Mathematics (MSc) 2017 entry
The MSc in Mathematics prepares students with a background in pure or applied mathematics for further postgraduate study or a career in the private sector. The course covers a wide range of topics including group theory, computing in mathematics, combinatorics, fluid dynamics, solar theory, mathematical biology, and measure and ergodic theory.
Course type
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
A good 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics or a closely related subject area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Tuition fees
UK and EU: £7,500
Overseas: £17,090
Application deadline
Application requirements
- CV
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English language requirements certificate
- letter of intent (optional).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
If you started this programme in 2016, you can find information about 2016 entry on the 2016 Mathematics (MSc) page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in our archive.
Course information
The MSc in Mathematics is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics. This programme is particularly suited for those seeking a career in academic mathematical research or a mathematics-related career in the private sector.
Highlights
- The programme provides a wide range of advanced module choices across the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
- Students have the possibility of enrolling into an independent study module or into Professional Skills for Mathematical Scientists, in which you self-study an advanced topic under the guidance.
Teaching format
The programme consists of two semesters of taught courses followed by a dissertation (15,000 words) over the summer months. Most modules for the MSc in Mathematics are traditional semester-long lecture courses with end of semester exams, but some modules have a large element of continuous assessment. Class sizes range from 10 to 60 students, depending on the module.
The School of Mathematics and Statistics is well equipped with computing facilities (including a large parallel computing cluster) and an on-site library.
Further particulars regarding curriculum development.
Modules
For an MSc in Mathematics, students take at least 90 credits at 5000-level Mathematics and Statistics modules. The remaining 30 credits can be taken from the School's 3000-level and 4000-level modules. At least 90 credits of the total of 120 credits of the taught part should be Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics modules.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2016–2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.
Optional postgraduate-level modules
- Advanced Symbolic Computation
- Advanced Topics in the History of Mathematics
- Advanced Statistical Inference
- Estimating Animal Abundance
- Statistical Modelling
- Data Analysis
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Applied Multivariate Analysis
- Advanced Analytical Techniques
- Advanced Computation Techniques
- Advanced Fluid Dynamics
- Advanced Solar Theory
- Advanced Financial Mathematics
- Advanced Combinatorics
- Semigroups
- Topics in Groups
- Measure and Ergodic Theory
- Lie Algebras
- Topics in Geometry and Analysis
- Advanced Bayesian Inference
- Galois Theory
- Mathematical Biology 2
- Independent Study Module
- Professional Skills for Mathematical Scientists
The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Dissertation
During the final part the course, from June to mid-August, students complete a 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted by the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of academic staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
Conferences and events
There are a number of different seminars held each week in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. These include:
Pure Mathematics
Pure Mathematics Colloquia
Algebra and Combinatorial Seminars
Analysis Group Seminars
Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Seminars
Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group Seminars
Statistics
Statistics Seminars
CREEM Seminars
Funding
There are many potential scholarships or support schemes available to postgraduates.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.
Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust (Postgraduate)
Competitive awards ranging from £500 to £3,000 are usually available for postgraduates undertaking either taught or research courses in Scotland.
After the MSc
Research degrees
The MSc in Mathematics prepares students for further postgraduate studies in mathematical research, and many graduates of the programme continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active research groups in:
- Pure Mathematics (Analysis Group, Algebra and Combinatorics Group)
- Applied Mathematics (Vortex Dynamics Group, Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Mathematical Biology Group)
- Statistics (Statistical Ecology Group, Statistical Inference Group).
Careers
MSc in Mathematics graduates hold positions at leading universities or companies in areas as diverse as business administration, computer science and modelling, fisheries laboratories and pure mathematics.
Our recent graduates at Masters and Doctoral level have found employment in:
- large consulting firms and major financial institutions including Scottish and Southern Energy, RBS, Capital One, American Express, Goldman Sachs and Tesco Bank.
- the computer industry.
- government agencies including GCHQ.
- wildlife and conservation managers including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
Contact
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
Fife KY16 9AL
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2344
Email: maths-msc-enquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).