Taught MSc in Mathematical Sciences

Key facts

• How long? One full year: 12 months from October to September. First 8 months: choose any 6 (of about 20) taught modules for two terms.
• Written exams (anonymously marked) in May on 6 modules of your choice contribute about 67% to the MSc grade. Distinction in MSc is awarded for 70%.
• MSc dissertation in June-September, supervised by a professor of your choice, marked by your supervisor and a 2nd marker, it contributes 33% to the MSc grade.
• Successful alumni progress to PhD or return to their jobs in home countries.Our MSc alumnus Benjamin Lambert has completed PhD in differential geometry in Durham in March 2012 and has already moved to a post-doctoral position.
• Tuition fees in 2013-2014: £5400 for students from the EU (European Union), £13300 for others. The living costs in North East are lower than the UK average.
• Explore scholarships for outstanding MSc applicants to Durham University: one applicant gained a West African scholarship in 2012, another one got a Santander scholarship in 2013.
• Skills you need to succeed at Durham University (16-page booklet, pdf, 2.4M).
• International reputation: a world top 15 university for graduate employability. Overall 83rd position in last the Times World University Rankings 2011-2012.
• Position in the UK: 3rd in the Sunday Times Good University guide 2011-2012. Durham University has joined the prestigious Russel Group in August 2012.

Success story of Dr Ben Lambert

I came to Durham originally to do the MSc course, and as a result of this was encouraged to continue to postdoctoral studies. The mathematics department at Durham is extremely friendly, both in terms of staff and other students.

The MSc allowed me to get to know the department and further topics in mathematics, ultimately leading to me obtaining a place on the PhD program here. The environment in Durham was an ideal place to study as a PhD student.

There are many interesting talks, and in my time here we started a further postgraduate pure maths seminar. Additionally coffee time every morning gives an oppertunity to talk to students and academics alike, gaining perspectives on mathematical problems, imbibing caffine but most importantly having a chat with like minded individuals.

Similarly the regular Pure maths Wednesday lunch gives a sense of community perhaps unique to Durham. The academic subjects I have looked in to have been challenging but interesting allowing many possible avenues for original research.

I have now completed my PhD in Durham, and as a result of the excellent supervision I have recieved here have now got funding as a PostDoctoral student at another University.

Entry requirements

• BSc or BA 2.1 (grade point average above 60%) in mathematics or similar, if you are now completing your studies, we could make a conditional offer.
• Successful MSc candidates are expected to have a good understanding of 1st and 2nd year modules, e.g. probability, linear algebra, calculus, complex analysis. We may ask MSc candidates to solve four problems on these topics within a week to make our admissions process as objective as possible.
• After introducing this entry exam, the number of our MSc students has soared by 160%. Dozens of MSc applicants have already solved our problems, which mainly test your basic understanding of mathematics and your motivation to study at Durham.
• English certificate (required for non-native English speakers for a visa) IELTS grade 6.5 or TOEFL iBT total 92, see details of English requirements. Certificate should be issued within two years of our MSc programme start date.
• English courses available for students who gained a lower grade in IELTS or TOEFL iBT, please contact the English Language Centre at Durham University.
• no English certificate is needed if you graduated from a British university or if you have graduated from (or if you are a citizen of) one of these countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA.
• If you wish to check whether your English certificate is valid, please directly email our postgraduate secretary Ms Fiona Giblin, f.l.giblin@durham.ac.uk.
• No formal deadline for applications: if you don't need a visa, you may apply before September to start in October, otherwise please apply before July.

Taught modules (any 6 can be chosen for MSc)

• Algebraic Geometry III and IV (2013-14)
• Algebraic Topology IV (all years)
• Analysis III and IV (2013-14)
• Differential Geometry III (all years)
• Elliptic Functions III and IV (2014-15)
• Galois Theory III (all years)
• Geometry III and IV (2014-15)
• Number Theory III and IV (2014-15)
• Representation Theory III and IV (2013-14)
• Riemannian Geometry IV (all years)
• Topology III (all years)

• Bayesian Statistics III and IV (2013-14)
• Mathematical Finance III and IV (all years)
• Operations Research III (all years)
• Probability III and IV (2014-15)
• Statistical Mechanics III and IV (2014-15)
• Topics in Statistics III and IV (2014-15)
• Stochastic Processes III and IV (2013-14)

• Advanced Quantum Theory IV (2014-15)
• Approximation Theory and Solutions to ODEs III and IV (2014-15)
• Bayesian Statistics III and IV (2013-14)
• Continuum Mechanics III and IV (2013-14)
• Decision Theory III (all years)
• Dynamical Systems III (all years)
• Electromagnetism III (all years)
• General Relativity III and IV (2013-14)
• Mathematical Biology III and IV (all years)
• Partial Differential Equations III and IV (all years)
• Quantum Mechanics III (all years)
• Solitons III and IV (2014-15)

What to do if you are ready to apply

1. Make sure that you have a week relatively free for solving our admissions problems on probability, linear algebra, multi-variable calculus, complex analysis.
2. You may wish to find two referees who could comment on your academic ability, e.g. your mentors or lecturers. Then ask your referees to email references to our postgraduate secretary maths.office@durham.ac.uk to support your application for taught MSc in Mathematical Sciences at Durham.
3. Complete the on-line application form for taught MSc in Mathematical Sciences: click on first time user account creation.
4. Email (forward) the confirmation of your submitted application to the MSc course director Dr Vitaliy Kurlin and also include the highest (or expected) qualification, e.g. BSc in Maths at Durham University 2009-2012, and the final (or current) grade point average, e.g. 80%.
5. After receiving our maths problems, you will have about a week to return rigorous solutions that you have individually completed without any help: type your arguments or scan your script and email pdf or use a photo camera and email jpg. If you make progress at first attempt, we may give you a chance to submit amended solutions.