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Applied Mathematics 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.

Most things in the real world are complex, from biological systems to the financial markets to industrial processes, but explaining them is essential to making progress. This Applied Mathematics MSc will equip you with the tools to understand many of these systems.

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

By developing, analysing and interpreting mathematical models, we gain insight into complex processes and a framework for interpreting experimental data.

Today, there is an increasingly urgent need, in both research and industry, for a new generation of scientists with advanced applied mathematics skills, alongside an ability to absorb information from other disciplines and communicate with other researchers. This programme is designed to develop all of these specific and transferable skills, making you an attractive prospect for employment or further study.

Why study Applied Mathematics Masters at Birmingham?

  • The School collaborates widely with multiple disciplines, including Biological and Medical Sciences, Chemical Engineering and within industry.  In particular, Birmingham is an emerging centre for multidisciplinary Biological Systems Science research, and is in a unique position, being adjacent to one of the largest super-hospitals in Europe, catering for a highly diverse population. 
  • The programme is specifically tailored to develop students from a strong mathematics background into becoming genuinely multidisciplinary scientists. You will have the opportunity to develop your mathematical skills, whilst at the same time being trained in solving real-world problems and working in a team. You will learn how to diversify your skills into other fields, and how to work with research leaders and other students from different disciplines.
  • 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

The programme is a 12 month taught masters degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of optional lecture courses and a 60 credit summer project.

Core modules

Select one of the following:

Optional modules

Select 120 credits of optional modules, all 20 credits. Example optional modules are listed below and are subject to availability.

The course is assessed by a mixture of written examinations and coursework, typically involving written exercises, short projects and computer practicals. Please note that not all optional modules may be available.

The summer research project involves working closely with a research supervisor to produce a substantial dissertation and an oral presentation. Additional assessment will require participation in problem-solving workshops and peer group learning in order to prepare you for ‘real life’ work as a research scientist.

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

2.1 Honours degree in mathematics or programmes with advanced mathematical components, including physics and some engineering subjects. 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 applied mathematics in addition to the core research and team-working skills needed for your career. In the summer you will undertake a research project, working on problems drawn from biosciences, systems biology, engineering or medicine, alongside developing your mathematical abilities.

This will provide directly relevant training for a career in academic, industrial or clinical research, for example biotechnology, industrial engineering or the pharmaceutical industry.

A key component will be training specifically in multidisciplinary research and communication, a vital skill for whichever career path the MSc leads you to. 

Assessment Methods

The course is assessed by a mixture of written examinations and coursework, typically involving written exercises, short projects and computer practicals. Please note that not all optional modules may be available.

The summer research skills project involves working closely with a research supervisor to produce a substantial dissertation and an oral presentation. Additional assessment will require participation in problem-solving workshops and peer group learning in order to prepare you for ‘real life’ work as a research scientist.

Career Opportunities

This course is tailored to train students for careers in scientific research, and for employment in a wide range of industrial contexts, for example biotechnology, industrial engineering or the pharmaceutical industry. There is a considerable need for scientists with a strong mathematical and computational background who can communicate with experimental scientists; this MSc will provide you with specialised training, and through your research skills project, evidence that you can work in this multidisciplinary context.

Further transferrable skills developed through this course include team-working, oral and written presentation, problem-solving and time-management, particularly developed through the summer research skills project. Additional careers support is available through the School of Mathematics and from the University's career support team.  

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.