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Mathematics
Mathematics at Heriot-Watt obtained top research ratings in the last two UK Research Assessment Exercises. The quality and range of research is excellent, encompassing mathematical biology and medicine, computational applied mathematics, theoretical aspects of differential equations and dynamical systems, mathematical physics, algebra and topology. Such strength and depth is epitomised by the high levels and of external research funding coming into the department.
Links with business and industry are crucially important, both as a means for students to gain hands on experience of real-world problems, and as a gateway into employment. Collaborations such as those with Edinburgh Petroleum Services and Concept Systems Ltd, have won international awards.
The department forms a major part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, which brings together within a single body the research and postgraduate activities in mathematics and statistics at Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh. The Institute is an international centre for research and for postgraduate training and offers an environment that is able to attract and foster the very best talent from around the world.
The Mathematics department is also one of the two founder members of the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS), which hosts regular high-level international meetings into all aspects of the mathematical sciences.
Why study Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University?
Studying mathematics to an advanced level is challenging, interesting and enjoyable. A graduate in mathematics is in the fortunate position of having a wide range of career choices. In recent years some of our graduate destinations include:
- EDF (Energy)
- Chevron (Oil)
- PhDs in UK and Europe
- Peugeot/Citroen (Manafacture)
- Apodis (Software)
- Grupo Actuarial (Actuarial)
- SELEX (Defence)
- Wood Mackenzie (Comercial analysis)
- Domestic & General (Insurance)
Mathematics has consistently figured among the best jobs available in terms of: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. The median annual income for mathematicians in 2011 is about $94,000 (for details see the surveys publishes annually in the Wall Street Journal or CareerCast.com). A postgraduate degree in maths from Heriot-Watt University will place you in an unique position at the core of this vibrant career.
