Mathematics MSc - 2027/8

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

27/04/2026

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

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 aligns with the University of Surrey's Five Pillars of Curriculum Design: Global and Cultural Capabilities, Employability, Digital Capabilities, Resourcefulness and Resilience, and Sustainability.

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students engage with mathematical topics and applications of global relevance and cultural significance. Examples include models used in economics and environmental studies across different regions of the world, demonstrating the universal applicability of mathematics. Topics such as climate modelling and disease spread illustrate how mathematical tools help address global challenges and prepare students to work in diverse cultural contexts.

Employability: The programme develops strong mathematical knowledge and problem-solving abilities valued by employers. These skills are applicable to complex challenges in sectors such as finance, engineering, data science and technology. Graduates gain the ability to analyse problems using logical reasoning, critical thinking and quantitative methods.

Digital Capabilities: Students build digital proficiency through programming, computational tools and data analysis. In particular, they gain experience using Python for symbolic computation, implementing algorithms and running simulations, enabling them to apply mathematical knowledge in digital environments.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Engagement with abstract concepts and challenging problems encourages adaptability, creativity and independent thinking. Students are encouraged to explore multiple approaches to solutions, while the persistence required to solve complex problems develops resilience.

Sustainability: Mathematics supports the analysis of patterns, prediction of trends and design of efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact. Applications such as modelling energy consumption and optimising water quality demonstrate how quantitative methods can contribute to addressing sustainability challenges.



Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

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 2027/8 academic year.