Course summary

Mathematics is the language that underpins the rest of science. Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. Our MSc Mathematics therefore provides an exceptional range of knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment; in business, commerce, industry, government service, education and in the wider economy. Topics on offer include:

• Pure mathematics, including geometry, algebra, analysis and number theory

• Applied topics such as cryptography, mathematical modelling, numerical methods, differential equations and dynamical systems

• Statistical, financial and analytical methods including stochastic processes, financial derivatives, optimisation and the study of risk

• Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.

• We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.

• We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.

• Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.

• Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.

• We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.