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MSc Overview

The Mathematics MSc is made up of a taught component, consisting primarily of lecture modules and subsequent examinations, and a research component consisting of a written dissertation exploring a topic in depth. Credits are measured in CATS (described below). The MSc degree has a total of 180 CATS with 90 CATS coming from the taught component and 90 CATS coming from the dissertation.

All candidates must satisfy the Board of Graduate Studies' requirements for entry. Normally, candidates should have obtained at least a 1st class honours in a degree of an approved university in Mathematics.

The Interdisciplinary Mathematics MSc (aka the MIR@W MSc) is similar except that both the modules and the dissertation must be interdisciplinary in nature. That is, they must involve both mathematics and an outside discipline, e.g. mathematics and biology, or mathematics and computation. The MIR@W programme, including a list of associated departments, is described on the MIR@W website. The basic requirements are that modules and the dissertation must each contain a minimum of 25% of the content from outside of mathematics and a minimum of 25% of the content from within mathematics. The middle ground is based on the student's interests.

All candidates must satisfy the Board of Graduate Studies' requirements for entry. In addition, candidates shall normally have gained at least a 1st class honours degree or equivalent in one of the contributing subjects of the MSc degree and have a firm background in the study of Mathematics.

Overview of a successful MSc year:

  • Term 1 (October - December) - You attend roughly half of your modules (measured in CATS) and begin discussing dissertation topics with members of staff.
  • Term 2 (January - March) - You attend the remaining modules, register for examinations, declare a dissertation topic and a supervisor, and start background work on the topic.
  • Term 3 (April - June) - You take examinations for the Term 1 and 2 modules and continue to work on your dissertation.
  • Internal Exam Board Meeting (Late June) - Your examination results are considered by the internal examination board; recommendations are made based on your performance.
  • Summer (July - September) - You work full time on your dissertation, and you may give an oral presentation to staff during the summer. Completed dissertations are due in early September.
  • Full Exam Board Meeting (late September) - Your examinations and dissertation are considered by the full MSc Examination Board. The Examination Board recommends the award of an MSc degree to those who have successfully passed both the examination and dissertation elements of the degree requirement.

A Two-year MSc exists in both Mathematics and Interdisciplinary Mathematics with separate regulations. Each student registered for a two-year MSc produces a plan of study before the beginning of their second term in consultation with their supervisor and the Director of MSc Studies. This plan should include a statement of the basis for assessment of a student's progress during the first year and the weighting to be given to the various modules taken over the two years. For more information on the requirements for the two-year variants, see the Coursework and Examinations section.

For study in the academic year in 2021/2022, complete applications (including references) must be received by midnight (end of the day) on Saturday 31st July 2021.


Overview
 
 Supervisors
 
 Coursework and Examinations
         
 Dissertations
 
Awarding of Degrees
 
Taught Modules for MSc and PhD Students