MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) 24 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 201-250QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

24 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

19,816 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

11Scholarships

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Heriot-Watt is a leader in applied mathematics research and education. Our faculty is at the forefront of many areas, including mathematical biology and ecology, machine learning, data science, financial modelling, and more. 

This 2 year master's programme aims to provide students with the cutting-edge mathematical and statistical skills needed for success in today's data-driven world. Through a diverse curriculum and real-world projects, students will gain a solid theoretical foundation as well as hands-on experience applying mathematical concepts to tackle complex challenges across industries. 

Whether your interests lie in mathematical biology and ecology, artificial intelligence, big data analytics or other emerging fields, this programme will prepare you with the sophisticated analytical abilities and computational tools to launch an impactful career.  

The 2-year MSc breakdown 

The first year (Stage 1) of this two year MSc Programme is a pre-masters year that will equip you with a solid, theoretical and practical foundation in applied mathematics. The second year (Stage 2) is the same as our current one-year MSc Programme in Applied Mathematical Sciences which is designed to equip students with the modern, transferrable mathematical skills to prepare them for careers in industry and research. 

International students: please note our minimum IELTS entry requirement is 5.5 in all sections. The whole two year programme only requires one visa. We encourage applications from a broad range of technical backgrounds. 

The Maxwell Institute of Mathematical Sciences 

We are part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a joint research institute bringing together within a single body the research activities of: 

  • The Department of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University. 
  • The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University. 
  • The School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. 
  • We are part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics, alongside the University of Edinburgh, which consists of five joint research institutes and a joint graduate school. 


Our expertise

Your learning in the MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) programme will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics, whose work encompasses the following areas: 

  • Machine Learning: Designing and applying cutting-edge machine learning algorithms for real-world problems. 
  • Data Science and Mathematical Modelling: Leveraging big data analytics and mathematical modelling for business insights, as well as in use within the natural and social sciences. 
  • Mathematical Biology: Using mathematical techniques to model biological processes and disease. 
  • Operations Research: Optimizing systems and processes in logistics, manufacturing, and services. 
  • Applied Statistics: Applying statistical learning theory and data analysis for inference. 


Your learning experience

With MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) you'll excel in an exceptional learning environment: 

  • Innovation Hubs: As a student, you'll have access to data-driven innovation hubs including the National Robotarium and the GRID, home to the Maths Gym. These hubs offer exceptional opportunities to engage with fellow students and academics; enhancing your academic journey. 
  • Departmental Expertise: Heriot-Watt's Department of Mathematics has been excellent in applied mathematics for over four decades. Our programmes will expand mathematical skills and apply them to real-world challenges, including those in sustainable finance. 
  • Research Excellence: In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), we ranked first in Scotland for Mathematical Sciences research and 3rd in UK. 


Employability

The MSc in Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) programme prepares you to work across many industries. You will gain highly transferrable skills in mathematical modelling, data analytics, computational methods, and more.

Potential career paths

  • Data Scientist - Analyse data to uncover insights and trends to inform business strategy and decision-making.
  • Business Analyst - Use data modelling and statistical analysis to solve problems and improve business processes.
  • Operations Researcher - Apply mathematical optimization techniques to complex logistics and resource allocation problems.
  • Quantitative Analyst - Build mathematical models to analyse financial markets, price assets, and quantify risk.
  • Statistical Modeller - Develop predictive models and perform statistical inference on data.
  • Machine Learning Engineer - Design, implement and deploy machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence applications.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Mathematics

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

Heriot-Watt is a leader in applied mathematics research and education. Our faculty is at the forefront of many areas, including mathematical biology and ecology, machine learning, data science, financial modelling, and more. 

This 2 year master's programme aims to provide students with the cutting-edge mathematical and statistical skills needed for success in today's data-driven world. Through a diverse curriculum and real-world projects, students will gain a solid theoretical foundation as well as hands-on experience applying mathematical concepts to tackle complex challenges across industries. 

Whether your interests lie in mathematical biology and ecology, artificial intelligence, big data analytics or other emerging fields, this programme will prepare you with the sophisticated analytical abilities and computational tools to launch an impactful career.  

The 2-year MSc breakdown 

The first year (Stage 1) of this two year MSc Programme is a pre-masters year that will equip you with a solid, theoretical and practical foundation in applied mathematics. The second year (Stage 2) is the same as our current one-year MSc Programme in Applied Mathematical Sciences which is designed to equip students with the modern, transferrable mathematical skills to prepare them for careers in industry and research. 

International students: please note our minimum IELTS entry requirement is 5.5 in all sections. The whole two year programme only requires one visa. We encourage applications from a broad range of technical backgrounds. 

The Maxwell Institute of Mathematical Sciences 

We are part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a joint research institute bringing together within a single body the research activities of: 

  • The Department of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University. 
  • The Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics at Heriot-Watt University. 
  • The School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. 
  • We are part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering and Mathematics, alongside the University of Edinburgh, which consists of five joint research institutes and a joint graduate school. 


Our expertise

Your learning in the MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) programme will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics, whose work encompasses the following areas: 

  • Machine Learning: Designing and applying cutting-edge machine learning algorithms for real-world problems. 
  • Data Science and Mathematical Modelling: Leveraging big data analytics and mathematical modelling for business insights, as well as in use within the natural and social sciences. 
  • Mathematical Biology: Using mathematical techniques to model biological processes and disease. 
  • Operations Research: Optimizing systems and processes in logistics, manufacturing, and services. 
  • Applied Statistics: Applying statistical learning theory and data analysis for inference. 


Your learning experience

With MSc Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) you'll excel in an exceptional learning environment: 

  • Innovation Hubs: As a student, you'll have access to data-driven innovation hubs including the National Robotarium and the GRID, home to the Maths Gym. These hubs offer exceptional opportunities to engage with fellow students and academics; enhancing your academic journey. 
  • Departmental Expertise: Heriot-Watt's Department of Mathematics has been excellent in applied mathematics for over four decades. Our programmes will expand mathematical skills and apply them to real-world challenges, including those in sustainable finance. 
  • Research Excellence: In the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), we ranked first in Scotland for Mathematical Sciences research and 3rd in UK. 


Employability

The MSc in Applied Mathematical Sciences (2 years) programme prepares you to work across many industries. You will gain highly transferrable skills in mathematical modelling, data analytics, computational methods, and more.

Potential career paths

  • Data Scientist - Analyse data to uncover insights and trends to inform business strategy and decision-making.
  • Business Analyst - Use data modelling and statistical analysis to solve problems and improve business processes.
  • Operations Researcher - Apply mathematical optimization techniques to complex logistics and resource allocation problems.
  • Quantitative Analyst - Build mathematical models to analyse financial markets, price assets, and quantify risk.
  • Statistical Modeller - Develop predictive models and perform statistical inference on data.
  • Machine Learning Engineer - Design, implement and deploy machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence applications.

Admission Requirements

6+
2.1+
169+
59+
79+
UK & EU: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing some maths and/or statistics content.
OS: A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing some maths and/or statistics content.

2 Years
Sep

Tuition fees

Domestic
10,528 GBP
International
19,816 GBP

Scholarships

The Hoogenboom Scholarship

The Hoogenboom Scholarship
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

26 Apr 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Master Bachelors Open

Value

$21800

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
Master Open

Value

100% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Mar 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Norway Early Bird Scholarship

Norway Early Bird Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$6000

Deadline

1 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

International Merit Scholarship

International Merit Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$2000

Deadline

30 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$525

Deadline

31 Aug 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
Master Bachelors Open

Value

25% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

30 May 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
Bachelors Master Open

Value

$5000

Deadline

15 Jun 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

Alumni Discount Scheme

Alumni Discount Scheme
Master Open

Value

20% tuition fee waiver

Deadline

31 Jul 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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