Study Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Glasgow

Mathematics and StatisticsUndergraduate study

‘ Our main piece of advice is, if you come, be prepared to fall in love with it: the buildings, the unions, the atmosphere and most of all, the people.’Virgin Guide to British Universities 2011

Come and visit usOpen days and student visitswww.glasgow.ac.uk/openday We offer many opportunities for you to visit us and find out about the University.

•Open days: If you’re interested in visiting the University before you apply for a specific programme, we’d be happy to welcome you to one of our Open Days held in June and September. You can speak to our friendly staff and students, attend a mock lecture, tour the facilities, visit our student residences and see for yourself what life would be like as a student at Glasgow.

•Applicants’ Visit Day: Once you have applied to and received an offer from the University you will get another chance to visit us on our Applicants’ Visit Day in March.

• Afternoon visits: If you can’t make either of the above we will be running four afternoon visits throughout the course of the year.

•Plan your own visit: You are welcome to visit the University at a time that suits you, to gather information and see the sights of our beautiful campus all on your own.

How to applywww.ucas.comYou must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), tel: 0871 468 0468 or visit their website.

Entry requirementswww.glasgow.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirementsPlease check our website for up-to-date details of entry requirements.

The Glasgow experienceThe University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Since opening our doors in 1451, we’ve been dedicated to inspiring great minds, from the father of economics, Adam Smith, to the pioneer of television, John Logie Baird. We’re proud that our learning community continues to foster wisdom, respect and satisfaction today.

If you’re thinking about studying at Glasgow, we understand that you’ll want to take your time to find out about everything we can offer.

We know that you’ll be looking for a university that provides a broad choice of subjects, excellent teaching standards and superb facilities. You’ll also want to study somewhere with an international reputation, high graduate employment rates and a top-quality student lifestyle.

These things are important, which is why they all form the Glasgow experience.

If you choose to study with us, you’ll•be part of a university ranked in the top 1% of the world•learn from pioneering academics whose research is globally recognised•join an international student community made up of more than 23,000 people

from 120 countries•find first-class facilities for sport, one of the best libraries in Europe and a new

student services building where you can get advice on everything from careers to council tax

•benefit from living in the UK’s third largest city – and Scotland’s largest – with a renowned music scene, a wealth of arts and cultural venues, and friendly nightlife, all on your doorstep.

These are some of the reasons why the 2011 International Student Barometer ranks Glasgow first in the UK for student satisfaction, and why our final-year undergraduates report satisfaction levels of 90%, according to the 2011 National Student Survey.

1E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow ac.uk/ug/accountingmathematics

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2In first and second years you will take courses in•Mathematics•Statistics•Financialaccounting•Economics•Managementaccounting•Finance.

Years 3 and 4If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will take a range of core and optional courses including•Analysis1•Mathematicalmethods1•Financialmathematics•Advancedfinancialaccountingpractices•Audittheoryandpractice.

In fourth year you will also undertake a research project/dissertation, usually supervised within the School of Mathematics & Statistics, although a limited number of projects will be supervised by the Business School.

Special feature

The University has close links with professional bodies and employers, many of whom offer placement opportunities to students. Some professional firms run presentations and drop-in sessions for prospective graduates and also run separate events to give students a chance to interact with their staff.

Our international links

You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme and the International Exchange Programme.

Under the Erasmus scheme you will study at a major European university, for three to ten months. As this exchange programme is partly funded by the European Union you will receive additional financial support from the EU, to cover additional travel and living costs.

The International Exchange Programme allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.

Career prospects

The financial sector, locally and throughout the UK, actively recruits graduates skilled in all aspects of mathematics, and a significant number of our Honours graduates find employment in the commercial sector, in insurance, accounting, finance or banking.

Note

You will not be a qualified accountant when you graduate from this programme.

You may also be interested in

•Accounting&Statistics•Finance&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/

Pure Mathematics•Finance&Statistics

Degrees and UCAS codes

BSc (Hons) – four years

Accounting & Mathematics (NG4C)

Accounting & Applied Mathematics (NG41)

Accounting & Pure Mathematics (NG4D)

Entry requirements Highers: AAABB/AAAA (from fifth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English, at B.

These grades are cumulative grades over both first and second sitting and so will include Highers and Advanced Highers in the same subject.

AAAAA/AAAABB (from sixth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English, at B.

A-levels: AAA/A*AB including Mathematics, and GCSE English at B.

IB: 36 points. Must have Mathematics and English or any humanities subject at subsidiary level 5 or better.

Forafulllistofalternativequalifications please see www.glasgow.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements.

Ratings Accounting and finance research at Glasgow is rated in the top five in the UK, according to the most recent independent survey of research quality (RAE 2008).

Accounting & Mathematics/Applied Mathematics/Pure MathematicsAccounting is the process of collecting, measuring, analysing and communicating information to aid decision making within business and other organisations. Mathematics incorporates successful explorations of numerical, geometrical and logical relationships.

•Wehavecloselinkswithprofessionalbodiesandemployers,manyofwhomoffer placement opportunities to students.

•AccountingandfinanceresearchatGlasgowisratedinthetopfiveintheUK,according to the most recent independent survey of research quality

(RAE 2008).

‘The quality of students we look for is very high and the University of Glasgow is a great resource for finding those high-calibre students for both intern placements and full-time graduate opportunities.’JP Morgan Scotland

Study abroad opportunitiesThere are study abroad opportunities available in year three.

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Accounting & StatisticsAccounting is the process of collecting, measuring, analysing and communicating information to aid decision making within business and other organisations. Statistics is a scientific discipline that is concerned with the drawing of objective conclusions from investigations where outcomes are subject to uncertainty or variability.



(RAE 2008).

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2In first and second years you will take courses in•Managementaccounting•Financialaccounting•Finance•Economics•Statistics•Mathematics.

Years 3 and 4If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will take a range of core and optional courses, including courses in accounting and statistics.

In fourth year you will also undertake a dissertation supervised within the Business School.

Special feature






Career prospects

The financial sector, locally and throughout the UK, actively recruits graduates skilled in all aspects of statistics, and a significant number of our Honours graduates find employment in the commercial sector, in insurance, accounting, finance or banking.

Note

You will not be a qualified accountant when you graduate from this programme.


•Accounting&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/Pure Mathematics•Finance&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/

Pure Mathematics•Finance&Statistics

Degree and UCAS code

BSc (Hons) (GN34) – four years

Entry requirements Highers: AAABB/AAAA (from fifth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English, at B.


AAAAA/AAAABB (from sixth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English, at B.


IB: 36 points. Must have Mathematics and English or any humanities subject at subsidiary level 5 or better.


Ratings Accounting and finance research at Glasgow is rated in the top five in the UK, according to the most recent independent survey of research quality (RAE 2008).


E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/accountingstatistics

4 E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/financemathematics

Finance&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/Pure MathematicsFinance is the study of the theory and practice of financial decision-making. Mathematics incorporates successful explorations of numerical, geometrical and logical relationships.



(RAE 2008).

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2In first and second years you will take courses in•Mathematics•Statistics•Financialaccounting•Economics•Managementaccounting•Finance.

Years 3 and 4If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will take a range of core and optional courses including•Analysis1•Mathematicalmethods1•Financialmathematics•Capitalmarkets•Internationalfinancialmarkets•Financialstatementanalysis•Financialmarketsandfinancialinstitutions.

In fourth year you will also undertake a research project/dissertation, usually supervised within the School of Mathematics & Statistics, although a limited number of projects will be supervised by the Business School.

Special feature






Career prospects



•Accounting&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/Pure Mathematics•Accounting&Statistics•Finance&Statistics

Degrees and UCAS codes

BSc (Hons) – four years

Finance&Mathematics(NG3C)

Finance&AppliedMathematics (GN13)

Finance&PureMathematics (NG31)

Entry requirements Highers: AAABB/AAAA (from fifth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English at B.


AAAAA/AAAABB (from sixth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English at B.


IB: 36 points. Must have Mathematics and English or any Humanities subject at subsidiary level at 5 or better.


Ratings The research area of accounting and finance is ranked top in Scotland and fifth in the UK, according to the most recent independent research survey, Research Assessment Exercise 2008.


5

66

7

Finance&StatisticsFinance is the study of the theory and practice of financial decision-making. Statistics is a scientific discipline that is concerned with the drawing of objective conclusions from investigations where outcomes are subject to uncertainty or variability.



(RAE 2008).

Degree and UCAS code

BSc (Hons) (GN33) – four years

Entry requirements Highers: AAABB/AAAA (from fifth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English at B.


AAAAA/AAAABB (from sixth year) including Mathematics at B and a humanities subject, preferably English at B.


IB: 36 points. Must have Mathematics and English or any Humanities subject at subsidiary level at 5 or better.


Ratings The research area of accounting and finance is ranked top in Scotland and fifth in the UK, according to the most recent independent research survey, Research Assessment Exercise 2008.

Programme structure

Years 1 and 2In first and second years you will take courses in•Finance•Financialaccounting•Managementaccounting•Economics•Statistics•Mathematics.

Years 3 and 4If you progress to Honours (years three and four) you will take a range of core and optional courses, including courses in finance and statistics.

In fourth year you will also undertake a dissertation supervised within the Business School.

Special feature






Career prospects



•Accounting&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/Pure Mathematics•Accounting&Statistics•Finance&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/

Pure Mathematics


E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/financestatistics

8 E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/mathematics

Mathematics/Applied Mathematics/Pure MathematicsMathematics is a vast and ever-growing subject which incorporates successful explorations of numerical, geometrical and logical relationships. Both Pure and Applied Mathematics also have varied applications in very many branches of human activity, including science, engineering, medicine and commerce.

•OurMathematicsstudentsareintheUK’stopfiveforstudentsatisfaction,reporting satisfaction levels of 97% in the National Student Survey 2011.

•Youwillhavetheopportunitytotakepartinourambassadorscheme,whereyou will be able to go into schools and experience teaching at first hand as well as developing vital workplace skills.

Programme structure

You can choose to take a Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics Honours degree. You will make your decision at the end of second year.

Year 1In your first year you will take a number of courses covering matrices, linear equations, probability, complex numbers, vectors and calculus.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests – www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/aboutdegrees.

Year 2We offer a wide variety of courses in second year covering multivariable calculus, linear algebra, topics in applied mathematics, topics in linear algebra and calculus, introduction to real analysis, foundations of pure mathematics, financial modelling, number theory and cryptography.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 – www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/aboutdegrees.

Years 3, 4 and 5If you progress to Honours (years three and four), you will study a wide range of topics.The Mathematics degree programme is for students who are interested in all aspects of mathematics, not just those aspects that have immediate applications. It is possible to specialise towards applied or pure mathematics in the final years. The Mathematics degree provides an ideal route for keeping future options open.

The Applied Mathematics degree programme allows students with a flair for mathematics who prefer the practical and applicable aspects of the subject to concentrate on these elements. You will study the core courses of analysis and mathematical methods and you will also choose at least two more courses from a wide range of topics in applied mathematics.

The Pure Mathematics degree programme is ideal for students who prefer the abstractand logical aspects of the subject. You will study a wide range of subjects in pure mathematics including geometry, topology, algebra and analysis. These courses give a wide-ranging introduction to the beauty and power of pure mathematical thought, applicable to a wide range of careers.

In fourth year you will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of choice and will undertake a project carried out under the personal supervision of a member of staff.

There is an opportunity to take an MSci degree – a five-year Advanced Honours degree.

Partnership with schools

A popular fourth-year project option is to take part in our ambassdor scheme, where students spend time in schools. They experience teaching at first hand as well as developing vital workplace skills.


You will have the opportunity to apply to study abroad. There are currently two options available: the Erasmus Exchange Scheme (where you will study at a major European university for three to ten months) and the International Exchange Programme, which allows you to spend a year or semester in one of our partner institutions in the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, USA.

Career prospects

Career prospects for mathematics graduates are outstanding. Many of our graduates go on to careers in the financial services sector or computing, or go on to undertake postgraduate study. Others are employed in industry, using the modelling and problem-solving skills gained on the programme.

Here are some career paths followed by former students•Music:KennyMcAlpinegraduatedwitha

degree in Mathematics. He always had an interest in music and since graduating has used his knowledge to compose music electronically for computer games.•ActuarialScience:JohnTaylorgraduatedwith

a degree in Mathematics. He went on to work for Standard Life as an actuary.


•Accounting&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/Pure Mathematics•Finance&Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/

Pure Mathematics•Statistics

Degrees and UCAS codesMathematics

BSc (Hon) (G100) – four yearsMSci (G101) – five yearsMA (Hons) (G102) – four years

Applied MathematicsBSc (Hon) (G122) – four yearsMSci (G120) – five years

Pure MathematicsBSc (Hon) (G111) – four yearsMSci (G110) – five years

Joint Honours Mathematics can be taken as a Single Honours or Joint Honours degree. See website for a full list.

Entry requirements

BSc, MSciHighers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer. Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2013. Mathematics at B or above.

A-levels: ABB, preferably with two science subjects. Normally have A-level Mathematics at B or above.

IB: 32 points.

MAHighers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2013.

A-levels: ABB.

IB: 34 points.


Advanced entryIf you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it’s possible to follow a faster route advanced entry, which allows you to complete a standard BSc (Hons) or MSci degree in one year less than usual – see www.glasgow.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/advancedentry.


9E: [email protected] W: www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/statistics

StatisticsStatistics is the science of collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data. Statistics has application in analysis of brain scans, interpreting satellite data, computer-aided medical diagnosis, designing drug or GM crop trials, industrial quality control, monitoring radioactive fallout, understanding Alzheimer’s disease, quantitative linguistics and bioinformatics.

•OurStatisticsstudentsareintheUK’stopfiveforstudentsatisfaction,reporting satisfaction levels of 97% in the National Student Survey 2011.

•WeofferadoubledegreeprogrammewiththeUniversityofBolognawhichwillgive you the opportunity to spend your third year in Bologna.

•OurStatisticsHonoursdegreeisaccreditedbytheRoyalStatisticalSociety.

Programme structure

This degree programme will equip you with the various skills – ranging from technical to presentational – required by statisticians. Throughout the programme there is a major emphasis on practical work using statistical packages.

Year 1In your first year you will take two courses covering topics in probability and introductory statistical methods, and design of experiments, analysis of variance and statistical methods for paired data.

You will also study two other subjects in year 1 according to your interests – www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/aboutdegrees.

Year 2You will take four courses covering topics in statistical methods and probability, introducing the ideas of likelihood and regression modelling.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2 – www.glasgow.ac.uk/ug/aboutdegrees.

Years 3, 4 and 5If you proceed to Honours (years three and four) you will gain an imaginative mix of theoretical and practical training, which involves project planning, report writing and the development of presentational skills. General topics covered across courses include probability, modelling, design, inference, computational inference, sampling and databases and a range of applications including biostatistics, environmental statistics and financial statistics.

You will also complete case studies and projects on topics which may be drawn from the fields of bioinformatics, environmental studies, medicine, psychology, sports science and veterinary science.

One important feature of project activities is a presentation. You will give a talk or produce a poster describing your project problem, your analyses and results. This, along with writing a report in non-technical language, provides you with two important transferable skills. You will also gain experience in teamwork through working in groups and you will learn to use statistical packages as well as gaining appreciation of the use and misuse of computers and computer software in statistics.

You can take Statistics as an MSci either over five years of study or through a placement scheme where you spend the year after third year working in a company or agency, eg RBS, Santander, Scottish Government.


We have a double degree programme with the University of Bologna in Statistical Science. Glasgow students spend their third year in Bologna, where staff will teach in English. Other opportunities for study abroad are available through Erasmus and international exchanges.

Career prospects

Our graduates have statistical, computational, numerate and presentational skills which are applicable in many fields such as medicine, education, transport, agriculture, engineering

and economics. Our graduates are employed in a variety of posts such as quality engineer, actuary, accountant, credit risk analyst, clinical statistician, statistician, statistical programmer, teacher and operational researcher. Others go on to undertake postgraduate degrees.

Here are some career paths followed by former students:•Informationanalyst:AndrewMassiegraduated

with a degree in Statistics and joined the NHS Information Services Division where he is involved in costing procedures and allocating resources.•Baselcreditriskinformationmanager:Colin

Young graduated with a degree in Statistics and went on to do a postgraduate degree at the London School of Economics. He now works for ANZ Group undertaking time series and regression modelling for credit risk products and portfolios.•Graduatetrainee:JamesMillergraduatedwith

a degree in Statistics and went on to complete a PhD. He is now working in a graduate scheme at Lloyds Banking Group.•Medicalstatistician:NicolaGreenlawgraduated

with a degree in Statistics and is now employed by the NHS analysing data and giving statistical advice to medical students and clinicians.


•Mathematics/AppliedMathematics/PureMathematics•Accounting&Statistics•Finance&Statistics

Degrees and UCAS codesBSc (Hon) (G300) – four yearsMSci (G302) – five yearsMA (Hons) (G301) – four years

AccreditationThe Royal Statistical Society accredits our single Honours degree and most joint ones.

Joint Honours At Honours level, Statistics can be taken as a Single Honours or Joint Honours degree. See website for a full list of Joint Honours combinations and UCAS codes.

Entry requirements

BSc, MSciHighers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer. Applicants who achieved between BBBB/ABB and AABB at their first sitting may receive a conditional

or unconditional offer once all applications have been reviewed in March 2013. Mathematics at B or above.A-levels: ABB, including Mathematics and preferably one other science.IB: 32 points.

MAHighers: AAAB in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AABB or ABBB at their first sitting may receive a conditional or unconditional offer once all applications

have been reviewed in March 2013.

A-levels: ABB.

IB: 34 points.


Advanced entryIf you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it’s possible to follow a faster route advanced entry, which allows you to complete a standard BSc (Hons) or MSci degree in one year less than usual – see www.glasgow.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/advancedentry.


friendly

The city of GlasgowScotland’s largest city, Glasgow is friendly, accessible, and full of culture. Wherever youcomefrom,it’seasytofeelathome.OurcampusintheWestEndofthecityprovides the perfect haven for study, while Glasgow’s centre is only a few minutes away on the subway and offers plenty of ways to enjoy your spare time.

MusicYou’ll never struggle to find a gig to go to in Glasgow. As one of only five places in the world to be designated a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow hosts an average of 130 music events every week. There’s a huge range of choice covering all tastes, from classical to rock and pop, jazz to opera, and Scottish dance to world music.

CultureGlasgow’s museums and art galleries are the most visited in the UK outside of London. There are 17 in total, from the famous Burrell Collection to the shiny new Riverside Museum of Transport, which you can even travel to by ferry along the River Clyde. The good news is that getting a glimpse of many of the city’s collections is free.

Nights out to rememberWith more than 700 bars, pubs and nightclubs in the city, no two nights are the same. Glasgow also has two comedy clubs, seven cinemas and there’s plenty to see at one of the many theatres,

whether you’d like to discover performance art in the Arches, or take in a musical at the King’s.

ShoppingMany people consider Glasgow to be the best shopping destination outside London. Try the Italian Centre in Merchant City for designer wear, the West End for vintage, and the ‘style mile’ of pedestrian zones in the city centre for high street favourites like Topshop, Primark, Urban Outfitters and H&M.

Sport Glasgow is the host city for the Commonwealth Games 2014, which means that huge investments in sporting facilities are being made. As a resident here, you can access gyms, running tracks, swimming pools, wall-climbing venues and even an indoor snowboard and ski slope made from real snow.

To find out more about what it’s like to live in Glasgow, take a look at what our current students are blogging about at: www.glasgowgen.net.

‘ There’s everything for you here – whether you want a good night out, a cultured wander around the museums and galleries, or a chilled sit in the Botanic Gardens. It’s all around the corner from our beautiful campus and you know you’ll be helped along the way for every day you call Glasgow home.’Matilda Lomas, student

Glasgow is the highest ranking UK city for personal safety, according to the worldwide Mercer Quality of Living Survey 2011.

© University of Glasgow, May 2012. Produced by Corporate Communications, University of Glasgow. Printed by 21 Colour. University of Glasgow charity no: SC004401.

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Study Mathematics & Statistics at the University of Glasgow