Mathematics (MSc) 2021 entry
Students on the MSc Mathematics will enhance their ability to apply analytical techniques, perform the clear logical thinking and deductive reasoning necessary to explore complex patterns and structure.
Key information
Course type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
Course dates
- Start date: 6 September 2021
- End date: 30 September 2022
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
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
Home: £9,900
Overseas: £20,370
Application deadline
Wednesday 11 August 2021. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- CV
- personal statement (optional)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
Discover the University of St Andrews
Watch current students and staff discuss the teaching facilities, research opportunities and student life at Scotland's first university.
Course information
The MSc in Mathematics consists of two semesters of taught courses run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics, followed by a dissertation undertaken over the summer months. This programme is particularly suited for those seeking a career in academic mathematical research or a mathematics-related career in the private sector.
Highlights
- A range of advanced mathematical and statistical module choices are offered.
- Covers various pure and applied mathematics areas at an advanced level.
- Students are prepared to pursue research in mathematics.
- Students will have the opportunity to be taught in small groups, and work closely during the dissertation, with leading experts in their fields.
- Regular seminars are held, given by experts from within and out with the School.
Teaching format
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.
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 2020-2021 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2021 entry.
Modules can be chosen from across the School's undergraduate and postgraduate-level modules. At least three-quarters of your credits must come from postgraduate-level modules, and half of your credits must come from Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics modules.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
- Asymptotic Methods
- Bayesian Inference
- Classical Mechanics
- Classical Statistical Inference
- Computing in Mathematics
- Computing in Statistics
- Design of Experiments
- Dynamical Systems
- Financial Mathematics
- Finite Mathematics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Fractal Geometry
- Functional Analysis
- Groups
- Linear and Nonlinear Waves
- Markov Chains and Processes
- Number Theory
- Population Dynamics Models in Mathematical Biology
- Population Genetics
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Real and Abstract Analysis
- Solar Theory
- Topics in the History of Mathematics
- Topology
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
- Advanced Analytical Techniques
- Advanced Combinatorics
- Advanced Computational Techniques
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Advanced Solar Theory
- Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs
- Ergodic Theory and Dynamical Systems
- Galois Theory
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Hyperbolic Geometry
- Independent Study Module
- Introductory Data Analysis
- Knowledge Discovery and Datamining
- Mathematical Oncology
- Measure and Probability Theory
- Medical Statistics
- Multivariate Analysis
- Professional Skills for Mathematical Scientists
- Semigroups
- Software for Data Analysis
- Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology
- Topics in Groups
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).
During the final part of the course, from June to mid-August, students complete a dissertation. 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 2021 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Conferences and events
There are a number of different seminars held each week in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. These include:
Pure Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics seminars
- Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group seminars
- Vortex Dynamics group seminars
Statistics
Funding
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.
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:
- Applied Mathematics (Vortex Dynamics Group, Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group, Mathematical Biology Group)
- Pure Mathematics (Analysis Group, Algebra and Combinatorics Group)
- Mathematical Biology (Mathematical Oncology, Cell Migration and Tissue Growth)
- Statistics (Statistical Ecology, Statistical Medicine and Molecular Biology, and Statistical Methodology).
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.
Recent graduates at Masters and Doctoral level have found employment in:
- government agencies including GCHQ
- 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
- 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 in building their employability skills.
"The structure of the programme has enabled me to deepen and enlarge my knowledge in theoretical areas of mathematics and at the same time to gain new skills in mathematical applications such as mathematical biology and solar theory. The postgraduate community in the School of Mathematics and Statistics is compact but tightly knit. Students work closely together with the academic staff, which provides an excellent learning environment."
- Amsberg, Germany
Contact
School of Mathematics and Statistics
University of St Andrews
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2344
Email: maths-msc-enquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
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.
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.