Postgraduate Courses in Mathematics

Have you ever fancied yourself as a problem solver? Or even a natural with numbers? They’re very important aspects of doing a postgraduate course in mathematics. 

It’s quite a challenging career but if you’ve got it, you’ve it. Due to the number of different types of postgraduate degrees in math, you will have the opportunity to adapt your course of choice to your specific interest and strengths. 

What is a mathematics course?

A course in mathematics looks at a mixture of pure math, statistics and applied math which can help open doors in scientific fields for your future career. 

Courses

There are many postgraduate courses in mathematics and they cover many topics. Courses also touch off related subjects in the science area such as physics, biology and also economics. Some offer the opportunity to study either full time or part time. Examples of courses available are:

Interdisciplinary Mathematics

A course in interdisciplinary mathematics will equip students with the necessary skills they will need in order to have a career in the science field. They will cover pure mathematics, statistics and applied mathematics/ Theses courses also allow for students to learn about the interactions between sciences and math. 

Mathematical Sciences

Courses in mathematical sciences prepare for the challenges of research in math and statistics. Students will develop their skills in project planning, reviewing literature, groups discussions, research presentations and writing publications. 

Statistics

Students who take a degree in statistics will gain training in mathematical sciences, spanning theoretical, methodological and applied areas. Topics covered include probability and stochastic finance, statistical methodology, computational statistics, data intensive research and scientific statistical modelling.

Financial mathematics

A postgraduate degree in financial mathematics provides students with a knowledge of advanced finance concepts, quantitative, mathematical and research skills. Courses in this area are aimed at those who may have an honours degree in finance, economics, mathematics, physics or computing. 

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements can differ from course to course and university to university. However, when looking for a postgraduate degree to suit you, you must have an undergraduate degree in math, statistics or related fields. In some courses, a 2.1 degree is required while others may require a 2.2 degree. 

The requirements for each course will differ so it is important to research in detail. More information can be found online on university websites and course overviews. 

Job options

• Statistician 

A statistician uses mathematical techniques to analyze and interpret data and draw conclusions. 

• Mathematician

A person who uses extensive math knowledge to solve mathematical problems concerned with numbers, data, quantity, structure, space, models and change. 

• Actuary

Strategic thinkers who use math skills to help measure the probability and risk of future events and predict the financial impact of these events on a business and their clients. 

• Research scientist 
• Teacher/Professor

Salary expectation 

Your salary depends completely on what route you take with your degree. For example, if you take the education route, a postdoctoral researchers’ salary can range from £27,000 to £39,000. If you took another route such as actuary, the average salary is £32,000 while those who work in insurance companies can earn up to £50,000. 

Skills and requirements

• Strong communication skills – written and verbal 
• Strong research and analysis skills
• Problem solver
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations
• Scientific communication
• Apply knowledge to complex problems
• Absorb information and techniques