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Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt is a vibrant, forward looking University offering a high quality learning experience and a welcoming and friendly environment. With an international reputation for innovative education, enterprise and leading edge but practical research, it is one of the leading UK universities for business and industry. Often referred to as Scotland's international university, Heriot-Watt has four student campuses: three in Scotland - Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders and Orkney - and a campus in Dubai.

MACS is a flagship School of Heriot-Watt University, leading in research and research-led teaching. Its departments cover three areas: mathematics, actuarial mathematics and statistics, and computer science. The departments of Mathematics and Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics are part of the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, a joint research institute in the Edinburgh Research Partnership collaboration between Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Universities. The Department of Computer Science has expanded in recent years, and is involved in many state-of-the-art initiatives and research projects. MACS has top research and excellent teaching ratings and is a lively international centre for leading-edge developments and exciting new courses.

Computer Science
This course is designed for students looking for a programme with a broad foundation, practical skills and flexibility. Students need a keen logical approach to problem solving, sound mathematical ability, good communication skills and enthusiasm. The course suits those with a primary interest in software system design or software engineering, and has a strong practical programming theme throughout. The first three years provide a solid grounding in contemporary computer science through a close integration of practical and theoretical topics. While programming is fundamental, a strong emphasis is placed on system design and evaluation.

Actuarial Science
This is the department's flagship course, attracting students from across the globe. It offers a comprehensive and respected qualification with its blend of mathematical, financial, actuarial and statistical content. Good performance can lead to exemptions from the UK professional actuarial examinations and the course is accredited by the UK Actuarial Profession. The main actuarial topics include life contingencies, aspects of demography, pensions, life office practice and risk theory, whilst financial topics include the maths of finance, portfolio theory and financial derivatives. On the statistical side, students study probability, data analysis, distribution theory, inference, regression, stochastic processes, survival analysis and time series.

Mathematics
Mathematics is a fundamental way of thinking and this course equips budding mathematicians with the technical skills necessary to carve out a successful career. The course covers basic knowledge and recent developments in research and develops advanced mathematical and statistical skills together with an understanding of their application to the formulation and solution of real-world problems. In essence, the course combines specialist mathematical knowledge with crucial transferable skills.