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Mathematics Master of Mathematics

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 128 - 136 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): G110 (full time); G111 (sandwich)
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Four years full-time, five years with a placement
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

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)

Course accreditation

  • IMAlogo

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.

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.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Fiifi Arthur

I would tell my younger self to be bold and creative in pursuing opportunities through building good relationships.

Stefan Loncar

As a child my dream was always to study in the UK and when the time came to choose a university there was no other option (than NTU) on my mind.

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.

The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.

Contact hours

Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (33%) and independent study (67%)

Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (31%) and independent study (69%)

Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%)

Year 4 - lectures/seminars/workshops (24%) and independent study (76%)

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.

Staff Profiles

James Hind - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about James Hind, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Physics and Mathematics in the School of Science and Technology.

Martin Nelson - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr. Martin Nelson is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Mathematics at NTU, researcher of Mathematical Biology, complex immunology and multi-faceted bio systems.

Christian Beardah - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Christian Beardah, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University.

Colin Wilmott - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Colin Wilmott, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University.

Nadia Chuzhanova - Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Nadia Chuzhanova Professor of Biomedical Mathematics in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University.

Timothy Hetherington - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Timothy Hetherington, Principal Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

Year 1 - coursework (28%) and written (72%),

Year 2 - coursework (32%) and written (68%)

Year 3 - coursework (32%) and written (68%)

Year 4 - coursework (42%) and written (58%)

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study

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

Find out more about our facilities at NTU

Entry requirements

  • 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

Contextual offers

A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.


Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

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.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • 136 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent including Maths grade C

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before.  This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas.  Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Other

Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).

Tuition fees 

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

What do the course fees cover?

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas.  Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Other

Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

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