MSc
MSc Mathematical Sciences
Mathematical sciences graduates are in demand. This flexible course opens the door to a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, and provides a pathway to a PhD in an area of mathematics of your choice.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
G1K509
Course length
1 year full-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 13,000 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 30,500 per year
Overview
When you choose the 12-month MSc in Mathematical Sciences you will benefit from a research-led education where you learn the latest techniques from internationally recognised specialists in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and probability. The MSc is a fully flexible course. It offers the freedom to select up to six modules from a stream of up to a dozen different modules, with the possibility of selecting outside that stream if timetabling permits, for a potential 30+ options, based around the innovative research taking place in the Department. You can explore the statistical modelling techniques involved in data analysis or delve into cryptology which is widely used in banking and internet browsing. You can also choose modules in the machine learning techniques that underpin scientific and technological applications, or the application of quantum computing which is a valuable tool in improving supply chains and production. Whatever your interests you will have access to the latest development in the sector. The final months of the course are spent researching and producing a dissertation on a current research topic. The flexibility around module choice and the dissertation topic allows you to take a broad-based approach or tailor the course around your specific interests and career path. The Department of Mathematical Sciences is an excellent learning environment for postgraduate studies. Housed in a new building, shared with the Department of Computer Science, you will benefit from dedicated student project space, open plan networking and workspace, and a dedicated area for enterprise and entrepreneurial activities. By the end of the 12 months, we aim to bring you to a level where you can confidently progress into a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, or continue your academic career with a PhD in Mathematics or related disciplines.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MSc
Program Code
G1K509
Course length
1 year full-time
Typical offer
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): 13,000 per year
- Overseas (Full-time): 30,500 per year
What you'll study
Core modules
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The MSc
Dissertation is a supervised extended report into a topic of current mathematical research interest chosen from a wide range of subjects. It will develop your skills in creative and critical thinking, your ability to tackle material critically and to communicate your findings effectively and clearly in a 40-60 page report.
Optional modules
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In recent years, optional modules have included:
Advanced ProbabilityAdvanced Mathematical BiologyAdvanced Quantum TheoryAlgebraic TopologyAnalysisErgodic TheoryFunctional Analysis and ApplicationsGeneral RelativityGeometryGeophysical and Astrophysical FluidsMathematical FinanceNumber TheoryPartial Differential EquationsRepresentation TheoryRiemannian GeometrySolitonsStatistical MechanicsStochastic AnalysisStochastic ProcessesSuperstringsTopics in Algebra and GeometryTopics in Applied MathematicsTopics in Combinatorics If you chose five modules from the previous list, the remaining option can be chosen from the following: Codes and CryptographyDecision TheoryDifferential GeometryDynamical SystemsFluid MechanicsGalois TheoryGeometry of Mathematical PhysicsMathematical BiologyOperations ResearchQuantum MechanicsTopology Students will be able to choose an overall stream, linking together their modules with a coherent theme. Choosing modules outside the stream isn't discouraged, however, allowing you to put together a truly bespoke combination of modules if you desire (and the timetable permits!).
Learning
The MSc in Mathematical Sciences is a 12-month degree course, starting in October and finishing the following September. The course comprises six optional modules, each amounting to around 200 hours of work. Each module includes 50 hours of contact time made up of lectures supported by problem classes where you have the opportunity to work to solve example problems in an ideal way, and discuss the thought processes behind such solutions. The remainder of the time is made up of independent preparation, reading and working on independent assignments to reinforce your understanding of the material. The component of the course is a dissertation on a topic of current research, prepared under the guidance of a supervisor with expertise in the area. We offer a wide variety of possible dissertation topics.Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module with the majority involving written examinations, written assignments and practical assessments. The taught modules amount to two thirds of the course with the final third of your marks gained through the completion of the dissertation, an independently researched extended report into a body of current mathematical work which is presented in an interesting, innovative and well-organised manner. The dissertation is supported by 10 hours of one-to-one meetings with a supervisor in which you have the opportunity to discuss sources, draft work, sample calculations and references.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
13,000 per year
International / EU Students
30,500 per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a world class research-led education, combining a passionate commitment to teaching with expertise in a range of subject options including pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and probability. Key areas of research are Computational and Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Probability and Theoretical Particle Physics. We regularly review our course structures and update them where necessary to ensure they continue to offer world class learning and development opportunities to help students succeed in a rapidly changing professional arena. The Department is part of MAGIC, a consortium of 21 universities offering distance learning for postgraduate students via interactive access-grid technology. We are also a member of the Academy for PhD Training in Statistics (APTS), giving access to high-quality training courses, covering key areas of statistics and probability. In addition, we are a member of several scientific networks that work to address issues ranging from the mathematics of climate change to geometric group theory and to build constructive partnerships beyond the University. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
In the Department, you are part of a postgraduate community that is vibrant and engaged and enjoys a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities in which to study and carry out research. We are housed in a contemporary building along with the Department of Computer Science. It features a student project space, open plan networking and work space, the Hazan Venture Lab as well as a café and teaching spaces. Our Department is situated on the Science Site on the Upper Mountjoy campus to the south of the City centre, within easy reach of all Durham Colleges and close to the University Library.
Find out more -
