MSc programmes

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers two Master of Science degree programmes:

• The MSc Mathematical Sciences enables specialisation in a broad range of mathematical topics
• The MSc Modern Applications of Mathematics The MSc in Modern Applications of Mathematics trains you in the methods and techniques to apply mathematics to the real world, with a particular emphasis on problem solving and an exposure to different disciplines and industrial problems.

Both programmes offer a rich choice of units, and are suitable for students looking to continue their studies in mathematics, and to become part of the lively postgraduate community in the department.

MSc in Mathematical Sciences

The MSc in Mathematical Sciences is ideal training for students with a strong undergraduate degree in Mathematics, who wish to pursue a career as a research mathematician.The MSc is excellent preparation for further study such as a PhD, or for students who wish to enter a career in which postgraduate training is highly desirable.

An important feature of the MSc is its flexibility: the MSc makes use of the units offered within the Department's MMath programme to provide students with a wide range of options.

Study pathways

Possible "study pathways" exist in Analysis, Algebra & Geometry, Statistics, Probability, Dynamical Systems & Partial Differential Equations and Numerical Analysis, but there is further flexibility to tailor your unit selection to your own background and interests (the table on page 16 of this Postgraduate brochure provides further detail).

Postgraduate community

The MSc in Mathematical Sciences also offers an excellent opportunity to work closely with individual staff members, and to gain an insight into the world-leading research that takes place at Bath. We offer our students the opportunity to become involved in many of the activities that take place in the Department at postgraduate level.

MSc in Modern Applications of Mathematics

The MSc in Modern Applications of Mathematics trains you in the methods and techniques to apply mathematics to the real world, with a particular emphasis on problem solving and an exposure to different disciplines and industrial problems.

In particular this MSc links mathematics with engineering and the sciences, and gives students direct contact with industry. It develops an awareness of modern applications of mathematics in an interdisciplinary environment, provides a training in mathematical methods, mathematical modelling, scientific computation and other applied techniques.

Interdisciplinary training and industry

The MSc Modern Applications of Mathematics specialises in interisciplinary applications of mathematics, notably in industry and mathematical biology. There is the possibility of a six month placement with industry

The MSc combines a thorough education in core areas of applied mathematics with interdisciplinary training; there is a wide range of interdisciplinary units to choose from, ranging from astrophysics over cryptography to computational chemistry, and the MSc bridges the gap between theory and applications. The theory elements will be developed in context, with the students doing an applications based project. Many of these projects will come directly from industry and there is the possibility of an industrial placement.

The MSc benefits strongly from close interactions with many industrial companies who come to meet the students and to offer projects.  Recent project partners have included:

• BAE systems
• Airbus
• the Met Office
• SERCO
• Schlumberger
• BT
• RHM Food Technology
• QinetiQ
• Hoare-Lea Acoustics

We also offer a six month industrial placement as alternative to a three-month project, both leading to a dissertation. This placement gives the opportunity to work in a company for an extended period of time and to gain in this way firsthand experience in industrial applications of mathematics. Several companies have funded places on offer.

Mathematical Biology

The MSc also incorporates a Mathematical Biology stream, intended for students interested in applying mathematical techniques to problems arising in biology and life sciences. Students are able to choose taught units provided by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Biology and Biochemistry to learn a range of advanced mathematical methods, fundamental biological concepts and training in research methods.

The project component provides the opportunities to integrate these skills through model development and interpretation in a highly inter-disciplinary environment. Students will be members of the Centre for Mathematical Biology, and a typical project is supervised jointly by staff in both Departments.

Careers

Our past MSc students have been successful in a wide range of fields, often going to to do a PhD (in many cases linked to industry). Some of our MSc students have become academics in leading universities. Others have successful careers in industry, government research or consultancy, including positions at Airbus, the Met Office, BT, DSTL and a Formula One team.