Excited by the role of mathematics in securing the modern electronics and communications that we all rely on? This intensive MSc programme explores the mathematics behind secure information and communications systems, in a department that is world renowned for research in the field.
You will learn to apply advanced mathematical ideas to cryptography, coding theory and information theory, by studying the relevant functions of algebra, number theory and combinatorial complexity theory and algorithms. In the process you will develop a critical appreciation of the challenges that mathematicians face in facilitating secure information transmission, data compression and encryption. You will learn to use advanced cypher systems, correcting codes and modern public key crypto-systems. As part of your studies you will have the opportunity to complete a supervised dissertation in an area of your choice, under the guidance of experts in the field who regularly publish in internationally competitive journals and work closely with partners in industry.
We are a lively, collaborative and supportive community of mathematicians and information security specialists, and thanks to our relatively compact scale we will take the time to get to know you as an individual. You will be assigned a personal advisor to guide you through your studies.
Mathematicians who can push the boundaries and stay ahead when it comes to cryptography and information security are in demand, and the skills you gain will open up a range of career options and provide a solid foundation if you wish to progress to a PhD. These include transferable skills such as familiarity with a computer-based algebra package, experience of carrying out independent research and managing the writing of a dissertation.
Core modules
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
You will initially choose 8 courses from the list of available options, of which you specify 6 courses during the second term that will count towards your final award. You will also complete a core research project under the supervision of one of our academic staff.There is a strong focus on small group teaching throughout the programme.
Assessment is carried out through a variety of methods, including coursework, examinations and the main project. End-of-year examinations in May or June will count for 66.7% of your final award, while the dissertation will make up the remaining 33.3% and has to be submitted by September.
By the end of this programme you will have an advanced knowledge and understanding of all the key mathematical principles and applications that underpin modern cryptography and communications. You will have advanced skills in coding, algebra and number theory, and be able to synthesise and interpret information from multiple sources with insight and critical awareness. You will have learnt to formulate problems clearly, to undertake independent research and to express your technical work and conclusions clearly in writing. You will also have valuable transferable skills such as advanced numeracy and IT skills, time management, adaptability and self-motivation.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to carry out cutting-edge research in the fields of communication theory and cryptography, as well as to successful careers in industries such as: information security, IT consultancy, banking and finance, higher education and telecommunications. Our mathematics postgraduates have taken up roles such as: Principal Information Security Consultant at Abbey National PLC; Senior Manager at Enterprise Risk Services, Deloitte & Touche; Global IT Security Director at Reuters; and Information Security Manager at London Underground.
The campus Careers team will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on your chosen career. The University of London Careers Advisory Service runs regular, tailored sessions for mathematics students, on finding summer internships or vacation employment and getting into employment.
The ALGANT Master program provides a study and research track in pure mathematics, with a strong focus on algebra, geometry and number theory. This track may be completed throughout Europe and the world, thanks to a partnership between leading research universities. The ALGANT course introduces students to the latest developments within these subjects, and provides the best possible preparation for their forthcoming doctoral studies.
The ALGANT program consists mainly of advanced courses within the field of mathematics and of a research project or internship leading to a Master thesis. Courses are offered in: algebraic geometry, algebraic and geometric topology, algebraic and analytic number theory, coding theory, combinatorics, complex function theory, cryptology, elliptic curves, manifolds. Students are encouraged to participate actively in seminars.
The university partners offer compatible basic preparation in the first year (level 1), which then leads to a complementary offer for more specialized courses in the second year (level 2).
Year 1 (courses in French)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Year 2 (courses in English)
Semester 1
Semester 2
Students who successfully complete the ALGANT program will be well equipped to pursue a career in research by preparing a Ph.D.
Graduates may also directly apply for positions as highly trained mathematicians, especially in the areas of cryptography, information security and numerical communications.
In this MRes Mathematical Sciences course, you will gain deep knowledge of a chosen topic in mathematics or statistics and develop your research skills in project planning, reviewing literature, group discussions, research presentations and writing publications.
You can choose to work with experts from a range of areas including quantum cryptography, graph theory, statistical analysis, bioinformatics and mathematical modelling.
You will take three taught modules each providing you with the underpinning theory to support your research work.
Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Mathematics at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc Mathematics course has been designed for students who wish to build on their BSc, extending their range of mathematics expertise across a broader spread of topics, and demonstrating their literature research skills through an extended dissertation.
Such a qualification will mark graduates out as having a broader and deeper understanding of mathematics, and the skills required to pursue a significant project with a high level of independence, presenting their results in a written report. This will give MSc Mathematics graduates an edge in the ever more competitive jobs market.
On the Mathematics course you will study different elements of mathematics in a broad sense - including mathematical elements of computing if desired - in addition to developing your research, project management, and written communication skills through a project you will undertake. As a student of MSc in Mathematics, you will be fully supported to ensure that your project further develops an excellent foundation for your future career plans.
Modules on the MSc Mathematics include:
• Algebraic coding theory
• Biomathematics
• Black-Scholes theory
• Data science
• Differential geometry
• Fourier analysis
• Ito calculus
• Lie theory
• Numerical analysis
• Partial differential equations
• Stochastic processes
• Statistical mechanics
• Topology
Please visit our website for a full description of modules for the MSc Mathematics.
On top of the Mathematics modules you study, you will also complete a dissertation as part of your studies.
The Aubrey Truman Reading Room, located in the centre of the Department of Mathematics, houses the departmental library and computers for student use. It is a popular venue for students to work independently on the regular example sheets set by their lecturers, and to discuss Mathematics together.
Our main university library, Information Services and Systems (ISS), contains a notably extensive collection of Mathematics books.
Mathematics students will benefit from the £31m Computational Foundry for computer and mathematical sciences which will provide the most up-to-date and high quality teaching facilities featuring world-leading experimental set-ups, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation and ensure students will be ready for exciting and successful careers. (From September 2018)
The ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately are highly valued by employers. Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular areas are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistically analysis, marketing and sales.
Some of our Mathematics students have been employed by AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Health Authorities and Local Government. Teaching is another area where Mathematics graduates will find plenty of career opportunities.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that our research environment (how the Department supports research staff and students) and the impact of our research (its value to society) were both judged to be 100% world leading or internationally excellent.
All academic staff in Mathematics are active researchers and the department has a thriving research culture.
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/science/mscmathematics/
"Further to my studies at Swansea University as a Master of Science graduate in Financial Mathematics, I am currently working at Deutsche Bank in London as part of the Structured Financial Services team providing client services for corporate lending and debt portfolios. The complex nature of the Mathematics course has helped me become a logical decision maker and a highly skilled problem solver. These transferable skills are very useful in the world of Finance since the role is highly challenging working towards deadlines and structured transaction targets. My studies at Swansea University have also enriched me with leadership, motivational skills and have enhanced my communication skills. I work in a close team of 10 people within a large department which encourages a culture that strives towards learning and effective teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Swansea University and cherish the many fond memories. I am so pleased to be expanding my horizon within a major financial centre."
Rhian Ivey, BSc Mathematics, MSc Mathematics and Computing for Finance
If you want to study for a mathematics-related MSc course but don’t meet the full academic entry requirements, this programme will equip you with the mathematical knowledge and skills you need.
You’ll choose from a range of undergraduate modules offered in the School of Mathematics, building a programme which fills the gaps in your knowledge and prepares you for postgraduate study in your chosen field. If you complete the GradDip and meet the required performance standard, you’ll be eligible to apply for a number of related MSc courses in the next academic year.
You could develop your understanding of graph theory or quantum mechanics, algebra or calculus, financial statistics or coding theory among many others in a supportive and stimulating research environment.
This pioneering programme is tailored to the learning needs of busy health and social care professionals including three main course offerings:
The MSc Attachment Studies course provides students with a specific qualification in the assessment of child and adult attachment, parenting and family functioning. Designed for health and social care professionals, our aim is to prepare you to be at the forefront of the next generation of attachment scholars and practitioners.
This course is best suited for professionals who are interested in broadening their skills in assessing attachment, improving the outcome of interventions with their clients and conducting small or large scale research projects. Central to the programme is the Patricia Crittenden’s Dynamic Maturational Model of attachment combined with a culturally sensitive approach uniquely applicable to alleviate the suffering of distressed and traumatised people.
A unique feature of this programme is the opportunity to learn how to apply and conduct a wide range of assessments and procedures for forensic, clinical or research purposes. All students are required to learn to code at least one procedure where you will be able to achieve clinical or research levels of reliability in analysing the results. You can also learn to give and to analyse bio-physiological measures such as cortisol levels, EEG and heart rate variability.
Although this course does not offer therapeutic training, you will be taught by experts in the field to gain the necessary knowledge to formulate intervention plans and select therapeutic approaches that will benefit your clients.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of attachment theory including the latest developments in the neuroscience of attachment relationships and parenting. Our systemic approach broadens the study of attachment from mothers and infants to the attachment of older children, adults, family systems and the wider social and community networks.
The interdisciplinary focus on both practice and research is invaluable for students interested in a research career in the field of attachment studies. Examples of recent and current PhD students’ research include the development of the Meaning of the Child to the Parent Interview, the physiology of developmental trauma (PTSD) in children, the effectiveness of play therapy with traumatised children, and attachment in chimpanzees reared by humans.
In this course, you will gain a variety of skillsets and knowledge through a substantial coverage of the underpinning attachment theory and research. This includes an understanding of the latest development in the neuroscience of attachment and trauma. You will study core concepts of attachment and Dynamic Maturational Model theory, family systems and object relations theory and primatology.
You will also gain a comprehensive knowledge in learning how to administer a wide range of validated attachment and family assessments applicable for use with adults and children of all ages. Examples of these procedures are:
This programme offers innovative modules such as the infant mental health module, research methods and the formulation of intervention plans. The infant mental health module is designed to deepen your knowledge of early years development and includes an introduction to the Infant CARE-Index. You will also observe a young child in a natural setting. Besides observing a traditional mother-child relationship, this assessment module also includes observations of older children, adults, family and wider systems.
The research methods module prepares you to design and carry out single case study or small sample empirical research. You will also be able to learn how to administer and analyse bio-physical assessments such as heart rate variability, cortisol and EGG and eye tracking.
The formulation module teaches you to interpret the results of attachment assessments and select the intervention most likely to succeed with a particular client or family. We also offer a forensic model of assessment designed for use with courts and other decision-making forums.
Full-time mode (1 year)
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules (MSc students only)
Part-time mode (2 years)
Year 1
Compulsory module (MSc students only)
Stand-alone Postgraduate Certificate
Compulsory and Required modules
Compulsory and/or required modules may change when we review and update programmes. Above is a list of modules offered this academic year.
Optional modules
Optional modules, when offered as part of a programme, may vary from year to year and are subject to viability.
Our graduates go on to careers in health and social care, or undertake further study in fields such as Clinical Psychology. Students who already have a professional psychology background have been able to launch independent consultancies in social work and psychology.
SEAS is a rising world-class center for engineering research, learning, and innovation.
