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Mathematics (MSc) 2024 entry

Students on the MSc Mathematics will enhance their ability to apply analytical techniques, and perform the clear logical thinking and deductive reasoning necessary to explore complex patterns, structure and problems.

Start date
September 2024
End date
September 2025
Duration
One year full time
School
School of Mathematics and Statistics

Application deadline

Thursday 8 August 2024

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.

“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.”
Lilli
- Amsberg, Germany

Entry requirements

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.

Application requirements

  • CV 
  • personal statement (optional) 
  • two original signed academic references 
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.  See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

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. If you are interested in part-time study, you should email maths-msc-enquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk in the first instance to request approval. 
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. 
  • Students can explore diverse topics in pure and applied mathematics, and possibly some statistics, 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 research activities are held, given by experts from within and out with the School. 

Modules

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your programme. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue.

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 
  • Computational Numerical Analysis
  • 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 Group Theory
  • 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 Theory 
  • Medical Statistics 
  • Multivariate Analysis 
  • Professional Skills for Mathematical Scientists 
  • Semigroups  
  • Software for Data Analysis 
  • Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology

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 mid-May 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. 

Teaching

Class sizes range from 10 to 60 students, depending on the module. 

Most modules for the MSc in Mathematics are traditional semester-long lecture courses with end-of-semester exams, but some modules have a larger element of continuous assessment.

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is well equipped with computing facilities (including access to a large parallel computing cluster) and an on-site library. 

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
  • Analysis Group seminars 

Applied Mathematics 

  • Applied Mathematics seminars 
  • Mathematical Biology seminars
  • Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group seminars
  • Vortex Dynamics group seminars 

Statistics 

  • Statistics seminars 
  • Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling seminars 

Here is a full list of research seminars in our School.

Fees

Home
£11,680

Overseas
£25,880

More information on tuition fees can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.

Taught postgraduate scholarships    Postgraduate loans

After your degree

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:
    • American Express
    • Capital One
    • Goldman Sachs
    • RBS
    • Scottish and Southern Energy
    • 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 as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.

Further study

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) 
  • 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). 
Postgraduate research

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Postgraduate online visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online visiting days.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 2435
Email
maths-msc-enquiries@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematical Institute
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9SS

School of Mathematics and Statistics website