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Degree type

MSc

Course length

1 year full-time

Location

Durham City

Program code

G1K509

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Course details

This course aims to bring you, in 12 months, to a position where you can embark with confidence on a wide range of careers, including taking a PhD in Mathematics or related disciplines. There is a wide range of taught modules on offer, and you will also produce a dissertation on a topic of current research interest taken from your choice of a wide range of subjects offered.

Course structure

  • Six taught modules in October-May
  • A dissertation in June-September

Examples of optional modules:

Modules in Pure Mathematics:

  • Algebraic Topology IV
  • Analysis III/IV
  • Codes and Cryptography III
  • Differential Geometry III
  • Galois Theory III
  • Geometry III/IV
  • Mathematical Dynamics IV
  • Number Theory III/IV
  • Representation Theory IV
  • Riemannian Geometry IV
  • Topology III
  • Topics in Algebra and Geometry IV

Modules in Probability and Statistics:

  • Bayesian Statistics III/IV
  • Mathematical Finance III/IV
  • Decision Theory III
  • Operations Research III
  • Statistical Methods III
  • Stochastic Processes III/IV

Modules in Applications of Mathematics:

  • Advanced Quantum Theory IV
  • Fluid Mechanics III/IV
  • Dynamical Systems III
  • General Relativity IV
  • Mathematical Biology III
  • Partial Differential Equations III
  • Quantum Information III
  • Quantum Mechanics III
  • Statistical Mechanics IV
  • Solitons III/IV
  • Topics in Applied Mathematics IV

Learning

This is a full-year degree course, starting early October and finishing in the middle of the subsequent September. The aim of the course is to give you a wide mathematical background allowing you to either proceed to PhD or to apply the gained knowledge in industry.

The course consists of three modules: the first two are the Michaelmas and Epiphany lecture courses covering a variety of topics in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. The third module 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.

The main group of lectures is given in the first two terms of the academic year (Michaelmas and Epiphany), there are also two revision lectures in the third term (Easter). This part of the course is assessed by examinations. You choose six modules, each module has two lectures per week and one fortnightly problem class. There are ten teaching weeks in the Michaelmas term and nine teaching weeks in Epiphany term. In addition, lecturers also set a number of homework assignments which give you the chance to test your understanding of the material.

The dissertation must be submitted by mid-September, the end of the 12 month course period.

Entry requirements

2:1 degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees
Home students £11,500 per year
EU students £25,900 per year
Island students £11,500 per year
International students £25,900 per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time 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).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities. 

Find out more about Scholarships and Bursaries

Career opportunities

Mathematical Sciences

Previous graduates have progressed to work as research scientists, teachers, statisticians, operational researchers, investment analysts, actuaries, insurance analysts and accountants, for numerous academic institutions and for leaders in their sector.

Department information

Mathematical Sciences

We offer a distinct blend of high-quality teaching and research along with excellent facilities and a stimulating environment for your studies. Whichever degree you choose, you will benefit from research-led education by experts in a wide variety of fields across pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and probability.

For more information visit our department pages.

Rankings

  • 4th in The Complete University Guide 2023

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Mathematical Sciences department pages.

Research Excellence Framework

  • 96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Facilities

In addition to the large collection of mathematics books in the Bill Bryson Library, the college libraries may also have copies of recommended texts. The Department also provides a great deal of support material online and students are welcome to discuss any mathematical questions with their lecturers and tutors.

Visit Us

The best way to find out what Durham is really like is to come and see for yourself!

Postgraduate Open Day
  • Date: 08/02/2023
  • Time: 09:00 - 17:00
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Postgraduate Open Days - Online
  • Date: 13/02/2023
  • Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Register for open day