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BSc Hons Mathematics, Statistics & Accounting

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Key facts

  • UCAS Code: GN34
  • Accreditation: Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland
  • Ranked: 6th for Accounting & Finance (Complete University Guide 2023)

Study with us

  • our course focuses on the application of mathematics to solve practical problems while statistics is used to explain the uncertain world we live in
  • develop mathematical and statistical expertise along with the opportunity to broaden your skills in business
  • Mathematics, Statistics & Accounting is fully accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
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Why this course?

This joint degree is offered in partnership with Strathclyde Business School.

You’ll develop mathematical and statistical expertise at the same time as completing a fully-accredited Accounting degree. This course could lead to training for membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland.

You will look at statistical techniques in data analysis and the use of mathematical models.

Our flexible degree structure enables transfer between courses.

Maths Blackboard

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

You'll study

The BSc (Honours) degree is a four-year programme. Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes, which relate to different areas of mathematics and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University.

To gain professional recognition in Accounting, you must take classes in Business Law and Economics.  

Mathematics and Statistics account for at least half of each course, with the remainder devoted to Accounting. Flexibility is a key feature. You’ll be able to choose the particular areas of Mathematics, Statistics, or Accounting you want to specialise in.

Years 1 & 2

In addition to the study of core mathematical methods, you’ll study applied analysis, mechanics, numerical analysis and statistics.

Years 3 & 4

You can choose from a range of Mathematics and Statistics classes from one or more of the specialist application areas.

The Honours-year project may be in Accounting or Mathematics, or Statistics. Topics offered in Maths Honours-year classes include the mathematics of financial derivatives, mathematical modelling in biology and medicine, statistical modelling & analysis, and the mathematics of networks.

Accounting options include Auditing, Business Law, Cost Accounting, Economics, Information Systems and Taxation.

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.  

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

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Course content

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.

Statistics & Data Presentation

Some basic ideas and techniques of statistics will be presented while introducing some essential study skills, allowing you to develop and practice personal and technical skills eg self-study, teamwork, analysing data, writing reports and making presentations.

 

Accounting Technologies

This class is designed to provide an introduction to accounting for those students who intend to study accounting or accounting and finance in subsequent years. It assumes no prior knowledge. It ensures that, in combination with other classes, the accreditation requirements of professional accountancy bodies are met. Please note that this isn't a suitable class for students seeking an elective that provides an overview of accounting.

Introduction to Finance & Financial Statistics

This class provides an introduction to finance, covering the basic theories of financial markets, corporate finance and investment, financial management, personal finance, security analysis and statistical applications in finance. It provides the foundations for the Business Finance course.

*Students looking for professional accreditation in Accounting must also take this class.

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.

Probability & Statistical Inference

Presentation of the basic concepts of probability theory and statistical inference will be covered to provide you with the tools to appropriately analyse a given data set and effectively communicate the results of such analysis.

Intermediate Financial Reporting
The aim of this class is to provide students with the tools to enable them to use accounting information to inform stakeholders and to assist their decision-making with respect to governance matters. 
Cost & Management Accounting
The aim of this class is to provide students with the tools to enable them to use accounting information to assist management in decision-making and with the planning and controlling of an organisation’s activities. 

Optional classes

Taxation
Mathematical & Statistical Computing

This class will introduce you to the R computing environment. It'll enable you to use R to import data and perform statistical tests, allow you to understand the concept of an algorithm and what makes a good algorithm and will equip you for implementing simple algorithms in R.

Governance & Accounting Ethics

Governance issues have been debated at great length for many years, but have reach particular prominence in the aftermath of many of the major business scandals that have arisen since the 1990s. The publication of the Cadbury Report (since revised and repackaged as the UK Code on Corporate Governance) and the changes that have occurred on an international basis make it desirable to present the accounting aspects of governance and the study of ethics in an accounting setting as a separate class. This class is intended to provide an overview of the role of accounting within business and society more generally.

Auditing & Assurance
This class aims to develop an appreciation of both the difficulties faced by preparers, auditors and standard setters in ensuring that a set of accounts gives a true and fair view and to develop an awareness of the extent to which academic research can guide and illuminate this process. It does this through the systematic analysis of auditing regulations and practical applications, in a context of institutional and cultural factors, and through exploring research into aspects of auditing, with a view to analysing the policy issues facing those who regulate and those who apply audit. 
Advanced Financial Reporting
This class will cover financial accounting topics and focuses on the preparation of financial statements for external publication. The subjects selected will be issues that provide an opportunity to explore various facets of the regulation of financial reporting. It'll include significant coverage of the preparation of consolidated financial statements - an area of vital practical and theoretical importance in accounting. In order to cover a wider breadth of accounting knowledge and to demonstrate the links between a variety of accounting topics the class will also incorporate seminars to examine the role of management accounting in organisational problem solving, performance measurement and rewards. This is an advanced level class in accounting and it discusses complex issues at both a practical and a theoretical level.

Contemporary Management Accounting
This class examines the role of management accounting to assist managers in solving contemporary organisational problems. It intends to extend your knowledge and understanding of contemporary management accounting practice.
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.

Inference & Regression Modelling

This class will:

  • review the concepts of probability distributions and how to work with these
  • present approaches to parameter estimation, focusing on maximum likelihood estimation, bootstrap estimation, and properties of estimators
  • present hypothesis testing procedures, including classical likelihood ratio tests and computer-based methods for testing parameter values, and goodness-of-fit tests.
  • introduce and provide understanding of the least squares multiple regression model, general linear model, transformations and variable selection procedures
  • present use of R functions for regression and interpretation of R output

Optional classes - list A

Complex Variables & Integral Transforms (20 credits)

This class will introduce functions of a complex variable, define concepts such as continuity, differentiability, analyticity, line integration, singular points, etc. It'll examine some important properties of such functions, and consider some applications of them, eg conformal mappings, and the evaluation of real integrals using the Residue Theorem. It'll also introduce you to Fourier and Laplace transform methods for solving linear ordinary differential equations and convolution type integral equations.

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.

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.

Stochastics & Financial Econometrics

You'll be introduced to the basic concepts of random phenomena evolving in time, from two complementary points of view: probabilistic modelling and data-driven analysis. Presentation of underlying ideas of simple stochastic processes, time series models, and the associated probability theory and statistical techniques will be covered. In addition to applications of the methods to financial and economic systems, including modelling, data analysis, and forecasting.

Optional classes - list B

Business Finance
This class provides an understanding of financial management within a business enterprise. It builds on introductory investment appraisal rules from year 1 to consider the appropriate cash flows to be evaluated when undertaking an investment project, forecasting and management of cash flows over time to ensure sufficient liquidity, and how companies determine their cost of capital for such projects. It'll also provide a framework to allow students to understand a company's financial policy decisions relating to payout policy, leasing, raising equity capital in efficient markets, and capital structure. Finally, it'll provide students with an understanding of how to value a business enterprise.
*Students seeking professional accreditation in accounting must take this class if not previously taken.
Business Law
*Students seeking professional accreditation in accounting must take this class if not previously taken.
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.

Accounting Project
Accounting Dissertation

Optional classes - list A

Statistical Modelling & Analysis (20 credits)

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

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.

Medical Statistics (20 credits)

This module will cover the fundamental statistical methods necessary for the application of classical statistical methods to data collected for health care research. There will be an emphasis on the use of real data and the interpretation of statistical analyses in the context of the research hypothesis under investigation.

Topics covered will include:

  • survival analysis
  • analysing categorical data using hypothesis tests
  • experimental Design and sampling
  • clinical measurement
Modelling & Simulation with Applications to Financial Derivatives

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. The class places equal emphasis on deterministic analysis (calculus, differential equations) and stochastic analysis (Brownian motion, birth and death processes).  In both cases, in additional 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.

Optional classes - list B

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.

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.

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.

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.

Statistical Modelling & Analysis

To provide students with a range of applied statistical techniques that can be used in professional life. This class provides students with the fundamental principles of statistical modelling through experimental design and multivariate analysis.

Applied Statistics in Society

To introduce students to a range of modern statistical methods and practices used in industry, commerce and research, and to develop skills in their application and presentation.

Optional classes - list C

Contemporary Issues in International Financial Reporting

This class will discuss selected topics in the preparation of financial statements for external publication. The subjects selected will be issues that provide an opportunity to explore various parts of the regulation of financial reporting and the associated accounting choices implied by such regulations. The class will include a significant coverage of contemporary issues which have been of interest both to the accountancy profession and to society in recent years. This is an advanced level class in financial accounting. It discusses complex issues at both a practical and a theoretical level. By the time that students complete this class they should have an appreciation of both the difficulties faced by preparers, auditors and standard setters in ensuring that a set of accounts gives a true and fair view and also an awareness of the extent to which academic research can guide and illuminate this process. 

Management Accounting: Theory & Practice
Accounting & Risk

Risk and risk management is the basis of many accounting techniques. Financial reporting was introduced to protect investors from the actions of bad or incompetent managers. Financial auditing was introduced to further enhance this risk management tool. Many business decisions are about balancing risks – for example decisions to insure or not to insure, what level of investment in safety equipment, to hedge against currency or interest rate movements. Accounting can be viewed as a desire to reduce risks.

Over the past few years new theories of risk have been emerging that question our understanding of risk and the way in which risk is factored into organisational and individual decision-making. These new theories question the applicability of objective risk and probability theories used in finance and accounting. The consequences of these theories have the potential to radically alter many accounting conventions and basic techniques. This class explores these potential consequences. This class will explore the emerging risk debate by introducing the students to a new literature base and consider the impact on accounting from this new risk perspective. Existing techniques will be deconstructed using risk theories and new ways of accounting for risk explored. Students will develop an enhanced risk framework offering new insights into existing problems and phenomena.

Auditing Theory & Practice

This class will discuss the nature and purpose of the external audit of financial statements through an examination of the formal institutional framework (the work of the International Federation of Accountants), the informal framework (the Big Four audit firms) and the processes underlying the collection of audit evidence and reporting of results.

It'll adopt the perspective of the institutions and participants in the audit process themselves. This will require an agency-based approach to the discipline. While the limitations of this approach will be addressed in the passing, it's intended that students will see this class as a counterpoint to the more rigorous and theoretically motivated classes that are presently offered in the honours programme.

Accounting Ethics

This class will discuss the nature of ethics and the manner in which ethical dilemmas can be identified and resolved. It'll explore a number of specific themes that can be used to clarify the nature of ethical dilemmas affecting accountants. These will include aspects of financial accounting, (the pressures associated with creative accounting) auditing, (the need to report findings honestly), management accounting (the implications of setting unattainable budgets), and taxation (the extent to which tax avoidance can be justified).

It'll provide students with a set of techniques with which to explore the dilemmas that will be introduced. These are necessarily philosophical in nature and cannot be regarded as objective or beyond challenge, but they do offer the means to subject a course of action to a rigorous analysis. 

Understanding Accounting Technologies & Institutional Structures

This class is concerned with the use of various social theories in the interrogation of the accounting profession and accounting practice. It begins with a general introduction to social theories in accounting in order to situate the different theoretical perspectives in relationship to each other. It then takes several modern and postmodern theoretical frameworks to evaluate the insights they may or may not offer to accounting practice, practitioners and students. Different historical methods are then developed and critiqued. The end section of the class reconfirms the importance of history and the lessons we can learn from it. The theoretical theme running throughout the class is based upon the 'linguistic-turn' in its various theoretical forms (ideology, discourse, semiotics and so on).

Learning & teaching

The following teaching methods are used in Mathematics and Statistics: lectures (using a variety of media including electronic presentations and computer demonstrations), tutorials, coursework and projects.

You’ll also learn through group work in problem solving and presentations.

Accounting is taught over two semesters. Learning methods include lectures, tutorials, and seminars alongside student-centred methods such as team-based action learning projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems. 

Our business partners are often involved in the teaching and/or assessment of student presentations.

On completion of the programme, you’ll be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of mathematics, statistics and accounting
  • shown an understanding of the principle mathematical and accounting theories and a critical understanding of one or more specialised areas
  • demonstrate skills in calculation
  • develop and evaluate logical arguments, presenting them and their conclusions clearly and accurately
  • record and summarise transactions accurately and prepare financial statements that meet relevant regulatory requirements
  • analyse the operations of a business and perform financial analyses and projections
  • demonstrate a range of problem-solving skills e.g. abstracting the essentials of problems, formulating them and finding appropriate solutions
  • undertake a critical analysis of data and draw conclusions from the data
  • demonstrate a range of appropriate general skills including IT competency

Assessment

In Mathematics and Statistics, knowledge, understanding and subject-specific skills are assessed by coursework, assignment, reports, presentations and written examinations.

Accounting assessment methods relate to specific learning outcomes. The majority of classes involve formal written exams, business reports, case studies, essays, presentations, individual and group projects, learning journals and peer assessments.

In some cases, students can get an exemption from the final exam where they meet attendance and assessment requirements.

Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. For unseen exams, these normally take place during the summer.

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: AAAA/AAABB

(Maths A, English C; Advanced Higher Maths recommended)

Minimum entry requirements**:

AABB

(Maths A, English C)

A Levels

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: ABB

(Maths A, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B)

International Baccalaureate

Standard entry requirements*:

Year 1 entry: 32

(Mathematics HL6, English SL6)

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: TBC
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

Mathematics & Statistics 

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.

Accounting 

Textbooks vary in price, ranging from £40 to 100 for Accounting Ethics.  The majority of texts are freely available from the library. 

Visa & immigration

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

University preparation programme fees

International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

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 and Statistics can enter a wide range of employment, including manufacturing and service industries, the actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education.

Most graduates who have specialised in Accounting go on to professional qualifications through one of the major accountancy bodies (ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA).

Recent graduates have found employment in professional services firms, banking, insurance, industry and the public sector, with job titles such as assistant underwriter, associate auditor, graduate analyst, operations analyst, risk consultant.

The course is also useful for those considering a general business career, in which strong financial skills are essential.

How much will I earn?

The average salary of graduates in full-time work is £23,250.

Qualified accountants can earn £26,000 to £50,000. The average salary for chartered accountants six years after qualifying is £85,000.*

Careers in investment and banking can attract higher salaries.

*Intended only as a guide.

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Apply

Start date: Sep 2023

Mathematics, Statistics & Accounting (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.

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Direct Applications

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

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Contact us

Mathematics & Statistics

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 3804

Email: mathstat-ugselector@strath.ac.uk