Masters degrees in Mathematics explore advanced mathematical theory and numerical analysis together with their applications in a range of practical contexts from statistics to computing.
Some programmes in this discipline are taught courses, developing core mathematical competencies and advanced numeracy skills. Others are independent research degrees, focussing on theoretical or practical problem-solving techniques. Some are also highly disciplinary, with the opportunity to apply numerical reasoning to the challenges encountered in medical, engineering, or business contexts.
Courses commonly award MSc, MRes or MPhil degrees, depending on their specific areas of focus.
The master’s programme Mathematics focuses on analysis and number theory. From applied to fundamental research, and from algebra to data science, our master’s programme spans these fields entirely.
The two-year master's programme Mathematics has two components: an analysis-oriented component with topics such as dynamical systems, differential equations, probability theory and stochastics, percolation and mathematics in the life sciences, and an algebra/geometry-oriented component with topics such as algebraic number theory, algebraic geometry, algebraic topology and cryptology. The goal of each programme is to train the student as an independent researcher, and to develop the necessary skills and proficiency to advance your career.
Read more about our Mathematics programme.
Find more reasons to choose Mathematics at Leiden University.
The master’s programme in Mathematics in Leiden focuses on analysis, probability and statistics, number theory and (arithmetic) geometry. If you are looking for an opportunity to specialize in one of these areas, Leiden is an excellent possibility. Students who have obtained a Master of Science degree in Mathematics possess a thorough theoretical basis, know how to work in a multinational environment, and are able to operate well on the international market.
Read more about the entry requirements for Mathematics.
The Master of Science in Mathematics (120 ECTS) is a research-based master’s programme in which you can specialize in the following fields of mathematics: Pure Mathematics: Algebra, Analysis and Geometry; and Applied Mathematics: Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Plasma-Astrophysics.
Besides a solid, all-round education in mathematics, the programme offers you the possibility to focus on either pure or applied mathematics. This allows you to acquire both breadth of knowledge and depth in your own areas of interest. Pure and applied mathematics courses are firmly grounded in the core research activities of the Department of Mathematics. Gradually, you will gain experience and autonomy in learning how to cope with new concepts, higher levels of abstraction, new techniques, new applications, and new results. This culminates in the Master’s thesis, where you become actively involved in the research performed in the various mathematical research groups of the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy and Computer Sciences.
This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
The programme of the Master of Science in Mathematics consists of 120 ECTS. You choose one of the two profiles – Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (54 ECTS) – and one of the two options – Research Option or Professional Option (30 ECTS). The profile allows you to specialize either in pure mathematics (algebra, geometry, analysis), or in applied mathematics (statistics, computational mathematics, fluid dynamics).
There is one common course: ‘Mathematics of the 21st Century’ (6 ECTS). To complete the programme, you carry out a research project that results in a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
All staff members of the Department of Mathematics are actively involved in the two-year Master of Science in Mathematics programme. The academic staff at the Department of Mathematics consists of leading experts in their fields. Researchers in pure mathematics focus on algebraic geometry, group theory, differential geometry, functional analysis, and complex analysis. Researchers in mathematical statistics deal with extreme values, robust statistics, non-parametric statistics, and financial mathematics. Research in the applied mathematics group is in computational fluid dynamics and plasma-astrophysics.
Mathematicians find employment in industry and in the banking, insurance, and IT sectors. Many graduates from the research option pursue a career in research and start a PhD in mathematics, mathematical physics, astrophysics, engineering, or related fields.
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
This programme is now closed but you may want to consider other courses such as the Mathematics MSc.
The Financial Mathematics MSc programme enables graduates and professionals with a strong mathematical background to research, develop and apply quantitative and computational techniques to investment and risk management. Based in the Department of Mathematics, this course has a superb reputation for research-led teaching and strong links to industry.
Financial Mathematics studies problems of optimal investment and risk management, and this course covers a diverse range of topics, from classical options pricing to post-crisis investment and risk management
Like any branch of applied mathematics, financial mathematics analyses a given problem by first building a mathematical model for it and then examining the model. Both steps require detailed knowledge in different areas of mathematics, including probability, statistics, optimisation, computer science and many more traditional fields of mathematics.
Our Financial Mathematics MSc course is a unique study pathway that encompasses the essential skills required for successful risk management, trading and research in quantitative finance: probability, statistics, optimisation, computing and financial markets. You will explore probability theories, risk neutral valuation, stochastic analysis as well as interest rate and credit risk modules. We also offer you the opportunity to study an additional zero-credit supportive module called mathematical analysis for financial mathematics.
The Financial Mathematics MSc programme offers you the choice to study either full or part-time and is made up of optional and required modules. You must take modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course. If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying part-time, your programme will take two years to complete, you will study the required modules in the first year, and a further selection of required and optional modules including the 60-credit financial mathematics report module in your second year.
Bloomberg terminal laboratory
King’s is one of only a few academic departments in the UK that offers full access to Bloomberg terminals. These terminals will provide you access to live financial data. They are heavily used within the financial industry, and the data they provide is critical in assisting traders in making investment decisions and for risk managers monitoring investment probabilities. We have 13 Bloomberg terminals available for exclusive use by the Financial Mathematics MSc programme.
You will use the Bloomberg terminals to:
The skills you will learn from using the terminals are highly valued by employers. King’s is part of a strong network of financial mathematics in London with connections both in academia and in the industry.
We are also members of the University of London and by arrangement, you can enrol in optional modules at other institutions within the University of London, which includes Birkbeck, London School of Economics and Political Sciences, University College London and many others.
This programme is suitable for students or professionals with a strong mathematical background. It covers the principles and techniques of quantitative finance to prepare students for advanced work in the financial sector or research in mathematical finance.
Teaching
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Average per week: Three hours for 11 weeks per each 15 credit module.
You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours of effort for each credit (so for a typical module of 15 credits this means 150 hours of effort).
Assessment
The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of written examinations, essays, coursework and individual or group projects and oral presentations.
Our graduates are highly sought after by investment banks, corporate risk management units, insurance companies, fund management institutions, financial regulatory bodies, brokerage firms, and trading companies. Recent employers of our graduates include, Capital Investment, Credit Suisse, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, Fitch Ratings, HSBC and Morgan & Stanley. Some graduates have pursued research degrees in financial mathematics.
This course provides you with a sound general knowledge of advanced mathematics through study in several pure and applied areas of the subject, including Statistics and Operational Research. A wide choice of topics is available for your dissertation, taken under the supervision of a member of the academic staff.
If you wish to enter employment within the field of Mathematics then this course will enhance your career prospects by promoting a professional attitude to Mathematics. Mathematicians are warmly welcomed in industry, business and commerce for their analytical ability and logical approach to problem solving. The course is particularly suitable if you are planning a career in teaching Mathematics or are already a qualified teacher seeking to enhance your promotion prospects.
Research Methods and professional Skills
Mathematical Modelling
Introduction to Cybermetrics
Statistics
Advanced Topics in Mathematics
Discrete Mathematics
The Mathematics department includes a team of researchers in the field of Introduction to Cybermetrics, led by a professor who has been recognised as a leading international authority on the subject and who achieved a very high rating in the latest Research Assessment Exercise.
We pride ourselves on the academic support and guidance given by our friendly and approachable staff. Students have shown their appreciation for this by the exceptionally high ratings they have given us in the National Student Survey in recent years.
Students will have developed advanced technical skills within the field of Mathematics together with an ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex problems. These skills should equip students to enter careers in Mathematics in a variety of roles.
There is a shortage of Mathematics-related skills both nationally and regionally, and in particular there is a recognised severe shortage of qualified Mathematics teachers. Hence the Mathematics qualification that this course offers will make its graduates highly employable.
Excellent career opportunities will also be open in operational research, statistics, information analysis, financial advising, actuarial work and accountancy.
You will be able to demonstrate a full understanding, knowledge and experience of complex and specialised areas of mathematics; Select and apply appropriate techniques to the analysis, design and synthesis of solutions to problems which require mathematics for their resolution.
Within this course, you will apply knowledge of mathematics with particular reference to its applications in other subject areas (e.g. mathematical education, analysis and modelling of business and finance, computing and scientific systems).
You will be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in mathematics.
Conduct research into current mathematical literature; review, analyse and evaluate findings in a professional manner.
This course will enable you to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicating conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
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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).
As an MSc by Research in Mathematics student you will be guided by internationally leading researchers and will carry out a large individual research project.
You will be fully integrated into one of our established research groups and participate in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratories, and field work.
Swansea is a research-led University and the Mathematics Department makes a significant contribution, meaning that as a postgraduate Mathematics student you will benefit from the knowledge and skills of internationally renowned academics.
In the Department of Mathematics at Swansea you will find friendly teaching staff that are fully committed to providing you with a supportive teaching and learning environment. This includes outstanding student support.
All postgraduate Mathematics programmes at Swansea will equip you with skills relevant for a rewarding career in a range of diverse fields. You will also further develop your communication, presentation and analytical skills.
The Mathematics Department’s research groups include:
Algebra and Topology Group
Areas of interest include: Noncommutative geometry, Categorical methods in algebra and topology, Homotopy theory and homological algebra and others.
Analysis and Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations Group
Areas of interest include: Reaction-diffusion and reaction-diffusion-convection equations and systems, Navier–Stokes equations in fluid dynamic, Complexity in the calculus of variations and others.
Stochastic Analysis Group
Areas of interest include: Functional inequalities and applications, Lévy-type processes, Stochastic modelling of fractal, multifractal and multiscale systems, Infinite dimensional stochastic analysis and others.
Mathematical Methods in Biology and Life Sciences Group
Areas of interest include: Mathematical pharmacology; heat and mass transfer models for plant cooling; modelling cellular signal transduction dynamics; mathematical oncology: multi-scale modelling of cancer growth, progression and therapies, and modelling-optimized delivery of multi-modality therapies; multi-scale analysis of individual-based models; spreading speeds and travelling waves in ecology; high performance computing
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, statistical analysis, marketing and sales.
The Aubrey Truman Reading Room, located in the centre of the Department of Mathematics, houses the departmental library and computers for student use, and is a popular venue for students to work independently on the regular exercise sheets set by their lecturers, and to discuss mathematics together.
The main university library, the Learning and Information Centre (LIC), contains a notably extensive collection of mathematics books.
As part of our expansion, we are building the Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus for computer and mathematical sciences. This development is exciting news for Swansea Mathematics who are part of the vibrant and growing community of world-class research leaders drawn from computer and mathematical sciences.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that our research environment (how the Mathematics 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.
