MSc in Mathematical Sciences

at University of Oxford

You will attend at least six units' worth of courses (with one unit corresponding to a 16-hour lecture course supported by classes) in addition to writing a dissertation (worth two units). You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in classes, to develop your understanding of the material. Those wishing to extend themselves further might take one or two additional courses.

Depending on how many courses you take in total and how they split between terms, you can expect to attend two, three or four (or, in exceptional cases, five) lecture courses per term. Each lecture course has two one hour lectures per week supplemented by four 90 minute classes per term. 

The remainder of your study time in the first two terms should be spent on self-study, consolidating the material covered in lectures, working through the problem sheets set for each class and working independently on your dissertation. In the third term you will mostly work independently on your revision for exams, although optional revision classes will also be available to help guide your studies.

Dissertation

The MSc offers a substantial opportunity for independent study and research in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor and will typically involve investigating and writing in a particular area of mathematical sciences, without the requirement (while not excluding the possibility) of obtaining original results. A dissertation gives students the opportunity to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organising, communicating, and presenting their work, and will equip students well for further research or for a wide variety of other careers.

You can expect a one hour meeting with your dissertation supervisor at the end of the first term, followed by a further three one hour meetings in the second term.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in mathematics, statistics, data science and machine learning or a related discipline.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
 

• Research or work experience in the proposed area of specialisation may be an advantage.

• Publications are not expected.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic

 7.5  

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£12,710

Overseas    
£32,760

Recent graduates of the MSc have taken on roles in a variety of industries including finance, software engineering, education and scientific research. The MSc also provides good preparation for doctoral studies and some of our graduates have taken this route.