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BSc Hons Mathematics & Computer Science

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: GG14
  • Accreditation: Institute of Mathematics and its Applications

Study with us

  • learn how to apply mathematics to solve practical problems using specialist software
  • gain knowledge in programming languages, artificial intelligence, mathematical analysis, discrete mathematics, and web applications development
  • develop skills to tackle problems in a business setting
  • opportunity to undertake industry-relevant projects
  • option to carry out your Honours project in either subject
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Why this course?

Mathematics is everywhere: weather forecasting, cash machines, secure websites, electronic games, liquid crystal displays, statistical data analysis.

We use statistics to explore and explain the world in which we live, such as in opinion polls and market research. However, it’s also important for manufacturing and testing many products, in particular showing that modern drugs are safe in treating humans.

Our course focuses on applying mathematics to solving practical problems.

Computers are an essential part of modern business and mathematics must often be formulated before the computer can be of use.

This degree will give you the skills to tackle problems in a business environment.

Maths Blackboard

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

This is a four-year joint Honours programme and taught in partnership with the Department of Computer & Information Sciences.

Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes and/or elective classes.

Years 1 & 2

Each area is studied equally. In addition to core mathematical methods, you’ll study calculus, geometry, applied analysis, mechanics, linear algebra and probability and statistics. Computer Science classes include programming, logic and information systems.

Years 3 & 4

This flexible joint degree allows you to focus on up to a number of classes in Mathematics or Computer Science.

Your final year project may be carried out in either subject. Honours graduates with enough computing classes may seek accreditation from the British Computer Society.

Major projects

We work with several companies and organisations to provide suggestions for student projects – either individual or group final year projects.

These tend to be more ambitious or speculative in nature than a traditional development project, particularly the group projects, and employers will work with our staff to develop an idea that's suitable for both parties.

Projects are supervised by our academic staff with individuals from the sponsoring organisation providing occasional advice and feedback, and also seeing the final demonstration.

Facilities

You’ll have access to well-equipped, modern computing laboratories and teaching rooms, as well as 24-hour access to an advanced computer information network and a sophisticated virtual e-learning environment. We have also an undergraduate common room which gives you a modern and flexible area that's used for individual and group study work and is also a relaxing social space.

Learning & teaching

Teaching methods include lectures (using a variety of media, including electronic presentations and computer demonstrations), tutorials, problems classes, computer laboratories, coursework and projects.

These methods will allow you to gain knowledge, understand and develop intellectual thinking and learn practical and transferable skills.

On completion of this course you’ll be able to:

  • demonstrate subject knowledge
  • show an understanding of the main mathematical theories as well as one or more specialised areas
  • demonstrate an understanding of computer science
  • demonstrate skills in calculation and use of the knowledge learned
  • develop and evaluate logical arguments, presenting them and their conclusions clearly and accurately
  • demonstrate a range of problem solving skills e.g. abstracting the essentials of problems, formulating them mathematically and finding solutions by appropriate methods using appropriate software
  • undertake a critical analysis of data and draw conclusions from it
  • demonstrate a range of general skills including IT competency

Assessment

Knowledge, understanding and subject-specific skills are assessed by course work assignments, reports, presentations and written examinations.

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Course content

Maths

Introduction to Calculus

You'll study the basic concepts and standard methods of mathematical notation and proof, polynomial equations and inequalities, sequences and series, functions, limits and continuity, differentiation and integration.

Applications of Calculus

The fundamental concepts of calculus (differentiation and integration) presented in Applications of Calculus will be examined in more detail, extended to a larger class of functions by means of more sophisticated methods, including an introduction to complex numbers and variables, all demonstrated in application to practical problems including solving basic first and second-order differential equations.  

Geometry & Algebra with Applications

This class will introduce you to vectors and matrices, along with the idea of mathematical modelling through their application to real-world problems.

Essential Statistics

This class will present some basic ideas and techniques of statistics while introducing some essential study skills.

Computer Science

Machines, Languages & Computation
This class will help you achieve a broad knowledge of the essence of computation and computational systems, as embodied by the notions of computable functions, formal languages and recursion, logic and computability and abstract machines.
Information & Information Systems
This class will help you understand a broad knowledge of information systems and how information is created, used and disseminated within an information society.
Programming Foundations
This class will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles of computer programming. On completing this class you should have the necessary skills to be able to design, build and test a small system in a high-level language (Java in the current incarnation of the class).

Maths

Linear Algebra & Differential Equations

This class will introduce you to the basic ideas of linear algebra, such as matrices and determinants, vector spaces, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. You'll study various standard methods for solving ordinary differential equations and understand their relevance.

Advanced Calculus

Basic ideas, techniques and results for calculus of two and three variables, along with differentiation and integration over curves, surfaces and volumes of both scalar and vector fields will be presented.

Applicable Analysis

This class will give a rigorous treatment of convergence of sequences and infinite series of real numbers and of continuity, differentiability and integrability of functions of a real variable, and will illustrate the importance of these concepts in the analysis of problems arising in applications.

Computer Science

Advanced Programming

This class will further your skills in object-oriented programming, provide knowledge of key abstract data types along with their implementation and usage, and to provide experience in the development of larger scale software and an introduction to design.

Your main goal is to be able to develop larger programs with specialized data structures and utilizing APIs from a specification, and being able to ensure and show how the system they developed matches the specification.

Logic & Algorithms
This class will equip you with the tools to model and measure computation. To build on the module Machines, Languages and Computation, and develop further understanding of the mathematical foundations of computation. To foster an analytical and empirical appreciation of the behaviour of algorithms and the use of abstract data types.
User & Data Modelling
This class will provide you with a critical appreciation and understanding of how to model user activities and the data to support them, together with how to implement systems and databases to support user activities.

Maths

Compulsory classes

Linear Algebra

Here we'll introduce basic algebraic structures, with particular emphasis on those pertaining to finite dimensional linear spaces and deepen your understanding of linear mappings. We'll also provide an introduction to inner product spaces and bilinear forms.

Differential Equations (20 credits)

We'll introduce you to analytical methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations so you'll develop an understanding along with technical skills in this area.

Optional classes

Applicable Analysis 2

We'll introduce you to the basic theory and applications of metric spaces, normed vector spaces and Banach spaces, inner product spaces and Hilbert spaces, and bounded linear operators on normed linear spaces.

Numerical Analysis (20 credits)

This module will motivate the need for numerical algorithms to approximate the solution of problems that can't be solved with pen and paper. It'll develop your skills in performing detailed analysis of the performance of numerical methods and will continue to develop your skills in the implementation of numerical algorithms using R.

Computer Science

Compulsory class

Building Software Systems

This class will extend and deepen your understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of software systems; to provide further experience in the activity of designing and implementing non-trivial systems; and to enable you to demonstrate practical competence in a group environment.

Your goal is the development in a group setting of significant systems from scratch aiming not just at any solution but a good solution, and to be introduced to more general Software Engineering topics.

Optional classes

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence

Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming, Logic & Algorithms.

This class will help to give you a broad appreciation of the scale and nature of the problems within Artificial Intelligence and to a detailed understanding of some of the fundamental techniques used to address those problems.

Programming Language Definition & Implementation

The class will provide familiarisation with the definition of programming language syntax and semantics, and the translation of these definitions into an implementation of a programming language.

Web Applications Development

Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming, User & Data Modelling.

This class will give you an understanding of the technologies used in the development of N-tier Internet-based applications.

Functional Programming

Pre-requisites: Basic programming skills, as might be gained by taking the class Programming Foundations or a similar introductory programming class.

To aim is to provide you with skills in basic functional programming and experience in integrated deployment of those skills.

Mobile App Development

Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming

You should gain a good understanding of the issues in developing for mobile environments, approaches to handling these issues and skills in developing for a widespread mobile platform.

Maths

Compulsory class

Communicating Mathematics & Statistics (20 credits)

This class provides you with experience of the skills required to undertake project work, and to communicate the findings in written and oral form using a variety of sources, such as books, journals and the internet.

Optional classes

Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives (20 credits)

Here you'll get an introduction to ideas in mathematics and statistics that can be used to model real systems, with an emphasis on the valuation of financial derivatives. This module places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes). In both cases, in addition to theoretical analysis, appropriate computational algorithms are introduced. The first half of the class introduces general modelling and simulation tools, and the second half focuses on the specific application of valuing financial derivatives, including the celebrated Black-Scholes theory.

Applicable Analysis 3 (20 credits)

This class will present the main results in Functional Analysis, give an introduction to linear operators on Banach and Hilbert spaces and study applications to integral and differential equations.

Statistical Modelling & Analysis (20 credits)

This class will provide you with a range of applied statistical techniques that can be used in professional life.

Fluids & Waves (20 credits)

You'll be introduced to the theory of Newtonian fluids and its application to flow problems and the dynamics of waves on water and in other contexts.

Finite Element Methods for Boundary Value Problems & Approximation (20 credits)

You'll be presented with the basic theory and practice of finite element methods and polynomial and piecewise polynomial approximation theory.

Applied Statistics in Society (20 credits)

You'll be introduced to a range of modern statistical methods and practices used in industry, commerce and research, and will develop skills in your application and presentation.

Mathematical Introduction to Networks (20 credits)

This class will demonstrate the central role network theory plays in mathematical modelling. It'll also show the intimate connection between linear algebra and graph theory and how to use this connection to develop a sound theoretical understanding of network theory. Finally, it'll apply this theory as a tool for revealing structure in networks.

Mathematical Biology & Marine Population Modelling (20 credits)

Here you'll learn the application of mathematical models to a variety of problems in biology, medicine, and ecology. It'll show the application of ordinary differential equations to simple biological and medical problems, the use of mathematical modelling in biochemical reactions, the application of partial differential equations in describing spatial processes such as cancer growth and pattern formation in embryonic development, and the use of delay-differential equations in physiological processes. The marine population modelling element will introduce the use of difference models to represent population processes through applications to fisheries, and the use of coupled ODE system to represent ecosystems. Practical work will include example class case studies that will explore a real-world application of an ecosystem model.

Medical Statistics (20 credits)

Students will learn new statistical methodology and apply it to real data from medical research studies, with an emphasis on the interpretation of the statistical results in the context of the medical problem being investigated. This skill is necessary for the application of statistics to medical data and differs from the traditional, standard interpretation of statistical textbook problems.

Computer Science

Compulsory class

Individual Project
This class will allow you to demonstrate practical and documentary competence. You'll also be expected to give a demonstration of your work.

Optional classes

Advanced Functional Programming

Understanding the mathematical structures arising in advanced functional programs as mediated by the following concepts: type classes and constructor classes, monoids, functors, applicative functors, monads and monad transformers, arrows, comonads, inductive and coinductive types, recursion patterns including folds and unfolds, continuations, and generalised algebraic data types.

Software Architecture & Design

This class aims to:

  • enable you to understand the challenges of advanced software design and the issues associated with large-scale software architectures, frameworks, patterns and components
  • develop your understanding of the tools and techniques that may be used for the automatic analysis and evaluation of software
Theory of Computation
Building on the previous material in software development, you'll extend and formalise your abilities in the area of computational complexity.
Information Access & Mining
This class will allow you to understand the fundamentals of information access and information mining. The class will cover a range of techniques for extracting information from textual and non-textual resources, modelling the information content of resources, detecting patterns within information resources and making use of these patterns.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Map of the world.

Widening access

We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements are for September 2023 entry.

Required subjects are shown in brackets.

Highers

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: AABB/ABBBC

(Maths A, Advanced Higher Maths recommended)

Minimum entry requirements**:

BBBB (including Maths at B and 70% in Strathclyde Summer School Mathematics)

or

ABBB (including Maths A)

Advanced Highers

Year 2 entry: AB

(Maths A, Computing Science B)

A Levels

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: BBB

(Maths)

Year 2 entry: ABB

(Maths A, Computer Science B)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: 30

(Mathematics HL5)

Year 2 entry: 32

(Mathematics HL6, Computer Science HL5 including option D: Object-oriented Programming, in Java)

HNC

Year 1 entry: relevant HNC with strong mathematical content, B in Graded Unit

International students

View the entry requirements for your country.

Deferred entry

Accepted

*Standard entry requirements

Offers are made in accordance with specified entry requirements although admission to undergraduate programmes is considered on a competitive basis and entry requirements stated are normally the minimum level required for entry.

Whilst offers are made primarily on the basis of an applicant meeting or exceeding the stated entry criteria, admission to the University is granted on the basis of merit, and the potential to succeed. As such, a range of information is considered in determining suitability.

In exceptional cases, where an applicant does not meet the competitive entry standard, evidence may be sought in the personal statement or reference to account for performance which was affected by exceptional circumstances, and which in the view of the judgement of the selector would give confidence that the applicant is capable of completing the programme of study successfully.

**Minimum entry requirements

Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.

Degree preparation course for international students

We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

2023/24: £1,820
2022/23: £1,820

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Funding Council. Scottish undergraduate students undertaking an exchange for a semester/year will continue to pay their normal tuition fees at Strathclyde and will not be charged fees by the overseas institution.

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250*

*Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2023/24, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

International

£17,400

Additional costs

International students

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Mathematics 

Course materials & costs 

Class materials (lecture notes and exercise sheets) for the majority of Mathematics & Statistics classes are available free to download. For some classes, students may need access to a textbook. Textbook costs are typically in the £20-60 price range. These prices are dependent on format (e-book, soft or hardback) and whether bought new or second hand.  

PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups)

Third-year Maths and Teaching students will need to pay for the full price of a PVG membership scheme.

Computer Science 

Course materials & costs 

There is no charge for lecture notes or equipment. Students are supplied with 500 free print units - but must purchase any additional units. However, most coursework is submitted electronically.  

Books are recommended, but not a compulsory purchase. The department ensures that the University library is stocked with copies of textbooks. 

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my studies?

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Students from Scotland

Fees for students who meet the relevant residence requirements in Scotland, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.

For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.

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Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland

We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.

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International Students

We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square.

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Careers

Graduates in Mathematics & Computer Science can go into a wide range of jobs from the manufacturing and service industries, the actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education.

Graduates in Mathematics & Computer Science are well prepared for careers involving theoretical computer science or programming of advanced scientific problems including cryptography.

How much will I earn?

The average graduate salary is around £22,000. With experience, this can rise to around £42,000.*

*Information is intended only as a guide.

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Apply

Start date: Sep 2023

Mathematics & Computer Science (1 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Apply now

Start date: Sep 2023

Mathematics & Computer Science (2 year entry)

full-time
Start date: Sep 2023

UCAS Applications

Apply through UCAS if you are a UK applicant. International applicants may apply through UCAS if they are applying to more than one UK University.

Apply now

Direct Applications

Our Direct applications service is for international applicants who wish to apply to Strathclyde University at this time.

Apply now
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Contact us

Mathematics & Statistics

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3804

Email: mathstat-ugselector@strath.ac.uk