About this course
We know that a Masters degree in Mathematics is never an easy option, but it’s a worthwhile journey and one that we’ll support you on every step of the way.
We’ll take your mathematics knowledge to the next level with a wide range of options in statistics and pure and applied mathematics, all taught by our lecturers who are experts in a wide range of topics.
High powered computing labs, 3D printing and virtual reality kit – we’ve got all the cutting-edge facilities that get you hands-on and applying your mathematics skills.
You’ll get to use professional, mathematical and statistical software to boost your subject knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills. These are all essential elements when it comes to developing your final year research project which can be based around your interests.
Throughout your course you’ll study in an informal, supportive environment, and you’ll work closely with the School’s mathematics-related research groups, Applied Mathematics, and Statistical Modelling.
Industry accreditation
All of our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, which is our guarantee that this course is current and relevant to the needs of business. Our close links with industry means that, if you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to take up job placements with some of the world’s leading companies. Plus, you’ll acquire specialist skills and knowledge to prepare you for further study and research if that is where your interest lies.
Research scholarships
Every year we offer a number of Mathematics Undergraduate Research Scholarships (MURS), giving successful applicants funding for a 6-8 week placement in one of our research teams. This is a great opportunity for you to further your research interests and contribute to the academic activities of the mathematics department.
More student opportunities
Our students run a Mathematics Society, and you’ll have the opportunity to take part in regular events hosted on campus by the local branch of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
-
97% of our mathematics students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21). -
Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Mathematics (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
What you’ll study
Who will teach me?
- Dr David Chappell (FHEA) is an applied mathematician, with interests in fluid and wave problems arising in engineering and industry.
- Professor Nadia Chuzhanova uses mathematical, statistical and computational approaches to uncover the architectural flaws in the human genome that lead to genomic disorders.
- Dr Jonathan Crofts (FHEA) has research interests in the areas of network science and dynamical systems, and in particular their applications to biology.
- Dr Tim Hetherington (FHEA) is interested in graph theory, and acts as the University Coordinator for the British Combinatorial Committee.
- Dr Martin Nelson is an applied mathematician, whose work has applications including the modelling of gastrointestinal cancer and carbon capture and storage.
- Dr Golnaz Shahtahmassebi (FHEA) specialises in the effective analysis and visualisation of data (with application to life sciences including medicine, sport, and physics) using statistical, mathematical, and computational techniques.
- Dr Colin Wilmott is interested in open quantum systems and the physics of information. Colin is a former recipient of three European research fellowships.
Meet the rest of the team
Visit our academic team pages to find out more about our approach to teaching, our partners and research interests.
Study abroad opportunities
Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.
Foundations of Pure Mathematics (20 credit points)
First you’ll be introduced to the world of rigorous mathematics, which is ruled by the laws of mathematical logic and is based on the concept of mathematical proof. Set theory will then be introduced and through looking at real-world examples, you’ll learn about the other important algebraic structures, such as notations, operations and groups.
Calculus (20 cp)
In this module you’ll study methods of differentiation and integration, from the fundamental principles, to integrating and differentiating complicated functions. Ordinary differential equations will be looked at and in combination with material you’ll learn how to solve these new types of equations.
Data Analysis (20 cp)
This gives you an introduction to important statistical ideas and their application using modern software. You will explore data analysis, probability, statistical inference and statistical modelling.
Introduction to Linear Algebra and Computation (20 cp)
Studying Linear Algebra gives you a great base knowledge you’ll use in many modules during your course. Concepts include complex numbers, vectors and matrices. Using mathematical software packages you’ll focus on computational and numerical methods that can be used to find approximate solutions to problems that cannot be solved analytically.
Investigations in Analysis (20 cp)
Develop a range of skills appropriate to conducting open-ended mathematical investigations. Learn about the importance of rigour and techniques of proof in mathematical contexts.
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics and its Applications (20 cp)
You’ll start by learning how to program using Python before investigating discrete mathematics problems. Working in groups, you’ll discover potential solutions which you’ll use algorithms in Python to computerise your solutions.
Linear Algebra and its Applications (20 cp)
This module will build your conceptual and technical background, and, in particular, work on vector spaces will be extended and generalised to linear transformations. You will be introduced to coding theory by applying linear algebra to linear codes.
Differential Equations (20 cp)
Extend your knowledge of calculus, differential equations and linear algebra, and gain an introduction to difference equations, the Eigen problem and transform methods.
Probability and Statistical Inference (20 cp)
Refine your statistical inference and modelling knowledge and develop essential computational and IT skills.
Advanced Calculus (20 cp)
Broaden your knowledge, understanding and skills in advanced higher calculus to topics including Fourier series, partial differential equations and complex analysis.
Mathematical Enterprise (20 cp)
In this module you’ll work in small teams to develop a plan for a new business or enterprise, using your mathematical skills to showcase the viability of your venture. This module is run in conjunction with Nottingham's Creative Quarter and you’ll work with several local businesses to create business plans.
Cryptography and Computational Complexity (20 cp)
Learn how to select and apply appropriate techniques and use computer programming and specialist mathematical software to help solve problems. You’ll look at the need to develop more and more sophisticated ways of protecting information through cryptography. Analyse the hardness and limitations of mathematical algorithms using computational complexity theory.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to year three.
Core modules
Numerical Analysis and Dynamical Systems (20 cp)
Develop your knowledge of numerical methods with an emphasis on numerical optimisation techniques, advanced methods for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations and applying methods to non-linear problems.
Stochastic Processes (20 cp)
Extend your understanding of probabilistic modelling to include stochastic processes and learn advanced techniques for investigating the behaviour of stochastic processes.
Linear Systems (20 cp)
You will continue your previous studies in linear algebra and differential and difference equations.
Report and Professional Skills (20 cp)
Immerse yourself in a substantial mathematics project with dedicated support and supervision. The project will showcase your skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. You’ll also take part in activities to explore your career options after graduation.
Optional modules – choose one:
Differential and Integral Equations (20 cp)
Apply your knowledge of advanced calculus and differential equations to the solution of differential and integral equations.
Optimisation (20 cp)
An optimisation is the art of optimal decision-making under constraints. This module introduces you to optimisation, focussing on the theoretical foundations of the subject, as well as the practical modelling aspects, and the algorithm analysis and design.
Optional modules – choose one:
Experimental Design and Machine Learning (20 cp)
In this module you’ll be introduced methods of experimental design and their application in industrial and commercial situations. You’ll learn the methodology and techniques to design, conduct and analyse an experiment before applying statistical analysis to your results.
Partial Differential Equations (20 cp)
Partial differential equations are an important topic in both pure and applied mathematics. This topic builds on the introduction given in Advanced Calculus to consider linear partial equations in non-trivial domains and to introduce methods of analysing nonlinear first order partial differential equations.
Medical Statistics and Financial Modelling (20 cp)
You’ll study statistical techniques appropriate for medical and financial data, including the analysis of survival data and dealing with large complex datasets.
Graph Theory and Combinatorics (20 cp)
This module provides an introduction to a selection of research-informed topics in pure mathematics and aims to extend and complement ideas introduced in years 1 and 2. It provides a blend of mathematical concepts and techniques that are widely applicable in areas such as data science, operational research, chemistry, engineering, computer science, information technology, statistics, sociology and genetics.
Core module
MMath Research Project (60 cp)
You will demonstrate your skills and knowledge by producing a substantial, individual piece of work in mathematics or statistics selected from a list of approved titles and reflecting the modules you have taken in earlier years.
Optional modules - choose three:
Quantum Computing and Cryptography (20 cp)
Introduces you to the theory of error correcting codes and cryptography in facilitating the reliable, efficient and secure communication of information.
Computational Statistics and Data Analysis (20 cp)
Explore topics from computational statistics and statistical models that are relevant to modern applications, with an emphasis on developing solid conceptual understanding of these methods through applications.
Topics in Mathematical Biology (20 cp)
Examine the use of differential equations and their application to biological systems. You will study network models for a range of biological processes, including models of drug delivery, tumour growth and multicellular systems.
Mathematical Recipes (20 cp)
An introduction to six important theoretical mathematical methods and their wide ranging applications, primarily in physics and engineering.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Every week you’ll attend lectures, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. This includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.
The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
In your final year, you’ll also complete your final project with the support of your personal tutor.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments
- practical assessments, such as individual and group projects and oral presentations.
- exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.
Careers and employability
There’s a growing need for skilled mathematicians in all areas of industry. Skills such as numeracy and reasoning, together with the analytical approach to problem-solving that you’ll acquire, are highly sought after by employers.
If you have ambitions to progress into a professional scientific career in industry or academia, then this course is for you.
After Year Two, you have the opportunity to undertake a one-year work placement in industry, including overseas options. This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- L'Oreal
- IBM
- Goodrich Actuation Systems
- Nomura
- NHS
- Next Retail Ltd
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Mathematics Teacher
- Performance Engineer
- Business Analyst.
You’ll be actively encouraged and supported by our dedicated placement team who’ll help you find and apply for positions that are right for you. They’ll also provide support while you’re in your place or work, whether that’s home or abroad.
You’ll be assessed throughout the year and at the end of your placement you’ll write a reflective report and diary. On completion of a successful placement, you’ll be eligible to receive an additional award – the Placement Diploma in Professional Practice.
Placements
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including DeVere Group, Cooper Parry and Government Statistical Services. They secured varied roles such as Trainee Wealth Assistant, Assistant Bio-statistician and Auditing Assistant.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Erasmus Darwin Building and Teaching and Learning Building with access to facilities including 3D printers and VR to help you visualise mathematical concepts.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 136 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent including Maths grade C
- Contextual offer: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent including Maths grade C
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 136 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent including Maths grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
