Mathematics (MSc)

at Cardiff University

This course is of one-year duration. All students complete a 20 credit reading module designed to develop research and other transferable skills; this can be done in either semester 1 or 2. Students also take 100 credits of optional modules in the taught component of the programme. This is followed by a 60 credit dissertation which will be undertaken over the summer, under the guidance of an experienced, research active academic.
 

The programme has two principle pathways, in pure and applied mathematics, but students can also access taught modules in all of the main areas of the School’s expertise: Algebra, Analysis, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Operational Research and Statistics.
 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

An explanation of the programme structure, and guidance in the choice of optional modules, is provided during the induction week. All students are assigned a personal tutor, to provide support and guidance throughout the programme.
 

All MSc Mathematics students are expected to have completed and passed Real Analysis and Linear Algebra or equivalent at the second year level of their undergraduate degree. There are two principal pathways through the MSc degree: pure and applied. To take the pure pathway you will need to have completed a third year level course on functional and Fourier analysis. To take the applied pathway you will need to have completed a third year level course on partial differential equations and their applications.
 

All MSc Mathematics students are required to take the core Reading Module MA4901 in either the Autumn or Spring semester.
 

Some of the optional modules have additional requirements, such as a background in probability/statistics or in number theory.
 

Students are encouraged to discuss their prerequisites and ways to make up for some gaps with their Admissions Tutor and, after enrolment, with their Personal Tutor.
 

You are required to achieve at least a 50% average and pass all 120 credits to continue to the dissertation stage. The dissertation is worth 60 credits and is a chance to apply your mathematical skills to a research topic of your choice.

Academic requirements: 

Typically, you will need to have either: 

• a 2:1 honours degree in mathematics or a related discipline with a strong mathematical component, covering basics of real analysis and linear algebra, or, an equivalent international degree
• a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification
• or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. The reference must be from your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
   

English Language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent. 
 

Application deadline:

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. 
 

Selection process: 

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will make you an offer. 

Fees for home status

Tution Fees - £10,200
Deposit - £

Fees for overseas status

Tution Fees - £23,450
Deposit-£1,000
 

Specialist numerical skills and logical and analytical thought are qualities in demand across a range of stimulating and rewarding careers. There is a high demand for mathematicians across a range of sectors such as the oil and nuclear industries, medicine and IT, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments. 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, investment banking, actuarial science and IT-based roles. Government agencies such as the Office of National Statistics and the Meteorological Office also provide employment opportunities for Mathematics graduates.
 

If you prefer to continue on a more academic career pathway, you may choose to continue your studies with a PhD.