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.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Mathematics page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
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.
UK and EU: £8,500
Overseas: £17,600
Applications are accepted until shortly before teaching starts in September. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
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.
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.
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 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
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.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
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
There are many potential scholarships or support schemes available to postgraduates.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
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:
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:
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.
School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of St Andrews
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9AL
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.
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).
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).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.