In the recent years, mathematical optimization and statistics have experienced significant new developments. With these developments, the system engineering, information science, signal compression, image reconstruction, statistical error correction and cryptography are being revolutionised.

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.

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.

Compulsory modules:

• Linear Programming
• Integer Programming
• Applied Statistics
• Introduction to Quantitative Finance 
• Exotic Options, Bonds and Further Quantitative Finance
• Statistical Methods in Economics
• Research Skills
• MSc dissertation

Optional modules: 

• Statistical Inference
• Medical Statistics
• Combinatorial Optimization
• Nonlinear Programming
• Muticriteria Decision Making
• Further Mathematical Finance
• Topics in Management Mathematics
• Research Frontiers and Current Topics in Statistics

Related links 

• Postgraduate degree courses, School of Mathematics

In the Autumn and Spring semesters, 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.

In the summer you will undertake a research skills 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. 

Career opportunities

This programme gives comprehensive training in operational research, statistics and econometrics and is an ideal preparation for a career in economics, medicine, finance, insurance and industrial management. In the United Kingdom, there is a shortage of personnel who are highly qualified in statistics and operational research. This shortage is predicted to increase in the future. 

  

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.

Contact us

• Sophie Miller - Careers consultant (s.a.miller@bham.ac.uk)
• Richard Newman- Careers consultant (r.j.newman@bham.ac.uk)
• Caroline Egan - Careers adviser (c.egan@bham.ac.uk)
• Brendan Bacon - Internship officer (b.bacon@bham.ac.uk)
• Carl Jukes - Applications support adviser (c.jukes@bham.ac.uk)

Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) 2009/10

The DLHE survey is conducted 6 months after graduation.

Range of Employers for Birmingham's Mathematics Graduates

• Aspire People
• Barclays
• Barnett Waddingham LLP
• Deloitte
• KPMG LLP
• PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Tesco Stores Ltd
• The Insolvency Service
• University of Birmingham

Range of Courses of Further Study for Birmingham's Mathematics Graduates

• ACA - Accountancy
• MSc Accounting and Finance
• MSc Actuarial Science
• MSc Computing Systems
• MSc Economics
• MSc Finance and Investments
• MSc Operational Research
• MSc Statistics
• PGCE Mathematics
• PhD Pure Mathematics

Range of Occupations for Birmingham's Mathematics Graduates

• Audit Assistant
• Business Analyst
• Commercial Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Software Developer
• Teacher
• Trainee Accountant
• Trainee Actuary
• Trainee Auditor
• Trainee Merchandiser

Visit the Careers section of the University website for further information.