Mathematics MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Mathematics
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Mathematics |
| PGCert | Mathematics |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PGB61007 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational (Master)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Mathematics & Physics
Programme Leader
BRODY Dorje (Maths & Phys)
Date of production/revision of spec
15/11/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide graduates with a strong background in advanced mathematical theory and its applications to the solution of real problems.
- To develop students understanding of core areas in advanced mathematics including standard tools for the solution of real life applied mathematical problems.
- To develop the skill of formulating a mathematical problem from a purely verbal description.
- To develop the skill of writing a sophisticated mathematical report and, additionally, in presenting the results in the form of an oral presentation.
- To lay a foundation for carrying out mathematical research leading to a research degree and/or a career as a professional mathematician in an academic or non-academic setting.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Ability to demonstrate knowledge of key techniques in advanced mathematics and to apply those techniques in problem solving. | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Ability to formulate a mathematical description of a problem that may be described only verbally. | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| An understanding of possible shortcomings of mathematical descriptions of reality. | C | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Professional practical skills for a research mathematician are fluency in advanced mathematical theory, the ability to interpret the results of the application of that theory, an awareness of any weaknesses in the assumptions being made and of possible shortcomings with model predictions, and the skill of writing an extended and sophisticated mathematical report and of verbally summarising its content to specialist and/or non-specialist audiences. | P | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Ability to reason logically and creatively. | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Effective oral presentation skills. | T | PGCert | |
| Written report writing skills. | T | PGCert | |
| Skills in independent learning. | T | PGCert | |
| Time management. | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Use of information and technology | T | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Knowledge of the core theory and methods of advanced pure and applied mathematics and how to apply that theory to real life problems. | K | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| Ability to use software such as MATLAB and IT facilities more generally including research databases such as MathSciNet and Web of Knowledge. | C | MSc | |
| An in-depth study of a specific problem arising in a research context. | K | MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7*. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
*some programmes may contain up to 30 credits at FHEQ level 6.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Except for the dissertation, all modules are optional, subject only to the requirements noted above (e.g., for the MSc, a minimum of 150 credits must be at Level 7). Also, students should take no more than 4 modules in any semester.
In any given year, a subset of the optional modules will be delivered.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
This programme is aligned to the University of Surrey's Five Pillars of Curriculum Design, namely: Global and Cultural Capabilities; Employability; Digital Capabilities; Resourcefulness and Resilience, and Sustainability.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students encounter mathematical topics and applications that have global relevance and cultural significance. For example, mathematical models used in economics and environmental studies from different regions of the world showcase the universal applicability of mathematics. Topics encountered in some modules, such as climate modelling and disease spread, relate to the use of mathematical tools in tackling real-world global challenges. The programme supports student development of skills preparing them to tackle mathematical challenges with a global perspective and navigate diverse cultural landscapes in their future careers.
Employability: The programme equips students with a combination of mathematical expertise and problem-solving skills, both of which are highly valued by employers. The strong mathematical skills developed by students are of practical relevance in solving complex problems across various industries, such as finance, engineering, data science, and technology. The ability to analyse and solve complex problems using mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and logical deduction holds universal significance is thus highly prized by employers.
Digital Capabilities: Through digital tools, programming and data analysis techniques, the programme equips students with the ability to apply their mathematical knowledge in a digital context and to amass the digital proficiency needed to excel in today's technology-driven world. Students have the opportunity to gain proficiency in Python, enabling them to perform complex mathematical calculations via symbolic computations and to implement mathematical algorithms and simulations.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: The programme provides a learning journey that takes students on an exploration of mathematical concepts and problem-solving scenarios, during which they learn to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. The processes of encountering abstract concepts and applying mathematical techniques fosters resourcefulness, with students encouraged to approach problems from multiple angles. The persistence required to solve complex mathematical problems cultivates resilience.
Sustainability: Mathematics plays a crucial role in understanding patterns, predicting trends, and designing efficient solutions that minimize resource consumption and environmental impact. From modelling energy consumption to optimizing water quality, mathematics equips students with the quantitative skills needed to tackle sustainability issues across various sectors. By covering mathematical approaches to sustainability, students gain the capacity to contribute meaningfully to building a more sustainable future.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.