Overview
Mathematicians are in demand. In 2023, over 4.2 million people in the UK worked in maths-based roles. That’s around 13% of the workforce (London Mathematical Society). Jobs range from data analysts and statisticians to actuaries, engineers, and programmers.
Why study maths at Stirling?
A maths degree from Stirling isn’t just about numbers. It’s about discovering what’s possible when you use them to solve real problems. Our maths degree focuses on the practical and creative side of mathematics and statistics. We show you how theory connects to real-life problems.
Throughout the course you’ll:
- build a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics;
- specialise in areas of maths you’re interested in;
- learn to think logically, creatively, and analytically;
- use our specialist Mathematics Computing Laboratories where maths becomes hands-on, experimental, and interactive;
- gain expertise in Python and R.
You’ll graduate with the confidence and technical skills to innovate, model, and solve the complex problems the world faces today.
Our flexible course structure allows you to combine maths with a wide range of other subjects such as Accountancy, Computing Science, Economics and Finance.
Our BSc (Hons) Mathematics is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). Recognition that our degree meets the highest professional standards.
Get career ready
Throughout your mathematics degree, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Grow your skills in research, report writing, presentations and statistical software.
- Take part in work-related learning such as summer internships, guest lectures and your dissertation project.
- Connect with major employers such as Amazon and Diageo.
In your final year you will build a professional mathematics research portfolio. This showcases your skills in research, analysis, and presentation. Past final-year projects include:
- Modelling how a disease spreads.
- Analysing real-world data using advanced statistics.
- Designing a flight path to the moon.
- Investigating where to build a new space station in Scotland.
Be part of a vibrant maths community
We have a fantastic student-led Mathematics Society where you can develop further skills through team activities.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
Our undergraduate degree courses are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications.
Prizes or awards
Each year we offer the following prizes:
- Outstanding performance in 1st year Mathematics modules
- Outstanding performance in 2nd year Mathematics modules
- Two prizes of membership of the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications for outstanding performance in mathematics degree programme
- The Francis K Bell prize for most improved student in 3rd year
- The Kate Howie award for best 4th year student in statistics modules
- A Faculty research prize for an outstanding research project
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
ABBB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English access course
Access to Higher Education Diploma - 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3.
Essential subjects
Mathematics
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry may by possible depending on your qualifications.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
In Semesters 1-3, you will take Mathematics plus two other subjects. Material covered at secondary level is reviewed and applied before being developed further. This ensures a smooth transition from a school teaching approach to a university one.
You’ll then continue with advanced modules in many different areas of mathematics.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
In the National Student Survey 2024, Mathematics at Stirling was ranked Top 3 in Scotland and Top 20 in the UK. We have been awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. Teaching methods include lectures, on-line materials, practical classes, seminars, and individual and group projects. Many of the course modules are assessed by means of coursework assignments, class tests and an end-of-semester examination.
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research. We are an active research Institute, with funded research from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) of over £1.4m, as well as funding from the European Union FP7 Programme, other UK Research Councils and funding agencies.
Assessment
Additional weekly assignments are used by tutors and students to monitor progress. In some modules class tests are replaced by projects in which you will solve problems based on real-world data. Typically, in the final semester you will undertake a challenging project or series of problems under the guidance of a project supervisor.
Work placement opportunities
We help our students to build strong links with industry through summer placements with local employers and large corporates.
Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability, or think about further study.
Study abroad
You can study abroad through our well-established connections with North American, Australian and European universities.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
There is a growing need for graduates with mathematical skills in business, research and the sciences. Our maths degree provides both the theoretical background, and the quantitative skills employers want.
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