Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

Mathematics is at the centre of AI and machine learning. It uses statistics and probability to interpret data, identify trends, and make predictions. The AI market is booming. By 2031 the market share is estimated at £1.23tn ($1.68tn) (Statista Oct 2025).

There’s significant demand for AI and mathematics graduates who can code and understand the theory underpinning the systems they are building. Sectors such as technology, business, finance, engineering, robotics, research and the sciences all need these skills. You’ll develop the foundations needed to progress into roles involving data and statistics, research and machine learning.

Gain in-demand maths skills with an emphasis on AI

Get the theory, the quantitative skills, and the practical technological skills you need to solve real-world problems using AI. This maths and AI degree is for students who enjoy mathematics and want to understand how artificial intelligence works at a fundamental level. You’ll learn core skills in:

• Linear algebra: Essential for understanding data representation, neural networks, and dimensionality reduction.

• Probability and statistics: Crucial for machine learning models, Bayesian methods, and data analysis.

• Calculus and optimisation: The basis for training algorithms, such as gradient descent, and understanding how models learn.

• Programming: Essential for implementing and testing artificial intelligence algorithms. You’ll develop expertise in Python and R.

• AI for computer vision and natural language processing.

• Generative AI.

• Data Science: Essential for training and developing AI algorithms.

Get industry experience on a placement

As part of our mathematics and AI degree you can get hands-on experience on a three-month summer placement. It’s a great chance to put your classroom learning into practice. Placements with local SMEs as well as large corporate companies are offered to third year students.

In Year 3 you can take an optional professional development course. This equips you with the necessary skills to secure a placement.

Build connections with industry

You’ll engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include:

• Huawei

• Bigspark

• Red Star (AI for healthcare)

• Virtonomy

• KBC Group

• Leonardo UK

You’ll also experience work-related learning opportunities such as group projects and problem-based learning or simulations. We regularly engage with organisations such as:

• Accenture

• Diageo

• Honeywell

• JP Morgan

• Scottish Enterprise

• Scottish Water

Study abroad

Study abroad at universities across North America, Australia, and Europe. Experience what it’s like to learn in an international environment. Gain a fresh perspective on your studies, build your international network and enhance your career opportunities. Previous students have studied at:

• San Diego State University, USA

• University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA

• City University of Hong Kong

• Simon Fraser University, Canada

• Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Germany

https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/ug/mathematics-ai/#panel_1_3