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Pure Mathematics MRes

Start date
September/October
Duration
12 months minimum full-time; also available part-time over 2 years
Course Type
Postgraduate, Combined research and taught
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25 are as follows:
£4,778 UK students
£21,360 International Students
Further fee information is available.

This programme involves both taught classes in Pure Mathematics and a substantial MRes thesis which accounts for almost two-thirds of the total degree. The MRes can be used as the first phase of our fast track PhD programme, in which the MRes thesis is extended over a further period of two years into a PhD thesis.

The MRes is an ideal preparation for entry into the PhD programme at Birmingham or at any other UK university. This is an excellent option for well-qualified mathematics students who do not have all the necessary mathematical background to start immediately on a PhD in their area of choice. 

You will be assigned a project supervisor who will act as director and mentor in the preparation of the MRes thesis. This gives each student the opportunity to work one-to-one with mathematicians who are international experts in their fields. 

In addition to the assessed elements of the course, students are expected to play a full part in the research life of the School. The School has an active seminar programme, and organises international conferences in all areas of mathematics.

Why study Pure Mathematics MRes at Birmingham?

  • The University of Birmingham is one of the prestigious Russell group research-intensive Universities in the UK. The School of Mathematics attracts gifted graduate students from across the world.
  • The School of Mathematics at the University of Birmingham is a large and thriving department. A friendly, supportive and knowledgeable research environment is available. We offer comprehensive training in research and related skills.
  • The internationally recognised School of Mathematics collaborates widely with multiple disciplines and industries
  • Learn from world leaders in their fields.
  • Obtain a qualification that is respected the world over and make you an attractive prospect in a very competitive job market.

Modules

These courses are approximately one-third course work and two-thirds dissertation.

The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which gives our students the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.

Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year:

  • £4,778 UK students, full-time
  • £21,360 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.

 

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.

  

How To Apply

Learn more about applying. 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree in a Mathematics-related subject. 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
 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

These courses are approximately one-third course work and two-thirds dissertation. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which gives our students the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field. 

A regular programme of seminars and conferences takes place within the School in a wide range of subjects. Currently thriving at Birmingham are the following research groups:

  • Applied Mathematics: applied analysis, mathematical biology, fluid mechanics, hydrogen energy, fuel cells and their applications, numerical analysis and scientific computation
  • Pure Mathematics: algebra, analysis, combinatorics and logic
  • Theoretical and Computational Optimization: mathematical theory and methods applicable to managerial decision-making
  • Statistics: time series analysis, multivariate statistics, kernel and wavelet based nonparametric smoothing methods, econometrics and medical statistics

This programme gives comprehensive training in mathematics and areas appropriate to professional development and research foundations. The MRes is an ideal preparation for entry into the PhD programme at Birmingham. In fact, the MRes programme can be used as the first phase of our 'Fast-track' PhD programme.


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.