BSc Hons in Mathematics with French

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Mathematics with French at Heriot-Watt combines rigorous mathematics training with advanced language and cultural studies, ideal for students who enjoy analytical thinking and global communication. Graduates gain strong mathematical, problem-solving, and linguistic skills, preparing them for careers in international business, finance, education, or research where quantitative and language skills are in demand.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you build foundational skills in mathematics and French. Mathematics modules include Calculus A/B, Introduction to University Mathematics, and Elements of Probability, while French modules focus on language skills, grammar, and cultural immersion. This combination develops both analytical reasoning and communication skills from the start.

Year 2

Second-year studies deepen your mathematics knowledge through Real Analysis, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Numerical Analysis A. French modules focus on intermediate language skills, literature, and culture, providing a balanced development of quantitative and linguistic competence.

Year 3

In year three, students tackle more advanced mathematics modules such as Abstract Algebra, Vector Analysis, Complex Analysis, and Ordinary Differential Equations. French studies advance to literature, translation, and professional language use, while optional courses allow students to explore areas like applied mathematics or statistics, combining analytical skills with cultural understanding.

Year 4 (Honours Year)

The final year integrates advanced mathematics and French studies. Mathematics modules may include Stochastic Processes, Partial Differential Equations, and Topology, while French modules cover advanced language, translation, and cultural studies. Students also complete an independent Mathematics Project and may have opportunities for study abroad or professional placements, applying both their mathematical and language skills in real-world or international contexts.

Focus Areas

Pure and applied mathematics, probability, statistics, problem-solving, French language, translation, cultural studies, international communication.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative skills alongside advanced proficiency in French. They will be equipped to work in international environments, combining technical and linguistic abilities for careers in finance, research, education, or multinational companies.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While the programme is not linked to a specific professional accreditation body, it provides skills valuable for careers in finance, international business, analytics, teaching, and research, particularly in contexts requiring both quantitative and language expertise.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Heriot-Watt is recognised for excellent graduate outcomes and strong employability. Graduates from combined mathematics and language programmes often move into careers requiring both analytical and multilingual skills, including finance, consultancy, education, and international roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme combines a rigorous mathematics foundation with French language proficiency and international experience. You develop advanced mathematical skills while building fluency in French, and gain cultural and academic exposure through a year abroad in a French-speaking institution. Practical learning is embedded through programming exercises, computational labs, problem-solving sessions, group work, and independent report writing, ensuring you develop versatile analytical, computational, and communication skills.

Students graduate as bilingual mathematicians with both technical depth and global competence, preparing them for careers across international finance, research, data science, engineering, consulting, and technical translation.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Strong mathematics foundation (pure & applied): Courses cover calculus (single and multivariable), real analysis, linear algebra, numerical analysis, pure mathematics, and applied mathematics to provide depth and breadth in mathematical theory and practice.
Integrated French language training: From Year 1, students take French language courses focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and translation to steadily build proficiency.
Year abroad in France: In Year 3, students spend a full academic year at a partner French university, studying mathematics, gaining cultural immersion, improving language fluency, and experiencing international academic standards.
Advanced optional mathematics modules: Final-year students can choose from topics such as geometry, complex analysis, partial differential equations, numerical analysis, optimization, mathematical biology, and functional analysis to tailor their studies.
Practical and transferable skills: The curriculum emphasizes group problem-solving, presentations, independent reports, and IT/computational competence to prepare students for academic and non-academic careers.
Global and cultural exposure: The programme encourages international mobility and cross-cultural understanding, valuable for global careers, further studies, or international collaborations.
Career-ready versatility: Graduates possess both high-level mathematics and French language skills, making them attractive for careers in international finance, global data science, engineering, consulting, research, or translation of technical documents.

Who this Degree Suits & What It Prepares You For

Students who enjoy mathematics and are passionate about languages and international experiences.
Ideal for those aiming for careers in international finance, data science, engineering, research, consulting, or multinational organisations.
Perfect for students who want a dual skill set in technical mathematics and language proficiency.
Provides flexibility to pursue pure/applied mathematics, computational fields, or international careers where mathematical reasoning and language skills give a competitive edge.

What Makes Heriot-Watt’s Version Stand Out

Unique combination of mathematics and language learning, creating a valuable dual-skill set.
Year abroad in a French university for cultural immersion and international academic exposure.
Strong academic foundation with optional advanced modules allows tailoring the degree to personal interests and career goals.
Emphasis on transferable skills, including collaboration, communication, and IT proficiency, ensures graduates are workplace-ready.
Graduates leave with a rare combination of mathematical expertise, language fluency, and cross-cultural awareness, highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Mathematics with French at Heriot-Watt gain a strong foundation in mathematics, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, combined with advanced language skills in French. This unique combination opens doors to international careers in finance, data analysis, consulting, education, and multilingual roles in business or research.

Typical job roles include:

Data Analyst / Quantitative Analyst
Financial or Business Consultant
Bilingual Software or IT Professional
International Business Analyst / Translator for Technical or Scientific Sectors

University support for employability:

Careers and Graduate Futures Service: personalised guidance, CV preparation, and interview support for STEM and language students.
Maths Café and Language Support Services: peer-led workshops to strengthen mathematical reasoning and language proficiency.
Industry-linked projects and internships: opportunities to gain practical experience in business, finance, or international organisations.
Go Global mobility opportunities: study abroad programmes in French-speaking countries to enhance cultural competence and professional experience.

Employment statistics & salary outcomes:

Around 80% of graduates are in professional employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Starting salaries typically range from £28,000–£32,000, depending on sector and location.
Graduates often work in finance, consulting, international business, data analysis, education, or research.

Industry relevance & long-term value:

Combining mathematics with language skills provides versatility, allowing graduates to work in international markets or multinational companies.
Heriot-Watt’s strong focus on applied learning and professional experience ensures graduates are well-prepared for a global workforce.
Analytical, computational, and language skills acquired remain highly relevant across evolving industries.

Graduation outcomes:
Graduates leave with a solid foundation in mathematics, problem-solving, and French language proficiency, positioning them for careers in analytics, finance, business, IT, or international sectors requiring bilingual expertise.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this programme, students can pursue:

Master’s degrees in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Finance, or Translation Studies.
Research degrees (MSc/PhD) in mathematical sciences or linguistics-related fields.
Careers in international business, finance, analytics, education, or research, leveraging both their mathematics and language skills.