Postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught 

Methods in Applied Mathematics MSc

Our Masters in Methods in Applied Mathematics is designed to meet the growing demand for graduates with advanced quantitative, modelling and computational skills across industry, finance, technology and research. Modern applied mathematics plays a central role in understanding complex systems, analysing data, optimising processes and supporting innovation across scientific and commercial sectors. This programme provides a structured and rigorous academic experience, to equip students from a range of STEM backgrounds with the theoretical knowledge, practical techniques and professional skills required to apply mathematics effectively in real-world contexts

Why this programme

  • Gain rigorous academic training in core areas of modern mathematics.
  • Develop advanced mathematical, analytical and computational skills, in growing demand by employers.
  • Graduate with job-ready, professional skills in project-based problem solving, technical writing, presenting and collaborative working.
  • Prepare for a career across a wide range of industries, including finance, data science, pharmaceuticals, consulting, public sector or further academic study.
  • Choose a defined pathway based on your interests and career aims; specialise in Mathematical Modelling, Mechanics, Methods or Mathematical Physics.
  • You will participate in an extensive and varied seminar programme, be taught by internationally renowned lecturers and experience a wide variety of projects.
  • This MSc is suitable for graduates from a range of STEM backgrounds.

Programme structure

The MSc Methods in Applied Mathematics uses varied teaching approaches to develop advanced analytical, computational, and professional skills.  

Core learning is delivered through lectures and structured classes, providing a strong theoretical foundation in mathematical concepts, modelling, and computational techniques. Computational labs integrate theory with practice through simulation and data analysis. Applied learning is emphasised through case-based work on real-world problems. Independent study is a central component of the programme.  

The degree concludes with a supervised summer research project and dissertation.

Semester 1 (60 credits)

Students are recommended to take 20 credits from the Group 1 courses, and 40 credits from the Group 2 courses. Exceptions may be made when justified. 

Group 1 Courses 

 Group 2 Courses 

Semester 2 (60 credits)  

In Semester 2, you will take a 20 credit core course, and choose the elective stream that best matches your interests for the remaining 40 taught credits. 

Core Course 

  • Case Studies in Applied Mathematics (20 credits) 

You will choose the elective stream that best matches your interests for 40 credits of optional courses. 

Optional courses

Modelling Stream  
Mechanics Stream  

On this stream you will take Continuum Mechanics and Elasticity and choose one other 20 credit course from the below. 

Mathematical Methods Stream  

On this stream you will take ​Dynamical Systems (10 credits) and choose one 20 credit and one 10 credit course from the below. 

Mathematical Physics Stream  

On this stream you will take two 10 credit courses and choose one 20 credit course. 

Master’s Dissertation (summer) 

Over the summer you will undertake a substantial independent research project on a mathematics topic of your choice. 

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Our Masters students graduate ready for careers across a wide range of sectors, including Data Science, Finance, Insurance, IT, Government, Engineering, Education, Science and Health. Our industry-aligned streams allow you to develop the skills in-demand for your area of interest. 

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2027-28

MSc

Home & RUK

  • Full-time fee: £13,092

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £31,515

Fee status

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

World Changers Postgraduate Sport Excellence Scholarship

The World Changers Postgraduate Sport Excellence Scholarship recognises exceptional international student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in both their academic studies and sporting performance. The scholarship is designed to support talented athletes who will make a significant contribution to the University of Glasgow's Performance Sport Programme while pursuing their degree. 

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database


Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a Maths, Engineering, Computing Science or physics degree with at least 5 credit bearing modules in University Level Mathematics at an average grade of pass.  Modules must include at least 1 credit bearing module in each of Linear algebra and Vector multivariate calculus at University level 1 or 2 plus 3 other maths modules from the core module list.  

​We may also consider applicants with a 2:2 provided core modules in Maths are at a 2:1 level.  

Accepted modules:  

  • ​Differential equation 
  • ​Complex analysis 
  • ​Mechanics  
  • ​Numerical analysis 
  • ​Real analysis 

English language requirements

For applicants from non-majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

Accepted English Language Tests

We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.  

IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic for UKVI/ IELTS Academic online

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0 
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • We do not accept General Training

TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)

Test taken up to 20 January 2026

  • 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21 

Tests taken from 21 January 2026

  • 92 overall with no subtest less than 4.5

PTE Academic (test centre only)

  • 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
  • We do not accept the online PTE Academic

Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency

  • 176 overall with no subtest less than 169

Oxford ELLT

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6

LanguageCert Academic/Academic SELT/ Academic Online

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 65

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0

Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II

  • 96 overall with no subtest less than 90

Kaplan Test of English

  • Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher

PSI Skills for English

  • B2 Pass with Merit

Duolingo English Test

  • 120 overall with writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110

Oxford Test of English Advanced

  • 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher

Alternatives to English Language test

Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)

  • students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.

TNE degree from UK university taught at a campus outside of the UK

  • students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study and remain valid for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Our courses give you: 

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS); 
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University; 
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/mlc/eas/pre-sessionalcourses/

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • St Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham 

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

For entry in September 2027

International & EU applicants

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International application rounds

Round 1: 1 October 2026 to 5 November 2026

You will receive our decision on your application by 18 December 2026.

Round 2:  6 November 2026 to 17 December 2026

You will receive our decision on your application by 3 March 2027.

Round 3: 18 December 2026 to 4 February 2027

You will receive our decision on your application by 8 April 2027.

Round 4: 5 February 2027 to 25 March 2027

You will receive our decision on your application by 6 May 2027.

Round 5:  26 March 2027 to 13 May 2027

You will receive our decision on your application by 10 June 2027.

Round 6: 14 May 2027 to 8 July 2027

You will receive our decision on your application by 29 July 2027.

As we receive a high volume of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply to each programme once per year.

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UK applicants

  • 24 August 2027

Related programmes

Mathematics

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