Mathematics MSc

Course overview

This Masters degree is designed to build on your existing mathematical skills and allows you to both broaden and deepen your understanding of the branches of mathematics which interest you most.

The flexibility of this course allows you to either keep your studies broad, learning a range of mathematical techniques, or specialise in areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics depending on your interests. These can range from algebra, analysis and logic to integrable systems, fluid dynamics and mathematical biology.

A Masters-level qualification in mathematics will enhance your existing career prospects. It can also help you change direction. A Masters is also an excellent route into further study, such as a PhD.

Studying in the School of Mathematics here at Leeds gives you access to a whole range of specialist facilities, whilst being taught by passionate academics who are experts in their fields. The School is also responsible for delivering internationally excellent research and has strong links with a whole range of research institutions.

This means, once you’ve graduated, you’ll be fully equipped with the most up-to-date practices and techniques, alongside the technical skill set you’ll need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of industries.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in pure and applied mathematics.
• Benefit from our School’s close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas of mathematics, both theoretically and practically.
• Tailor the degree to suit your specific interests with a large selection of optional modules to choose from, with everything from quantum field theory to coding theory, mathematical biology to astrophysical fluid dynamics – plus many more.
• Put theory into practice by conducting a project which focuses on a topic that matches your interests, giving you the chance to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course and demonstrate independent research skills necessary for a professional or academic career.
• Access excellent teaching facilities and computing equipment throughout the school, complemented by social areas and communal problem-solving spaces.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of areas in mathematics.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in many excellent organisations, including Capita, Lloyds Banking Group and the NHS.
• Be part of a diverse and supportive community of mathematicians from all over the world.

Course details

During the two semesters, there is a range of taught modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to combine mainstream, advanced mathematical topics and innovative methods relating to the research interests of the School of Mathematics.

Project work

You’ll be required to complete a research project over the summer. This is an opportunity for you to pursue a particular topic in-depth. Your supervisor will help you to find a project that matches your interests and motivations for studying this degree.

Some examples of past projects include:

• Cluster Algebras
• Nonstandard Analysis
• Combustion Waves
• Planetary Motion in General Relativity

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mathematics MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, seminars and a supervised research project.

Specialist facilities

Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials are available to enhance and extend the material taught formally.

Programme team

Programme leader, Dr Paul Shafer, specialises in mathematical logic, especially computability theory and reverse mathematics.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment is by a range of methods which may include, formal examination, in-class tests, example sheets, problem solving, project work and verbal presentations.

The research project will be assessed based on a written report and an oral presentation. It will contribute 60 credits to the overall total.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in mathematics or a closely-related subject.

Successful applicants will have strong grades in relevant mathematical modules. We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

31 July 2024 – International applicants

8 September 2024 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Mathematics

Contact us

School of Mathematics Admissions Team

Email: maths-msc@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,500 (Total)

International: £27,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

This course will give you the technical and transferable skills plus advanced knowledge that employers in many different industries are looking for.

There is a high demand for mathematicians and statisticians across a range of sectors such as accountancy and finance, medicine, IT, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

Further study at Masters level can be useful for some maths-related careers such as operational research, medical statistics in pharmaceutical companies, meteorology, engineering design, finance and IT-based roles.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous mathematics graduates have secured:

• Assistant Financial Controller, Live Nation
• Pricing Manager, Vets4Pets
• Finance Analyst, Morrisons
• Auditor, National Audit Office
• Penetration Tester, Claranet Cyber Security
• Risk Analyst, Yorkshire Building Society
• Software Engineer, BJSS Ltd
• Environmental Data Analyst, Comply Direct
• Risk Analyst, Capita
• Trainee .Net Developer, FDM Group
• Actuarial Associate, PwC UK
• Credit Risk Modeller, Lloyds Banking Group
• Audit Assistant, The Royal Society of Medicine
• Data Analyst, Co-operative Bank Plc
• Credit Risk Analyst, Hitachi Finance
• Contractor Software Developer, Bet365
• Client Coverage Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group

Common career paths for mathematics graduates include:

Actuary

Actuaries evaluate, manage and advise on financial risks. They use their knowledge of business and economics, together with their understanding of probability theory, statistics and investment theory, to provide strategic, commercial and financial advice.

Operational Research

Operational researchers use analytical and creative skills to assist organisations in developing better systems and operational procedures. By examining an organisation's operations and using mathematical modelling, computer software or other analytical approaches, they find more effective ways of working.

Corporate investment banker

Corporate investment bankers provide a range of financial services to companies, institutions and governments. They manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions, lending, privatisations and initial public offerings (IPOs).

Corporate investment bankers also advise and lead management buyouts, raise capital, provide strategic advice to clients, and identify and secure new deals

Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality.

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea and upper atmosphere. They use computerised and mathematical models to make short and long-range forecasts concerning weather and climate patterns.

Further study

This MSc in Mathematics will provide you with excellent preparation for research for a PhD. At Leeds, we have a range of research opportunities available.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.