Mathematical Modelling (MSc)

This MSc provides an ideal foundation for students wishing to advance their mathematical modelling skills. The programme teaches students the basic concepts which arise in a broad range of technical and scientific problems and illustrates how these may be applied in a research context to provide powerful solutions.

About this degree

Students develop an understanding of the processes undertaken to arrive at a suitable mathematical model and are taught the fundamental analytical techniques and computational methods used to develop insight into system behaviour. The programme introduces a range of problems - industrial, biological and environmental - and associated conceptual models and solutions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits). 

The part-time option normally spans two years. The eight taught modules are spread over the two years. The research dissertation is taken in the summer of the second year.

Core modules

• Advanced Modelling Mathematical Techniques
• Nonlinear Systems
• Operational Research
• Computational and Simulation Methods
• Frontiers in Mathematical Modelling and its Applications

Optional modules

• Asymptotic Methods & Boundary Layer Theory
• Biomathematics
• Cosmology
• Evolutionary Game Theory and Population Genetics
• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
• Mathematical Ecology
• Quantitative and Computational Finance
• Theory of Traffic Flow
• Waves and Wave Scattering

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project, which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 15,000-words and a project presentation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through seminar-style lectures and problem and computer-based classes. Student performance is assessed through a combination of unseen examination and coursework. For the majority of courses, the examination makes up between 90–100% of the assessment. The project is assessed through the dissertation and an oral presentation.

Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Mathematical Modelling MSc

Careers

Our graduates have found employment in a wide variety of organisations such as Hillier-Parker, IBM, Swissbank, Commerzbank Global Equities, British Gas, Harrow Public School, Building Research Establishment and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather-Forecasting. 

Recent career destinations for this degree

• Actuarial Analyst, KPMG
• Data Scientist, Echobox
• Graduate Technical Professional, AVEVA
• PhD in Biochemical Engineering, UCL
• Engineer, Erds (EDF)

Employability

Finance, actuarial and accountancy professionals are constantly in demand for their high-level mathematical skills and recent graduates have taken positions in leading finance-related companies such as UBS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Societe Generale, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, and KPMG.

In the engineering sector, one recent graduate has progressed to a mathematical modelling role at a leading transportation planning consultancy; another became a graduate trainee at a business segment of Schlumberger that provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services.

In addition, a number of graduates have remained in education either progressing to a PhD or entering the teaching profession.

Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Mathematics is internationally renowned for its excellent individual and group research that involves applying modelling techniques to problems in industrial, biological and environmental areas.

The department hosts a stream of distinguished international visitors. In recent years four staff members have been elected fellows of the Royal Society, and the department publishes the highly regarded research journal Mathematika.

This MSc enables students to consolidate their mathematical knowledge and formulate basic concepts of modelling before moving on to case studies in which models have been developed for issues motivated by industrial, biological or environmental considerations.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.

The following REF score was awarded to the department: Mathematics

82% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)

Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.

Visit the Mathematical Modelling (MSc) page on the University College London website for more details!