Master of Science in Quantitative Finance and Mathematics

at Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Campus United Kingdom

This programme imparts the understanding and skills to develop advanced software systems to professional standards.

The programme has a flexible structure to suit graduates with a wide spectrum of degrees from those in IT to those with rather less academic computing content. The MSc covers core skills in Information Technology (IT) at MSc level while allowing students to study specialist advanced courses in topics such as animation, databases, e-commerce, games programming, intelligent robotics and network applications.

Graduates can expect to find employment with software houses, IT companies, research and development divisions of companies, financial services organisations, defence contractors or government IT agencies, and as researchers or research students within universities.

Cell and Molecular Biology (Biochemistry) is the basic science underpinning our understanding of all life processes. In this course, we cover cell and molecular biological aspects of animals and plants, and provide the broad understanding necessary for a career in the biomedical/pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries as well as providing a sound foundation for further research.

Our MSc Translating programme is designed for those who want to work as professional translators or in the field of translating.

This programme's main focus is on translation and translation technologies. However, you can also choose from a broad range of optional courses in professionally relevant subjects to tailor your programme to your interests and professional needs, such as Subtitling, International Politics, Business Communication, Localisation & Technical Writing, or study a new language.

If you are looking for a career in the world of finance and love mathematical challenges, then Financial Mathematics is the degree for you. Just as civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of buildings and roads, financial mathematics is concerned with the design, construction and maintenance of financial products. It is well known that careers in financial mathematics offer some of the best salaries of all professions and graduates working in this area thrive on being offered many interesting challenges on a day-to-day basis.

Our Financial Mathematics programme develops the skills and knowledge required by the modern investment and asset management industry, where structured finance and relative value trading strateges dominate. The emphasis is on developing a range of practical skills relevant to the increasingly mathematical and ever-changing world of contemporary finance.

Financial Mathematics isn't just for aspiring bankers. The UK Government is the single biggest user of structured finance, through the Private Finance Initiative. Graduates are also attractive to the treasury function of international corporations and to the trading arm of commodities companies.

Students on the Financial Mathematics degree follow the same programme as Actuarial Science students for the first two years. The programmes diverge in third year and in the fourth year Financial Mathematics students will be able to study courses alongside Master's students on the Quantitative Finance and Mathematics programme. The aim is for Financial Mathematics graduates to achieve a skill set comparable to those graduating with a Master's degree.

Our BSc Biological Sciences degree is a broad-based course with a diverse range of topics. In Levels three and four you’ll be able to select from courses ranging from molecular biology and genomics, to marine and environmental topics. Which means you can choose your courses based on your particular interests. Overall, this biology degree aims to provide a flexible package of knowledge and practical skills in the biological sciences. Giving you the chance to maximise your potential and enjoy a successful career – whether it’s in academia, industry or commerce.

This course comprises a core of biology with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and wellbeing such as nutrition, physiology, and psychology. These themes are developed together throughout the course, with some flexibility in course structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.

In the first year of the BEng Engineering course you’ll have the chance to study a range of subjects. Beyond this, you’ll be able to focus on a particular area of expertise to work towards your Engineering degree.

From a wide choice of subjects, you’ll select eight courses to match your interests – usually choosing from two or three subject areas. On the BEng Engineering course, most students choose subjects in  Engineering.  All subjects include some form of industrial design,whether Mechanical, Electrical, Civil or Chemical Engineering.

Our MSc Information Technology (Business) offers analytical, practical and theoretical courses that combine study of business management and software engineering. They cover the design and development of IT systems, the management of data and IT, business organisation and strategy, project leadership and e-commerce.

The programme does not emphasise computer programming but instead seeks to develop graduates with well developed analytical and project management skills that help them become effective communicators / managers working between software developers and business strategists.

In some cases, the MSc project can be carried out in collaboration with an outside industrial or academic organisation.

Graduates from the programme would be suitable for employment with IT companies, company R&D divisions, financial services organisations, defence contractors or government IT agencies or could register for a PhD.

This programme aims to develop the knowledge and skills of a Bachelor’s-level graduate Mechanical Engineering to Masters level through advanced teaching, design work and research. It provides an opportunity for candidates from a different Engineering background to develop key Mechanical Engineering knowledge and skills required for their professional development. A key objective of the programme is to be an accredited route to becoming a Chartered Engineer.

This programme makes use of Masters-level courses in the Energy Sciences and Manufacture and Design complemented with specialist courses from relevant MSc courses offered by the Institute. There is a growing need for an advanced mechanical engineering programme from our industry partners and this programme has been specifically developed to meet this need and to encourage students into further learning.

This degree covers the main disciplines of structures, geotechnics, plus both water and transportation engineering. The degree is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a Chartered Civil Engineer. The core curriculum concentrates on analysis and materials behaviour, covering the main disciplines. The later years specialise more on design and management. Throughout, there’s an emphasis on your personal development within a professional environment.

Our Civil and Structural Engineering degrees are supported by an industry advisory committee involving representatives from major multi-national employers. The panel supports our degrees ensuring our curriculum delivers exactly what the industry needs and that our graduates are work ready.