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Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics (MORSE) Masters/MSc

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Taught
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25:
£10,530 - UK students
£27,270 - International Students
Further fee information is available.

Developments in mathematical optimisation and statistics have revolutionised system engineering and has created an urgent need, for a new generation of mathematicians trained to work at the frontiers of mathematical optimization, statistics and their applications to engineering, healthcare, finance and economics.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

In recent years, new developments in mathematical optimisation and statistics have revolutionised system engineering, information science, signal and image processing, statistical error correction and cryptography.

This has created urgent need, in both academic research and in practical implementation, for a new generation of mathematicians trained to work at the frontiers of mathematical optimization, statistics and their applications to engineering, healthcare, finance and economics.

This programme is both technical and pragmatic. You will acquire the ability to integrate state-of-the-art knowledge of statistics and optimisation to address, analyse and provide a rational appraisal of a given problem in different professional contexts.

This is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study of mathematical optimisation techniques, operational research methods, programming and statistics with their applications to economics, finance, medicine, industrial management, natural sciences and others.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have recently shown how the modern optimization and statistical methods are successfully applied to engineering design, financial and economical data analysis, meta-analysis, economic equilibrium, network communication, and combinatorial optimization.

Why study Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics (MORSE) Masters at Birmingham?

  • Develop your mathematics, business, economics, science or engineering background within a broad range of professional areas in quantitative analysis
  • Acquire the ability to integrate the knowledge of statistics and optimisation to address, critically analyse and provide a rational appraisal of a problem
  • Learn to use software packages to perform statistical analysis and empirical studies
  • Focus on finding optimal solutions to optimisation problems in broader and challenging environments
  • Study at the School of Mathematics which is internationally recognised for the quality of our research in various fields

Meet Holly Holly standing in an atrium

Holly is a MSc Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Econometrics student. In her blog, she talks about her experience of studying MSc MORSE at Birmingham, covering topics from how the subject is regarded by employers to offering advice to those considering the subject.

Read Holly's blog >> 

Modules

The course consists of 180 credits, two-thirds from taught modules (core modules are compulsory, plus choose four optional modules) and one-third from your research project.

Core modules

Select one of the following:

Optional modules

Choose 100 credits. Examples of optional modules are listed below:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees

Annual tuition fee for 2024/25

  • £10,530 - UK students
  • £27,270 - International Students

Are you an international applicant?

All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place.

Find out more about the deposit >>.

Postgraduate Loans (PGL) for Masters students

UK and EU students (with settled or pre-settled status) looking to pursue a Masters programme in the UK can apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).

The loan will be paid directly to you, into a UK bank account. It is intended to provide a contribution towards the costs of Masters study and whether the loan is used towards fees, maintenance or other costs is at your own discretion.

Learn more about applying for PGL 

 

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

 

How To Apply

International applicants requiring visas

Applications to this programme from students who are international for fees will close 7 May 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

UK and non-Tier 4 applicants

Applications will close 31 August 2024. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

To be accepted onto this programme you should have a 2:1 Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering or programmes with a strong mathematical component.

Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component

You will take masters-level courses in both advanced theory and applications of operational research, optimization and statistics, as well as the courses in modern computational techniques and data analysis.

You will also undertake a research project, working with research leaders in optimization, statistics and econometrics, alongside mathematics and computation. These courses and project will provide relevant training in quantitative analysis together with multidisciplinary research and communication, a transferable skill, for whichever career path the MSc (MORSE) leads you to. 

The programme produces highly qualified students in statistics, operations research and econometrics with applications to economics and business management. It also provides ideal preparation for a career in economics, health care, finance, banking, insurance, actuarial science, business management, governmental or academic institutions.

Postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham is a chance to learn from world leaders in their fields. This guarantees you a first-class learning experience, leading to a qualification that is respected the world over and making you an attractive prospect in a very competitive job market.

The course modules and research project will provide you with essential training in quantitative analysis together with multidisciplinary research and communication, a transferable skill which you will find valuable whatever career path you
pursue. Our graduates benefit from a growing global demand for these skills in sectors including economics, medicine, finance, insurance and industrial management.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.