24 monthsProgramme duration
20,456 GBPTuition Fee/year
3Scholarships
SepStarting Month
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
OS: A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or non-UK equivalent containing some maths and/or statistics content.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
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
Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
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
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Value
$218000
Deadline
31 Aug 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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