MMath: Master of Mathematics

Overview

The MMath is a four year degree in mathematics. It offers a good basis for a wide range of employment, including a career as a professional mathematician or statistician in industry or if you wish to go on to do research in the higher education sector. You will spend one third of your final year on project work, and consequently be able to study in depth a topic in which you are particularly interested.

First Year

For an honours degree at Durham, you are required to take the equivalent of six single modules each year. In the first year you are required to take four core modules, Calculus and Probability, Linear Algebra, Analysis, and Problem Solving and Dynamics. These form the bedrock of your University education, and cover a wide range of topics. We recognize that our first year class is not homogeneous; there are different A-level syllabuses, and you may not have taken Further Mathematics. Our first year courses have been designed with this in mind. Consequently we aim to fill gaps and consolidate previous knowledge during a good deal of the first term although you should find even familiar material presented in an interesting and more sophisticated way.

Core Modules

• Calculus and Probability I
• Linear Algebra I
• Analysis I
• Problem Solving and Dynamics I

To make up your tally of six modules, you need to take a further two modules. These can be chosen from a broad range across all three faculties of the University. The Mathematics Department provides three further optional modules which you may wish to consider.

Optional Modules

• Discrete Maths
• Data Analysis, Modelling and Simulation
• Statistics

Second, Third and Fourth Years

In the second year you take a further two (single) core modules. These, together with the first year modules, provide a solid foundation from which to specialize.

For the remainder of your modules in the second year and after you have the opportunity to choose those areas of Mathematics and Statistics which appeal to you most. In the third and fourth year the MMath programme offers an even wider choice of modules than the three year BSc course, with the last year providing more breadth and depth

The double project module in the final year of the MMath degree allows you to treat a particular mathematical topic in depth and, in many cases, come close to the frontiers of current research. In the final year you may take one module from outside the department subject to pre-requisites.

For more information about our current second, third and fourth year modules consult the 2H Maths, 3H Maths and 4H Maths pages.