1. Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
  2. School of Mathematics
  3. Mathematics MSc

(Full time) 2022 start

Mathematics MSc

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders

We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs

Overview

This Masters degree is designed to build on your existing mathematical skills and allows you to both broaden and deepen your understanding of the branch or branches of mathematics which most interest you.

The flexibility of this course allows you to either keep your studies broad, learning a range of mathematical techniques, or specialise in areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics depending on your interests. These can range from algebra, analysis and logic to financial mathematics, fluid dynamics and mathematical biology.

A Masters-level qualification in Mathematics enhances your existing career prospects or can help you change direction. It’s also an excellent route into further study, such as an MPhil or PhD.

Course highlights

Programme team

Programme leader, Professor Jonathan Partington, specialises in the area of complex analysis and operator theory and his research interests range widely, from pure mathematical topics to more applied themes.

Course content

During the two semesters there are a range of taught modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to combine mainstream, advanced mathematical topics and innovative methods relating to the research interests of the School of Mathematics.

Project work

During your second semester you will be required to complete a research project. This is an opportunity for you to pursue a particular topic in-depth: your supervisor will help you to find a project that matches your interests and motivations for studying this degree.

Some examples of past projects include:

  • Cluster Algebras

  • Nonstandard Analysis

  • Combustion Waves

  • Planetary Motion in General Relativity

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Mathematics module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mathematics MSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Dissertation in Mathematics 60 credits

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

  • Calculus in the Complex Plane 15 credits
  • Graph Theory 15 credits
  • Number Theory 15 credits
  • Groups and Symmetry 15 credits
  • Proof and Computation 15 credits
  • Differential Geometry 15 credits
  • Models and Sets 15 credits
  • Combinatorics 15 credits
  • Coding Theory 15 credits
  • Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 15 credits
  • Metric and Function Spaces 15 credits
  • Hilbert Spaces and Fourier Analysis 15 credits
  • Topology 15 credits
  • Transformation Geometry 15 credits
  • Hamiltonian Systems 15 credits
  • Mathematical Methods 15 credits
  • Linear and Non-Linear Waves 15 credits
  • Hydrodynamic Stability 15 credits
  • Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
  • Dynamical Systems 15 credits
  • Nonlinear Dynamics 15 credits
  • Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15 credits
  • Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World 15 credits
  • Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
  • Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
  • Modern Numerical Methods 15 credits
  • Discrete Systems and Integrability 15 credits
  • Actuarial Mathematics 1 15 credits
  • Actuarial Mathematics 2 15 credits
  • Relativity and Cosmology 15 credits
  • Mathematical Biology 15 credits
  • Evolutionary Modelling 15 credits
  • Fluid Dynamics 2 15 credits
  • Linear Regression and Robustness 15 credits
  • Statistical Theory 15 credits
  • Stochastic Calculus for Finance 15 credits
  • Multivariate Analysis 10 credits
  • Time Series 10 credits
  • Bayesian Statistics 10 credits
  • Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
  • Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
  • Groups, Symmetry and Galois Theory 20 credits
  • Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
  • Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
  • Advanced Models and Sets 20 credits
  • Advanced Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry 20 credits
  • Metric Spaces and Functional Analysis 20 credits
  • Hilbert Spaces and Advanced Fourier Analysis 20 credits
  • Models in Actuarial Science 15 credits
  • Advanced Hamiltonian Systems 20 credits
  • Advanced Mathematical Methods 20 credits
  • Advanced Linear and Nonlinear Waves 20 credits
  • Advanced Hydrodynamic Stability 20 credits
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics 20 credits
  • Advanced Dynamical Systems 20 credits
  • Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
  • Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
  • Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
  • Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
  • Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
  • Advanced Discrete Systems and Integrability 20 credits
  • Advanced Mathematical Biology 20 credits
  • Advanced Evolutionary Modelling 20 credits
  • Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing 20 credits
  • Multivariate and Cluster Analysis 15 credits
  • Time Series and Spectral Analysis 15 credits
  • Bayesian Statistics and Causality 15 credits
  • Generalised Linear and Additive Models 15 credits
  • Independent Learning and Skills Project 15 credits
  • Statistical Computing 15 credits
  • Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
  • Cosmology 15 credits
  • Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice 15 credits
  • Advanced Mechanics 15 credits
  • Quantum Field Theory 15 credits
  • General Relativity 15 credits
  • Dynamics of Weather Systems 10 credits
  • Inverse Theory 10 credits
  • Inverse Theory 10 credits

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, seminars and a supervised research project. Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials is available to enable students to study at their own pace and in their own time to enhance and extend the material taught formally.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is by a range of methods which may include, formal examination, in-class tests, example sheets, problem solving, project work and verbal presentations.

The research project will be assessed based on 85% from the written report, and 15% from an oral presentation. It will contribute 60 credits to the overall total.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in mathematics or a closely-related subject.

Successful applicants will have strong grades in relevant mathematical modules. We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.


Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

29 July 2022 – International applicants

9 September 2022 – UK applicants

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

  • UK: £10,500 (total)
  • International: £23,250 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

There is a high demand for mathematicians and statisticians across a range of sectors such as accountancy and finance, medicine, IT, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments.

Further study at Masters level can be useful for some maths-related careers such as operational research, medical statistics in pharmaceutical companies, meteorology, engineering design, finance and IT-based roles.

Common career paths for mathematics graduates include:

Actuary

Actuaries evaluate, manage and advise on financial risks. They use their knowledge of business and economics, together with their understanding of probability theory, statistics and investment theory, to provide strategic, commercial and financial advice.

Operational Research

Operational researchers use analytical and creative skills to assist organisations in developing better systems and operational procedures. By examining an organisation's operations and using mathematical modelling, computer software or other analytical approaches, they find more effective ways of working.

Corporate investment banker

Corporate investment bankers provide a range of financial services to companies, institutions and governments. They manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions, lending, privatisations and initial public offerings (IPOs).

Corporate investment bankers also advise and lead management buyouts, raise capital, provide strategic advice to clients, and identify and secure new deals

Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality.

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea and upper atmosphere. They use computerised and mathematical models to make short and long-range forecasts concerning weather and climate patterns.

Further study

This MSc in Mathematics will provide you with excellent preparation for research for an MPhil or PhD. At Leeds we have a range of research opportunities available and in some cases you can progress to a PhD on the basis of a specified performance in the MSc.

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Course terms and conditions

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