Course summary
This course, commonly referred to as Part III, is a nine-month taught masters course in mathematics. It is excellent preparation for mathematical research and it is also a valuable course in mathematics and its applications for those who want further training before taking posts in industry, teaching, or research establishments. Students admitted from outside Cambridge to Part III study towards the Master of Advanced Study (MASt). Students continuing from the Cambridge Tripos for a fourth-year study towards the Master of Mathematics (MMath). The requirements and course structure for Part III are the same for all students irrespective of whether they are studying for the MASt or MMath degree, or whether they applied through the Applied Mathematics (MASA), Pure Mathematics (MASP), Mathematical Statistics (MASS), or Theoretical Physics (MASTH) application stream. There are around 280 Part III (MASt and MMath) students each year; almost all are in their fourth or fifth year of university studies. Each year the Faculty offers up to 80 lecture courses in Part III, covering an extensive range of pure mathematics, probability, statistics, applied mathematics and theoretical physics. They are designed to cover those advanced parts of the subjects that are not normally covered in a first-degree course, but which are an indispensable preliminary to independent study and research. Students have a wide choice of the combination of courses they take, though naturally, they tend to select groups of cognate courses. Examples classes and associated marking of (unassessed) example sheets are provided as complementary support to lectures. As a taught masters course, the main emphasis is on lecture courses, and assessment is almost entirely based on written exams, which are taken at the end of the academic year starting in the last week of May. The standard graduation dates for successful candidates are usually in June and July. Learning Outcomes After completing Part III, students will be expected to have: studied advanced material in the mathematical sciences to a level not normally covered in a first degree; further developed the capacity for independent study of mathematics and problem-solving at a higher level; and undertaken (in most cases) an extended essay normally chosen from a list covering a wide range of topics. Students are also expected to have acquired general transferable skills relevant to mathematics as outlined in the Faculty Transferable Skills Statement.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation Not required. Essays In place of a three-hour examination paper corresponding to a 24-hour lecture course, candidates may submit an essay written during the year. Written examination Lecture courses are assessed by formal written examination. Courses are worth either two or three credit units depending on whether they are 16 or 24 hours in length, respectively. A 16-hour course is assessed by a two-hour examination; a 24-hour course by a three-hour examination. Candidates for Part III may offer a maximum of 19 credit units for examination. Typically, it is recommended that candidates offer between 17 and 19 units. Examinations usually begin in late May and are scheduled in morning and afternoon sessions over a period of about two weeks. Part III is graded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Fail. A Merit or above is the equivalent of a First Class in other Parts of the Mathematical Tripos.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK First class Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. The minimum requirement is a first-class honours degree or equivalent in mathematics, physics, statistics or another subject with significant advanced mathematical content. Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the Faculty of Mathematics web pages for further guidance, including Is Part III the right course for you? and How to prepare for Part III. These pages provide details of the level of mathematics expected from students joining the course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN