Graduate Diploma in the Mathematical Sciences

Some of these students now have the opportunity to improve their mathematical knowledge by taking the Graduate Diploma 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 Diploma first if required. Other students may wish to take the Graduate Diploma to update their mathematical/statistical qualifications for other purposes. Such students should apply directly for the Graduate Diploma.

In summary, the Graduate Diploma 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 the MSc has the necessary mathematical skills to succeed on the course.

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

The Course

Students will be based at Heriot-Watt University and will take 8 modules (one module: approximately 3 lectures per week plus one tutorial for around 12 weeks) offered at undergraduate level. All the 8 modules must be at Level 9 or 10; these are the more advanced modules taken by undergraduates in their 3rd or 4th year.

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. The following is a list of possible modules for Semester 1: (take 4 from this list)

• 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)
• 4th year modules to be added
• Or any other appropriate module

For semester 2 students should normally choose four from the following

• 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)
• 4th year modules to be added
• 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 Diploma in the Mathematical Sciences and the MSc will take 24 months (21 months in the case of the Diploma in Actuarial Science).

Successful completion of the Diploma course does not guarantee a place on the 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. Dip. exams is required for progression to a MSc course, but other conditions may apply.

Fees

• If you just want to enrol for the Graduate Diploma and not go on to a MSc course afterwards, apply directly for the Graduate Diploma. 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 or the Diploma 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 Diploma 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 Diploma. 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.