Masters Degrees in Numerical Analysis, Netherlands

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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BECOME A DESIRED MATHEMATICIAN

This research oriented Master’s will provide you with a rich toolkit of creative problem solving skills that will turn you into a desired scientist, both in and outside academia. You will dive deep into mathematics, develope genuine research skills in pure, applied and industrial areas and learn to think out of the box. 

CHOOSE FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL LIST OF COURSES

This Master's is part of the national Mastermath Programme, a collaboration of Dutch Mathematics Departments who joined efforts to enhance their Master's programmes. Due to this collaboration you can benefit from an exceptional list of mathematical courses, offered either by Utrecht University or another Dutch University. Check the courses page for more information and a full overview of the courses you can choose from.

WHY UTRECHT?

We combine our course offerings with personal and small-scale teaching, including:

• a lively colloquium with distinguished international speakers;
• research training in small group projects in pure-, applied- and industrial mathematics;
• a unique special training in using historical sources;
• student seminars in which you practice your own scientific presentation skills; 
• collective learning of very advanced topics in pure or applied mathematics.

PERSONALIZE YOUR MASTER'S: CHOOSE YOUR TRACK

Within this Master's you can choose from 8 different tracks, allowing you to tailor the programme to your own personal interest. Depending on the track you choose, you can pursue your degree either in the direction of Fundamental Mathematics or in Mathematical Modeling. 

Fundamental Mathematics tracks:

• Algebraic Geometry and Number Theory
• Differential Geometry and Topology
• Logic
• Pure Analysis

Mathematical Modeling tracks:

• Applied Analysis
• Complex Systems
• Probability, Statistics, and Stochastic Modelling
• Scientific Computing

You can also choose to do a Research project in History of Mathematics. 

DOUBLE MASTER DEGREE

If you are up for it, you can also combine the Mathematical Sciences programme with another Master's programmes of the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (e.g. Theoretical Physics, Climate Physics or Computing Science). This will result in a double Master's degree.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE

The Mathematical Sciences programme will prepare you for a challenging career, either in or outside academia. Mathematicians are desired employees in today's job market since they can easily deal with complex problems and large data sets in an abstract way. About 40% of our students continue with a PhD in mathematics or related research areas such as imaging or physics (in recent years at Harvard, London, Oxford, Stanford, etc). Many find employment in a research oriented environment at governments or in industry. Work fields include risk analysis, security, forensics, consultancy, data analytics, IT, logistics and more.

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