroad, and develop research careers. Others gain employment in a variety of sectors including:

  • merchant banking
  • insurance
  • teaching
  • civil service
  • financial service organisations
  • computer consultancies.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.

Study abroad

The University is delighted to offer undergraduates a number of exciting opportunities to apply to spend a semester or year abroad as part of a St Andrews degree programme. St Andrews is partnered with large and small institutions, ancient and young, across the globe. What unites all of our programmes is the quality of the academic provision, ensuring that participation in a St Andrews Study abroad programme opens the door to a new and valuable academic experience at another world-class institution. Study Abroad for credit is permitted on existing University-approved programmes only.

Student life

From the outset, the University of St Andrews offers an array of events and opportunities which result in a truly unique student experience. Students participate in a range of traditions, notably, the red academic gown and the academic family, where older students adopt first year students as ‘children’ and help guide them in a system of mentoring. These traditions and the choice of over 150 sports clubs and student societies to choose from ensures a community feel amongst students from first year onwards.

Students of Mathematics may be interested in joining the Mathematics Society (SUMS) a society dedicated to bringing people together who are interested in maths. They hold regular socials and informative talks from guest speakers.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is currently split between two sites - the Mathematical Institute on the North Haugh and the Scott Lang Building at the Observatory. Most of the Statistics staff and research students can be found at the Observatory.

The town of St Andrews itself has lots to offer. As the campus is located around town, walking around you encounter ancient and modern buildings and areas of greenery and seaside which provide a rich, beautiful backdrop to learning. If you want a change of scenery, St Andrews' position near surrounding towns and cities such as Anstruther, Dundee and Edinburgh make it ideal for getting to know more about Scotland. Find out more about student life at the University of St Andrews.

Contact

School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of St Andrews
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SS

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3744
Email: maths@st-andrews.ac.uk 

School of Mathematics and Statistics website