(MSc) Master of Science
Mathematics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
MSC G10112
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Operational research
- Mathematical Statistics
- Physics
Applicants with a degree below 2:2 or equivalent will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience and previous modules studied.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Yinghui Wei
Dr Rachel Quinlan
Senior Lecturer in Mathematics
National University of Ireland, Galway
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To prepare students who do not have sufficient background for entry into an MSc degree scheme within the Department of Mathematical Sciences. (Normally, admission to an MSc degree scheme requires the average of the aggregate marks for all the courses to be at least 55%.)
OR
To give advanced mathematical training to graduates of cognate disciplines.
To provide students with a research-type experience that will aid them in their approach to further research activity.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding gained through the study at an advanced level of one or more areas of mathematics, statistics or operational research.
A101: One or more current areas of research in Mathematics, including an awareness of the development of these areas of research.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks and material available on-line.
In some courses, understanding is enhanced through the production of a written report.
Understanding is reinforced by means of classes, assignments, and, where appropriate, laboratories
A101 is principally acquired through the preparation of an essay and a thesis on specialized topics.
During the production of their written work, students are expected to extend and enhance the basic course material concerning internet searching and the production of mathematical texts.
The research guidance during the summer is a critical aspect of this training.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also, in some courses, through marked coursework, laboratory reports, statistical assignments, project reports, oral presentations and oral examinations.
Formative assessment in all courses is provided by regular problem sheets.
Knowledge and understanding is also assessed through the summer dissertation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Identify an appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical problem.
B2: Analyse a given problem and select the most appropriate methods for its solution.
B101: Integrate and link information across course components.
B102: Under guidance of a supervisor, plan and carry out a piece of research and present the results in a coherent fashion.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, assignments and, in some courses, project work.
B1 and B2 are developed through exercises supported by classes.
B101-2 These skills are initiated during the course of the preparation of the essay and are further developed during the course of the summer project.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also, in some courses, through marked assignments and project work.
The level of attainment of these skills is also assessed through examination of the summer project.
C: Practical skills
C1: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
C101: Use a mathematical word-processing package
C102: Make an effective literature search
C103: Prepare a technical report
Learning methods
The practical skills of mathematics are developed, where appropriate, in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme.
C101 and C103-104 are assessed through the summer thesis.
Assessment methods
C1 is judged in all assessment throughout the programme.
C101 and C103-105 are assessed through the MA902 essay and summer thesis.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate mathematical arguments effectively.
D2: Use mathematical techniques correctly.
D3: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.
D4: Organise activity and manage time in the course of study.
Learning methods
D1 is practised throughout the course in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises, and (in some modules) writing reports or projects, and in group and individual project work.
D2 to D4 are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the course.
Assessment methods
D1 is assessed through examinations, coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D2 to D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
Key skills are also assessed via the summer project.