Masters Degrees in Mathematics, Netherlands

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.

What does this master’s programme entail?

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.

Why study Mathematics at Leiden University?

• Your study programme can be fine-tuned to your own mathematical interests, both pure and applied.
• You will be educated by renowned researchers like Spinoza prize winner Aad van der Vaart and Hendrik Lenstra and receive a top level education in Mathematics.
• The institute has an extensive international network which allows you to broaden your horizon and provide you with ample opportunities to join interdisciplinary seminars and pursue interdisciplinary research projects.

Find more reasons to choose Mathematics at Leiden University.

Mathematics: the right master’s programme for you?

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.

Specialisations

• Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory (MSc)
• Mathematics and Education (MSc)
• Mathematics and Science Communication and Society (MSc)
• Applied Mathematics (MSc)
• Mathematics and Business Studies (MSc)

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Mathematics in Nijmegen: From Applied Stochastics to Infinity-Categories

The Master's programme in Mathematics at Radboud University offers you a thorough theoretical training, while maintaining a clear perspective on concrete applications whenever appropriate. Its wide scope, which ranges from medical statistics to the mathematical foundations of computer science, physics and even mathematics itself, reflects the diversity of research at the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP).
Mathematical research of course stands on its own, as is notably the case with the large group in algebraic topology led by Spinoza laureate Ieke Moerdijk. In addition, within IMAPP, researchers link with high-energy physics, including Higgs physics and quantum gravity. Outside IMAPP but within the Faculty of Science, there are close ties with the Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (ICIS) (think of logic and category theory) and outside the Faculty of Science (but within Radboud University) researchers at both the Donders Institute for Neurosciences and the University Medical Center collaborate with the applied stochastics group.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics

Specialisations within the Master's Programme in Mathematics

- Algebra & Topology
- Applied Stochastics
- Mathematical Physics
- Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science

Quality label

For the fourth time in a row, this programme was rated number one in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2015 (Guide to Master's programmes).

Career prospects

Mathematicians are needed in all industries, including the industrial, banking, technology and service industry and also within management, consultancy and education. A Master’s in Mathematics will show prospective employers that you have perseverance, patience and an eye for detail as well as a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job positions

The skills learned during your Master’s will help you find jobs even in areas where your specialised mathematical knowledge may initially not seem very relevant. This makes your job opportunities very broad indeed and is why many graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics find work very quickly.

Possible careers for mathematicians include:
- Researcher (at research centres or within corporations)
- Teacher (at all levels from middle school to university)
- Risk model validator
- Consultant
- ICT developer / software developer
- Policy maker
- Analyst

- PhD positions
Radboud University annually has a few PhD positions for graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics. A substantial part of our students attain PhD positions, not just at Radboud University, but at universities all over the world.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics

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Why does one car have more air resistance than another? How can a satellite be kept in an orbit around the earth? Applied mathematicians provide the necessary theoretical background to such questions.

Applied Mathematics is concerned with the development and exploitation of mathematical tools for the analysis and control of technological problems. Mathematical modelling of the problem at hand plays a basic role, followed by (numerical) analysis and (computer) simulation. Interaction with other disciplines and with specialists in the fields of application is essential.

Two specialisations

- Systems and control
This specialisation deals with the mathematics behind designing stable controllers for satellites, purification plants or more general technical processes. Questions that arise include: is it possible to suppress perturbations in a system? Or, how can one stabilize and control a system without causing shocks?

- Computational science and numerical mathematics
This specialisation emphasizes modelling, analysis and the simulation of fluid flow problems. Although the applications can be quite diverse, the basic mathematical methods are much the same. If you are capable of computing the flow of air, you are able to predict the weather, and to design cars and aeroplanes. People who can simulate the flow of water can compute the optimal shape of ships, harbours and dikes.

Why in Groningen?

- Typical for Applied Mathematic in Groningen: the connection between mathematical theory and real-life problems
- You can combine courses from both Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
- Courses include related fields, e.g. Econometrics and Physics
- Internship and research opportunities

Job perspectives

A Master's degree in Applied Mathematics opens up many job opportunities. During the Master's programme you will learn to think in a logical, systematic, and problem-oriented way in a multidisciplinary environment. After having finished the programme you will be able to apply mathematics to a technical problem, and hence to work at the interface between theory and practice. These qualities are highly appreciated by employers.

Job opportunities are available in industrial companies, research institutes, as well as in universities. Examples of companies looking for applied mathematicians include Gasunie, Philips, Stork, Shell, Corus, KPN and small engineering bureaus. Examples of research institutes are the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR, the picture on these pages comes from the NLR), WL/Delft Hydraulics, KNMI and TNO.You can start a university career by working as a PhD student, which means working for four years on a research project and writing a thesis. After having successfully defended this thesis, you will be awarded a PhD degree. Afterwards you can continue an academic career or start a career in industry.

Job examples

- Research institutes
- Engineering bureaus
- Industrial companies
- Universities

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Working at a frontier of mathematics that intersects with cutting edge research in physics.

Mathematicians can benefit from discoveries in physics and conversely mathematics is essential to further excel in the field of physics. History shows us as much. Mathematical physics began with Christiaan Huygens, who is honoured at Radboud University by naming the main building of the Faculty of Science after him. By combining Euclidean geometry and preliminary versions of calculus, he brought major advances to these areas of mathematics as well as to mechanics and optics. The second and greatest mathematical physicist in history, Isaac Newton, invented both the calculus and what we now call Newtonian mechanics and, from his law of gravity, was the first to understand planetary motion on a mathematical basis.

Of course, in the Master’s specialisation in Mathematical Physics we look at modern mathematical physics. The specialisation combines expertise in areas like functional analysis, geometry, and representation theory with research in, for example, quantum physics and integrable systems. You’ll learn how the field is far more than creating mathematics in the service of physicists. It’s also about being inspired by physical phenomena and delving into pure mathematics.

At Radboud University, we have such faith in a multidisciplinary approach between these fields that we created a joint research institute: Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). This unique collaboration has lead to exciting new insights into, for example, quantum gravity and noncommutative geometry. Students thinking of enrolling in this specialisation should be excellent mathematicians as well as have a true passion for physics.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/physics

Why study Mathematical Physics at Radboud University?

- This specialisation is one of the few Master’s in the world that lies in the heart of where mathematics and physics intersect and that examines their cross-fertilization.
- You’ll benefit from the closely related Mathematics Master’s specialisations at Radboud University in Algebra and Topology (and, if you like, also from the one in Applied Stochastics).
- Teaching takes place in a stimulating, collegial setting with small groups. This ensures that at Radboud University you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with your thesis supervisor.
- You partake in the Mastermath programme, meaning you can follow the best mathematics courses, regardless of the university in the Netherlands that offers them. It also allows you to interact with fellow mathematic students all over the country.
- As a Master’s student you’ll get the opportunity to work closely with the mathematicians and physicists of the entire IMAPP research institute.
- More than 85% of our graduates find a job or a gain a PhD position within a few months of graduating. About half of our PhD’s continue their academic careers.

Career prospects

Mathematicians are needed in all industries, including the industrial, banking, technology and service industry and also within management, consultancy and education. A Master’s in Mathematics will show prospective employers that you have perseverance, patience and an eye for detail as well as a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job positions

The skills learned during your Master’s will help you find jobs even in areas where your specialised mathematical knowledge may initially not seem very relevant. This makes your job opportunities very broad indeed and is why many graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics find work very quickly.
Possible careers for mathematicians include:
- Researcher (at research centres or within corporations)
- Teacher (at all levels from middle school to university)
- Risk model validator
- Consultant
- ICT developer / software developer
- Policy maker
- Analyst

PhD positions

Radboud University annually has a few PhD positions for graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics. A substantial part of our students attain PhD positions, not just at Radboud University, but at universities all over the world.

Our research in this field

The research of members of the Mathematical Physics Department, emphasise operator algebras and noncommutative geometry, Lie theory and representation theory, integrable systems, and quantum field theory. Below, a small sample of the research our members pursue.

Gert Heckman's research concerns algebraic geometry, group theory and symplectic geometry. His work in algebraic geometry and group theory concerns the study of particular ball quotients for complex hyperbolic reflection groups. Basic questions are an interpretation of these ball quotients as images of period maps on certain algebraic geometric moduli spaces. Partial steps have been taken towards a conjecture of Daniel Allcock, linking these ball quotients to certain finite almost simple groups, some even sporadic like the bimonster group.

Erik Koelink's research is focused on the theory of quantum groups, especially at the level of operator algebras, its representation theory and its connections with special functions and integrable systems. Many aspects of the representation theory of quantum groups are motivated by related questions and problems of a group representation theoretical nature.

Klaas Landsman's previous research programme in noncommutative geometry, groupoids, quantisation theory, and the foundations of quantum mechanics (supported from 2002-2008 by a Pioneer grant from NWO), led to two major new research lines:
1. The use of topos theory in clarifying the logical structure of quantum theory, with potential applications to quantum computation as well as to foundational questions.
2. Emergence with applications to the Higgs mechanism and to Schroedinger's Cat (aka as the measurement problem). A first paper in this direction with third year Honours student Robin Reuvers (2013) generated worldwide attention and led to a new collaboration with experimental physicists Andrew Briggs and Andrew Steane at Oxford and philosopher Hans Halvorson at Princeton.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/physics

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How does a bank check whether your digital signature is a valid one? Do planets move in stable orbits or will they eventually collide? How can a 3D-sphere within the 3D-figures be characterized?

The mathematics behind these questions is dealt with in the Master's degree programme in Mathematics. The objective of the Master's degree in Mathematics is to teach you the mathematical knowledge, skills and attitude needed to pursue a professional (research) career.

You will gain specialized mathematical knowledge in selected areas such as algebra and geometry, dynamical systems and analysis, and statistics probability theory. Furthermore, you will learn how to solve a problem by using abstraction and modelling and to find scientific literature on the subject. You will be able to determine whether the problem can be solved by using existing mathematical theory or whether new theory should be developed. Finally, you will learn how to present mathematical results in written and oral form, for both specialized and general audiences.

The Master's programme in Mathematics offers four specialisations:
* Algebra and Geometry
* Dynamical Systems and Analysis
* Statistics and Probability
* Science, Business and Policy

Why in Groningen?

- For a career in science or a company
- Acquire skills highly appreciated by employers
- Informal community, small classes

Job perspectives

A Master's degree in Mathematics opens up many job opportunities. During the Master's programme, you will learn to think in a logical, systematic and problem-oriented way. These qualities are highly appreciated by employers. If you want to work in a company you can find employment at, for instance, banks, insurance companies, the consultancy branch and research and development departments of companies like Philips, TNO, Gasunie, Ericsson and LogicaCMG.

You can start a scientific career as a PhD student at a university. This means working for four years on a research project and writing a thesis. After successfully defending this thesis, you will be awarded a PhD degree. Afterwards you can continue your career at a university or start a career in a company.

Job examples

- Work for multinationals such as TNO and Philips
- Start an academic career
- Analyst at bank or insurance company
- Consultant

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Master's specialisation in Algebra and Topology

The Algebra and Topology section is an active research group consisting of renowned experts covering a remarkably broad range of topics. The group consists of two full professors (I. Moerdijk, Spinoza Laureate 2012, and B. Moonen), four permanent members, and a large number of post-docs and PhD students. More information about the research activities of the group can be found at http://www.math.ru.nl/topology.

The section offers a Master's specialisation in Algebra in Topology, which is a 2-year programme aimed at students with an interest in pure mathematics and its applications.
The Master's programme has a strong focus on current research developments. It introduces students to a broad range of techniques and concepts that play a central role in modern mathematics. In addition to providing a strong theoretical basis, the programme offers excellent opportunities for a further specialisation focusing on applications of pure mathematics or on interactions with other fields.
The programme offers courses in Algebra, Topology, Geometry, Number Theory, and Logic and Computation. There are strong interactions with other Master's specialisations at Radboud University, notably the ones in Mathematical Physics and in Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science.
In addition, the programme offers a variety of seminars from beginning Master's level to research level. Moreover, students have the possibility to incorporate courses from related programmes (e.g. Mathematical Physics and Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science into their programme, as well as individual reading courses. Each student concludes his programme by studying a special topic and writing a Master's thesis about it.
Excellent students having completed this Master's programme or a similar programme elsewhere can in principle continue and enrol in the PhD Programme, but admission for this is limited and highly selective.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/algebratopology

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or related area
Entering the Master’s programme in Mathematics requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics that is the equivalent to a Dutch university diploma (this does not include a Bachelor’s from a university of applied science, in Dutch hbo; in German Fachhochschule). That means we expect you to have a solid background in the core areas groups, rings, fields and topology. We expect students to have passed core mathematics courses during their Bachelor’s in:
The Examination Board will determine if an international student has the required mathematical knowledge to be admitted. The Examination Board will also indicate if the student is required to follow specific courses from the Bachelor's programme to eliminate possible deficiencies.
- Basic notions in Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Algebra
- Analysis
- Topology
- Geometry
- Differential Equations

2. A proficiency in English
In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
- An IELTS score of ≥6.5
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

Mathematicians are needed in all industries, including the banking, technology and service industries, amongst many others. A Master’s in Mathematics will show prospective employers that you have perseverance, patience and an eye for detail as well as a high level of specialised analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job positions

The skills learned during your Master’s will help you find jobs even in areas where your specialised mathematical knowledge may not seem initially relevant. This makes your job opportunities very broad and is why many graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics find work very quickly.

Possible careers for mathematicians include:
- Researcher (at research centres or within corporations)
- Teacher (at all levels from middle school to university)
- Risk model validator
- Consultant
- ICT developer / software developer
- Policy maker
- Analyst

PhD positions

Radboud University annually has a few PhD positions for graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics. A substantial part of our students attain PhD positions, not just at Radboud University, but at universities all over the world.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/algebratopology

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High-level training in statistics and the modelling of random processes for applications in science, business or health care.

For many complex systems in nature and society, stochastics can be used to efficiently describe the randomness present in all these systems, thereby giving the data greater explanatory and predictive power. Examples include statistical mechanics, financial markets, mobile phone networks, and operations research problems. The Master’s specialisation in Applied Stochastics will train you to become a mathematician that can help both scientists and businessmen make better decisions, conclusions and predictions. You’ll be able to bring clarity to the accumulating information overload they receive.

The members of the Applied Stochastics group have ample experience with the pure mathematical side of stochastics. This area provides powerful techniques in functional analysis, partial differential equations, geometry of metric spaces and number theory, for example. The group also often gives advice to both their academic colleagues, and organisations outside of academia. They will therefore not only be able to teach you the theoretical basis you need to solve real world stochastics problems, but also to help you develop the communications skills and professional expertise to cooperate with people from outside of mathematics.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/stochastics

Why study Applied Stochastics at Radboud University?

- This specialisation focuses both on theoretical and applied topics. It’s your choice whether you want to specialise in pure theoretical research or perform an internship in a company setting.
- Mathematicians at Radboud University are expanding their knowledge of random graphs and networks, which can be applied in the ever-growing fields of distribution systems, mobile phone networks and social networks.
- In a unique and interesting collaboration with Radboudumc, stochastics students can help researchers at the hospital with very challenging statistical questions.
- Because the Netherlands is known for its expertise in the field of stochastics, it offers a great atmosphere to study this field. And with the existence of the Mastermath programme, you can follow the best mathematics courses in the country, regardless of the university that offers them.
- Teaching takes place in a stimulating, collegial setting with small groups. This ensures that you’ll get plenty of one-on-one time with your thesis supervisor at Radboud University .
- More than 85% of our graduates find a job or a gain a PhD position within a few months of graduating.

Career prospects

Master's programme in Mathematics

Mathematicians are needed in all industries, including the banking, technology and service industries, to name a few. A Master’s in Mathematics will show prospective employers that you have perseverance, patience and an eye for detail as well as a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills.

Job positions

The skills learned during your Master’s will help you find jobs even in areas where your specialised mathematical knowledge may initially not seem very relevant. This makes your job opportunities very broad and is the reason why many graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics find work very quickly.
Possible careers for mathematicians include:
- Researcher (at research centres or within corporations)
- Teacher (at all levels from middle school to university)
- Risk model validator
- Consultant
- ICT developer / software developer
- Policy maker
- Analyst

PhD positions

Radboud University annually has a few PhD positions for graduates of a Master’s in Mathematics. A substantial part of our students attain PhD positions, not just at Radboud University, but at universities all over the world.

Our research in this field

The research of members of the Applied Stochastics Department, focuses on combinatorics, (quantum) probability and mathematical statistics. Below, a small sample of the research our members pursue.

Eric Cator’s research has two main themes, probability and statistics.
1. In probability, he works on interacting particles systems, random polymers and last passage percolation. He has also recently begun working on epidemic models on finite graphs.
2. In statistics, he works on problems arising in mathematical statistics, for example in deconvolution problems, the CAR assumption and more recently on the local minimax property of least squares estimators.

Cator also works on more applied problems, usually in collaboration with people from outside statistics, for example on case reserving for insurance companies or airplane maintenance. He has a history of changing subjects: “I like to work on any problem that takes my fancy, so this description might be outdated very quickly!”

Hans Maassen researches quantum probability or non-commutative probability, which concerns a generalisation of probability theory that is broad enough to contain quantum mechanics. He takes part in the Geometry and Quantum Theory (GQT) research cluster of connected universities in the Netherlands. In collaboration with Burkhard Kümmerer he is also developing the theory of quantum Markov chains, their asymptotic completeness and ergodic theory, with applications to quantum optics. Their focal point is shifting towards quantum information and control theory, an area which is rapidly becoming relevant to experimental physicists.

Ross Kang conducts research in probabilistic and extremal combinatorics, with emphasis on graphs (which abstractly represent networks). He works in random graph theory (the study of stochastic models of networks) and often uses the probabilistic method. This involves applying probabilistic tools to shed light on extremes of large-scale behaviour in graphs and other combinatorial structures. He has focused a lot on graph colouring, an old and popular subject made famous by the Four Colour Theorem (erstwhile Conjecture).

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/stochastics

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In this Master's specialisation, mathematicians working in areas pertinent to (theoretical) computer science, like algebra and logic, and theoretical computer scientists, working in areas as formal methods and theorem proving, have joined forces to establish a specialisation in the Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science. The programme is unique in the Netherlands and will be built on the excellence of both research institutes and the successful collaborations therein.
The emphasis of the Master's is on a combination of a genuine theoretical and up-to-date foundation in the pertinent mathematical subjects combined with an equally genuine and up-to-date training in key aspects of theoretical computer science. For this reason, the mathematics courses in this curriculum concentrate on Algebra, Complexity Theory, Logic, Number Theory, and Combinatorics. The computer science courses concentrate on Formal Methods, Type Theory, Category Theory, Coalgebra and Theorem Proving.
Within both institutes, ICIS and WINST, there is a concentration of researchers working on mathematical logic and theoretical computer science with a collaboration that is unique in the Netherlands. The research topics range from work on algebra, logic and computability, to models of distributed, parallel and quantum computation, as well as mathematical abstractions to reason about programmes and programming languages.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/foundations

Admission requirements for international students

1. A completed Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Computer Science
In order to get admission to this Master’s you will need a completed Bachelor's in mathematics or computer science that have a strong mathematical background and theoretical interests. We will select students based on their motivation and their background. Mathematical maturity is essential and basic knowledge of logic and discrete mathematics is expected.

2. A proficiency in English
In order to take part in the programme, you need to have fluency in English, both written and spoken. Non-native speakers of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
- TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
- IELTS score of ≥6.5
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher

Career prospects

There is a serious shortage of well-trained information specialists. Often students are offered a job before they have actually finished their study. About 20% of our graduates choose to go on to do a PhD but most find jobs as systems builders, ICT specialists or ICT managers in the private sector or within government.

Our approach to this field

In this Master's specialisation, mathematicians working in areas pertinent to (theoretical) computer science, like algebra and logic, and theoretical computer scientists, working in areas as formal methods and theorem proving, have joined forces to establish a specialisation in the Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science. The programme is unique in the Netherlands and will be built on the excellence of both research institutes and the successful collaborations therein.

The emphasis of the Master's is on a combination of a genuine theoretical and up-to-date foundation in the pertinent mathematical subjects combined with an equally genuine and up-to-date training in key aspects of theoretical computer science. For this reason, the mathematics courses in this curriculum concentrate on Algebra, General Topology, Logic, Number Theory, and Combinatorics. The computer science courses concentrate on Formal Methods, Type Theory, Category Theory, Coalgebra and Theorem Proving.

Our research in this field

Within both institutes, ICIS and WINST, there is a concentration of researchers working on mathematical logic and theoretical computer science with a collaboration that is unique in the Netherlands. The research topics range from work on algebra, logic and computability, to models of distributed, parallel and quantum computation, as well as mathematical abstractions to reason about programmes and programming languages.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/mathematics/foundations

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Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics is the science of structures, including mathematics itself. Discovery of new patterns and relations, and the construction of models with predictive power are the core of mathematics.

Frequently, we see an interaction between fundamental and applied research. This versatility is reflected in the Master's programme Mathematical Sciences, which a broad range of courses is offered. Both students who want to specialise and students who aim for a wider background in mathematics.

[Tracks]]

You can tailor your programme by selecting one of the following seven tracks:
-Algebraic Geometry and Number Theory
-Applied Analysis
-Complex Systems
-Differential Geometry and Topology
-Logic
-Probability, Statistics, and Stochastic Modelling
-Pure Analysis
-Scientific Computing
-You can also choose to do a Research project in History of Mathematics.

This Master's programme offers a broad scope in a stimulating international environment which is renowned for its excellent research. Students who prefer to research subjects in depth will feel particularly at home at Mathematical Sciences.

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If you are interested in mathematics and finance and you want to learn how to use mathematics and statistics to solve real financial and actuarial problems, the Master's program in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science is the program for you.

The Master's program in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science takes the critical field of risk management as its central theme, examined through the lens of quantitative models. Taught by the leading international academics of Tilburg University, content reflects the forefront of world developments in which:
•Investors weigh risks against returns;
•insurers limit their risks by calculating the appropriate premiums;
•option traders balance their books by calculating the sensitivities of their positions with respect to the relevant risk factors.

Delve into these challenging worlds of continuous time finance, empirical applications, and the actuarial sciences of risk theory and asset liability management - giving you a tool-kit of highly practical skills you can apply throughout your entire financial career.

The Master's program in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science offers you:
•The best preparation for a career in the arena
With a Tilburg University Master's degree recognized for its combined academic rigour and industry relevance.

•Great career prospects
The Master’s program in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science is one of the programs with the best career prospects. Graduates find work easily, often before graduation, and they earn above average. They work as, for instance, risk management consultants, actuaries or investment analysts. More about the excellent career prospects.

•Customized learning
With a wide range of optional electives available including the possibility to follow courses from the Master's program in Finance or to customize your degree with a specialization in Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

•The possibility to become a fully qualified actuary
After graduation you are eligible to apply for the part-time Executive Master in Actuarial Science offered by TIAS Business School and the Dutch Actuarial Institute.

•Teaching by leading international academics
Giving you a tool-kit of highly practical skills you can apply throughout your entire financial career.

Ranking
#1 in the Netherlands and #10 in Europe in Economics & Econometrics - QS World University Rankings

Future jobs

Your Master's degree in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science from Tilburg University will open up extensive career opportunities for you in the private sector, as well as in the public and non-profit sectors.

Graduates of our program currently pursue successful careers at:
•Banks
•Insurance companies
•Pension funds
•Consulting agencies
•Trading firms
•Corporate treasuries and risk control departments
•Regulatory institutions and government bodies.

The Master’s program in Quantitative Finance and Actuarial Science is one of the programs with the best career prospects. Graduates find work easily, often before graduation, and they earn above average.

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The two-year master’s programme Statistical Science for the Life and Behavioural Sciences provides you with a thorough introduction to the general philosophy and methodology of statistical modelling, data analysis and data science.

What does this master’s programme entail?

The two-year master’s programme in Statistical Science provides you with a thorough introduction to the general philosophy and methodology of statistical modelling and data analysis. The programme consists of a core programme shared by all students, and specialisation specific courses, electives, an internship or research project and master’s thesis. You can specialise in either life and behavioural sciences, where the emphasis is on the application in multidisciplinary environments, or in data sciences where you focus more on data mining, pattern recognition and deep learning.

Read more about the Statistical Science for the Life and Behavioural Sciences programme.

Why study Statistical Sciences for the Life and Behavioural Sciences at Leiden University?

• Each specialisation offers you a unique combination of knowledge and expertise. These allow for a thorough preparation for a career as a data scientist, researcher or statistician anywhere.
• Job perspectives after graduation are great: statisticians and data scientists are highly sought after in various industries such as academia, marketing, banking, government, official statistics, healthcare, bioinformatics and more.
• The Statistical Science programme is a collaborative effort. Four Leiden University Institutes closely collaborate with top research institutes such as Wageningen UR and VUMC, which means that your education is provided by experts in their respective fields.

Find more reasons to choose Statistical Science for the Life and Behavioural Sciencese at Leiden University.

Statistical Sciences for the Life and Behavioural Sciences: the right master’s programme for you?

The field of statistics, like other areas of applied mathematics, often attracts students who are interested in the analysis of patterns in data: developing, understanding, abstracting, and packaging analytical methods for general use in other subject areas. Statistics is also, by definition, an information science. Imaginative use of both computing power and new computing environments drives much current research - so an interest in computation and/or computer science can also be a start for a statistician. With the growing importance of data within our society, you’ll be highly in demand with a degree in Statistical Sciences.

Read more about the entry requirements for the Statistical Science programme.

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If you enjoy mathematics and statistics, and would like to apply this to challenging real economic and business problems, then this Master’s program is the right program for you!

Taught by some of Europe's pre-eminent academics, the program focuses on the mathematical and quantitative analysis of economic problems. Acquire the tools to apply mathematical and statistical methods to produce solutions to real-world economic and business challenges in everything from the labour market, capital investment and industrial organizations, to the strategic behaviour of firms and individual decision-making.

The program offers you:

•Excellent career perspectives
The Master’s program in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics belongs to the programs with the best career perspectives. Graduates are awarded an internationally-recognized Tilburg University Master of Science degree, and are qualified to pursue careers in a range of different organizations.

•Wider career perspectives than most comparable Master's programs because of the large pool of elective courses. This gives you the chance to broaden your knowledge in many areas, yet specialize if you wish.

•A degree with a specialization in Pensions, Aging and Retirement.

•The latest theories, techniques and applications in econometrics taught within a stimulating and intellectually-challenging academic environment, where you get the scope to develop and test your own mathematical and statistical tools.

•Teaching by leading international scholars from the world-renowned research institute CentER at Tilburg University.

•The best start to your future career. Our students go on to pursue successful careers in government, consultancy firms, large and small companies and the non-profit sector, as well as scientific careers in economics or business research.

Future jobs

Graduates of the Master's program in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics are awarded an internationally-recognized Tilburg University Master of Science degree, and are qualified to pursue careers in a range of different organizations, including:
•Government departments
•Consultancy firms
•Research Institutes
•Research departments of large companies
•Banks
•Insurance companies
•Pension funds

The Master’s program in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics belongs to the programs with the best career perspectives. Graduates easily find jobs, often before graduation, and they earn above average.

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Course details

Specialize in optimizing company decisions by using data and mathematical models and algorithms
Do you like working with data and mathematics? Do you want to specialize in solving the most complex decision problems, from supply chain management to vehicle routing and from donor kidney allocation to train scheduling? Then Business Analytics and Operations Research is the right program for you.

Apply the theory in practice, and learn to communicate efficiently with decision makers
This program teaches generic Data Science and Optimization methods that allow you to solve decision problems in a wide variety of applications. Examples from logistics include vehicle routing, supply chain optimization, and inventory management. But there are many other applications, such as donor kidney allocation and optimizing tumor treatment plans in the medical field, or dike height optimization and train scheduling in the public sector.

Because Business Analytics and Operations Research are predominantly applied fields, you will also develop the skills to successfully apply the theory in practice, and to communicate efficiently with the decision makers.

The program offers you:

- a degree qualification held in high regard by international organizations that increasingly depend on quantitative methods to support their operations, logistics and supply chain management decision-making.

- a program that is comparable to top Business Analytics and Operations Research programs in the world, both in terms of the contents of the courses and the quality of the teachers and supervisors.

- excellent career perspectives: The Master's program in Business Analytics and Operations Research is one of the programs with the best career prospects. Business Analytics and Operations Research professionals are currently in very high demand, and the demand is predicted to increase even further.

- relevant, real-world learning where the emphasis is on solving actual business problems and turning data into managerial insights, whether it is during in-class exercises or while on an internship in a company.

- BAOR Mastermind, your ideal opportunity to explore the labor market and meet your future employer! We invite companies that give you insight in real business cases. You will also get the opportunity to discuss new trends in Business Analytics and Operations Research with academics and practitioners.

- lectures by teachers and supervisors that are leading experts in this field, with strong links with practice.

- small class-sizes giving you more quality time with approachable and supportive professors and closer interaction with your classmates

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Overview

Science and technology clearly have a profound influence on society, but the reverse is also true: society significantly shapes the ways in which science and technology evolve. Economic interests, public opinion and policy shifts are decisive for the shaping of science and technology. However, experience has shown that scientists on the one hand and the general public, government and businesses on the other aren’t always able to clearly understand one another. That is why experts with a background in science and an understanding of social processes are indispensable.

The Master's specialisation in Science in Society offers you different perspectives on science and slightly shift your career opportunities by teaching you a different set of skills on top of the research skills learned in the first year of our Master’s programmes.

This specialisation is available in the Master's in Biology, Chemistry, Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Science. Students gain advanced knowledge in their preferred science, and also choose a theme to structure their programme to gain specialised skills in one aspect of science management and innovation.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/scienceinsociety

Career prospects

The intermediary role between science and society is highly sought after. You will be prepared for a dynamic career in various fields and work environments such as policy, advisory bodies, interest groups and governments, as well as interdisciplinary research that connects science and society. Although not part of the compulsory part of the programme, this specialisation can also prepare you for the field of science journalism or communication, for you can make that the focus of your graduation project.

Our research in this field

Top research and facilities
This specialisation is closely connected to the Institute for Science, Innovation & Society (ISIS); this institute brings together a group of experts from various disciplines and backgrounds in order to jointly tackle societal issues.

You also have the unique opportunity of working on a variety of large-scale European research projects that are connected to researchers on the Radboud University campus.

The Nijmegen approach

The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the working, exploring and studying people that you will meet there. No wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

Quality Label

Radboud University was rated Best General University in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2017 (Guide to Master's programmes)

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/scienceinsociety

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Overview

What happens in the world of business and public administration? How is innovation managed in company strategies? How does government design policy? How can innovation and policy address sustainability, health, energy and IT security issues?

Both the public sector and businesses struggle with the question of how to address sustainability, health, energy and IT security issues. Many of the challenges that society faces are rooted in the natural or computer sciences but have strong links to other disciplines. Solutions require scientists with an additional understanding of the societal aspects of these problems, and the ability to speak the language of and work with all possible stakeholders like scientists, civil servants and politicians.

In the Master's in Science, Management and Innovation you will broaden your scientific knowledge and learn the skills you can use to make a direct contribution to society.

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/smi

Flexible and specialised

This specialisation is available in the Master's in Biology, Chemistry, Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, and Science. Students gain advanced knowledge in their preferred science, and also choose a theme to structure their programme to gain specialised skills in one aspect of science management and innovation.

Career prospects

Master’s students who complete this specialisation end up in a number of different positions, such as government policy officer, Research & Development manager in a company, Sales manager in a company, or Project manager at a research institute or knowledge centre.

Skills that you acquire could also prepare you for a career in a large consultancy company, such as Accenture or McKinsey. Several of our graduates have gone on to become entrepreneurs and start their own company, but others work for civil society organisations or applied research for society.

Our research in this field

During your research project, you’ll work outside of the university in a company or organisation on a real-world research problem in your chosen theme.

The Nijmegen approach

The first thing you will notice as you enter our Faculty of Science is the open atmosphere. This is reflected by the light and transparent building and the open minded spirit of the working, exploring and studying people that you will meet there. No wonder students from all over the world have been attracted to Nijmegen. You study in small groups, in direct and open contact with members of the staff. In addition, Nijmegen has excellent student facilities, such as high-tech laboratories, libraries and study ‘landscapes'.

Studying by the ‘Nijmegen approach' is a way of living. We will equip you with tools which are valuable for the rest of your life. You will be challenged to become aware of your intrinsic motivation. In other words, what is your passion in life? With this question in mind we will guide you to translate your passion into a personal Master's programme.

Quality Label

Radboud University was rated Best General University in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2017 (Guide to Master's programmes)

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/science/smi

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