MSc Mathematics

Programme Director: Sarah Hart

Overview

The MSc in Mathematics at Birkbeck is a two-year programme specially designed for part-time study. All teaching takes place in the evenings, making it ideal for those who have daytime commitments. You will have the chance to study a range of topics in pure and applicable mathematics, with the focus on algebra, discrete mathematics and applications such as coding theory and cryptography. Each year you will take three or four modules from a range of options, meaning that you will attend roughly two evenings a week during term time. In addition to the taught modules, you will complete a project, which will allow you to investigate in depth a particular area of mathematics that interests you. You will have help and guidance through the process from your supervisor. At the end of your second year you will submit a dissertation and give an oral presentation about your work.

Entry Requirements

The typical entrance requirement is a second class degree (or better) in mathematics. If you have a degree in a quantitative subject, you may be able to take Birkbeck’s Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Mathematics as a qualifying course.

Course structure

The MSc is a two year programme, comprising 180 credits. At least 150 credits must be at level 7, with the remaining 30 credits either level 6 or level 7. (Level 6 corresponds roughly to a final year undergraduate course, level 7 to postgraduate courses.) Over your two years you will take taught modules to the value of 120 credits. You will also work on a project, worth 60 credits, to be completed by the end of your second year. Our taught modules run biennially, so that in your two years here you have the opportunity to choose from the full range of modules.

Year 1

Take modules to the value of at least 60 credits (see indicative list below - you may take up to 90 credits in year 1 if you wish, as long as 30 are at level 6). Begin thinking about choice of dissertation topic.
Project proposal to be submitted at the start of year 2.

Year 2

Take modules to the value of up to 60 credits (see indicative list below - your total credits from taught modules must be 120 over years 1 and 2), and complete the Mathematics project. Work on project continues throughout the year, with submission by September 1st at the end of the second year, and oral presentation in September.

Indicative List of Modules for 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17 etc

Indicative List of Modules for 2014-15, 2016-17 etc

General Enquiries about the Programme

Sarah Hart