Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences F1G0

Introduction

Some of these students now have the opportunity to improve their mathematical knowledge by taking the Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences. Note that not all applicants may be at a high enough level to gain entry through this route - in all instances students who are interested in progressing to one of the MSc courses should apply directly to the appropriate MSc course, and state their interest in completing the Graduate Certificate first if required. Other students may wish to take the Graduate Certificate to update their mathematical/statistical qualifications for other purposes. Such students should apply directly for the Graduate Certificate.

In summary, the Graduate Certificate is a preparatory year which serves several aims:

• It will prepare students for the extensive mathematics which is used in the MSc/Diploma in Actuarial Science, the MSc in Financial Mathematics and the MSc in Applied Mathematical Sciences.
• It will allow us to judge accurately if an applicant for a MSc has the necessary mathematical skills to succeed on the course.
• It will enable students who wish to upgrade their mathematical/statistical skills for interest and/or to improve their employment prospects to undertake a supervised study year engaging with undergraduate modules at an appropriate level

However the Certificate is not a ``conversion'' course and is not suitable for students with little or no previous experience of mathematics at university level.

Note that it is also possible to take this course in a non-graduating mode. This involves taking a mix of modules which would be below the level for the full Graduate Certificate, but which would still be sufficient to develop your mathematical and/or statistical skills to enable you to apply for appropriate jobs or for further postgraduate training. Please ask for further details if your enquiry falls in this class.

The Course

Students will be based at Heriot-Watt University and will take 6 modules (one module: approximately 3 lectures per week plus one tutorial for about 12 weeks) offered at undergraduate level. At least 4 of the 6 modules must be at Level 9 or 10; these are the more advanced modules taken by undergraduates in their 3rd or 4th year. (Exceptionally, some students may choose to take 9 modules all at Level 9/10 to obtain the Graduate Diploma in Mathematical Science.)

Students will take a range of undergraduate level subjects in mathematics, statistics and probability. The Course Director will advise students who are admitted onto the course on the choice and level of modules, which will be chosen so as to be appropriate for entry onto the appropriate MSc course. With the present course structures, the usual choice is to take one level 8 and two level 9/10 courses course in Semester 1, the most useful being the following (take three from this list)

• Multivariable Calculus and Real Analysis A (F18CD1) (Level 8)
• Linear Algebra (F18CF1) (Level 8)
• Applied Mathematics A (F18AA1) (Level 8)
• Probability and Statistics A (F78PA1) (Level 8)
• Abstract Algebra (F19PL1) (Level 9)
• Project Preparation and Skills (F19GB1) (Level 9)
• Vector Analysis (F19MV1) (Level 9)
• Pure Mathematics B (F19PB1) (Level 9)
• Statistics for Social Science (F79PS1) (Level 9)
• Statistical Models A (Project Module) F79MA1 (Level 9)
• Stochastic Processes (F79SP) (Level 9)
• Or any other appropriate module

For semester 2 students should normally choose three from the following

• Multivariable Calculus and Real Analysis B (F18CE2) (Level 8)
• Numerical Analysis A (F18NA2) (Level 8)
• Pure Mathematics A (F18PA2) (Level 8)
• Probability and Statistics B (F78PB2) (Level 8)
• Ordinary Differential Equations (F19MO2) (Level 9)
• Complex Analysis (F19MC2) (Level 9)
• Numerical Analysis B (F19NB2) (Level 9)
• Applied Mathematics B (F19AB2) (Level 9)
• Statistical Models B (Project Module) F79MB2 (Level 9)
• Bayesian Inference and Computational Methods (F79BI) (Level 9)
• Or any other appropriate module

Note that the above list is not exhaustive; students with unusual backgrounds or specific interests may be able (subject to availability and timetabling constraints) to take other combinations of modules. Even with the streams outlined above there may be some timetable clashes which will prevent students attending every lecture in their chosen modules.

In total the combination of the Graduate Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences and an MSc course will take 24 months (21 months in the case of the Diploma in Actuarial Science).

Successful completion of the Certificate course does not guarantee a place on any MSc/Diploma course - this should be negotiated directly with the Admissions Tutor of the respective course as soon as possible. Normally a minimum of 65% on the Grad Cert exams is required for progression to a MSc course, but other conditions may apply. In all cases where a student wishes to progress to a MSc course, they should apply directly to that course stating their interest in entering via the Graduate Certificate route.

Fees

• If you just want to enrol for the Graduate Certificate and not go on to a MSc course afterwards, apply directly for the Graduate Certificate. This still gives you the freedom to apply later for one of the MSc courses, but there is no guarantee of a place on these courses.
• You can apply for direct entry onto one of the MSc/Diploma courses. If you are not successful (because of the nature of your first degree) then you might be asked if you are interested in taking up a place on the Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences. At this stage we will ask for a further personal statement from you before we formally offer you a place.
  
• You can apply for deferred entry onto the MSc/Diploma with the intention to take the Certificate in the Mathematical Sciences.
  If relevant, you should include with your application form a letter stating that you wish to be considered for a place on the Certificate. You should also include a personal statement addressing the following questions or points:
  • Why do you want to study Actuarial Science/Financial Mathematics/Applied Mathematical Sciences?
  • Why do you want to study at Heriot-Watt/Edinburgh University?
  • What are your career goals after completing the MSc/Diploma?
  • Why do you think the MSc/Diploma which you wish to apply for will help you to achieve this career goal?
  Note that the aim of these questions is to make sure that you are choosing the right course! The academic aspects of your application will be dealt with in the usual way by reference to your existing degree results, transcripts and references.