Course structure

The taught element of the course, beginning in the autumn term and continuing into the spring term, consists of 8 modules and makes up two-thirds of the course. Students on the standard stream can choose from the full list of modules in any combination from Group A and/or Group B.

Students who choose the Scientific Computing & Machine Learning (SCML) stream are required to complete at least 4 modules from a subset of 9 aligned modules – Group A.  Students can choose the SCML stream before the end of autumn term, when project allocation happens. They must comply with the same ECTS requirements of the programme. Entry to the SCML stream can be limited based on aligned project availability.

You are assessed through coursework during term time, and exams in May and June. The taught courses cover a range of topics in applied mathematics, including applied and stochastic analysis, analytical (e.g., complex and asymptotic) methods, numerical analysis and scientific computation, fluid dynamics, mathematical physics, bio-mathematics, data and optimisation methods, and more.

Optional modules: Group A

• Computational Linear Algebra
• Computational Partial Differential Equations
• Finite Elements: Numerical Analysis and Implementation
• Introduction to Stochastic Differential Equations and Diffusion Processes
• Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning
• Methods for Data Science
• Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations
• Optimisation
• Scientific Computation

Optional modules: Group B

• Advanced Topics in Partial Differential Equations
• Analytic Methods for Partial Differential Equations
• Applied Complex Analysis
• Asymptotic Methods
• Bifurcation Theory
• Classical Dynamics
• Dynamical Systems
• Dynamics of Learning and Iterated Games
• Fluid Dynamics 1
• Fluid Dynamics 2
• Function Spaces and Applications
• Geometric Mechanics
• Hydrodynamic Stability
• Introduction to Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
• Markov Processes
• Mathematical Biology
• Mathematical Finance: An Introduction to Option Pricing
• Quantum Mechanics 1
• Quantum Mechanics 2
• Random Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory (Seminar Course)
• Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
• Stochastic Differential Equations in Financial Modelling
• Tensor Calculus and General Relativity
• Theory of Partial Differential Equations
• Vortex Dynamics

Course modules

Students choose eight taught modules by December which align with their project research topic, which they would have chosen in late November. Taught modules account for two-thirds of their overall grade. Part-time students choose four modules in their first-year and four modules in their second-year.

Find out more about the course modules

Project

A very important part of the MSc programme is the MSc project. The MSc students are provided with a list of potential projects and supervisors early in the academic year, and after they express their topic preferences, a project supervisor is assigned before the end of the first term. The MSc students are expected to start preliminary work on their projects early in the second term. The bulk of the work on the project is done during the summer. The MSc project is expected to be quite substantial. In the past, several of the MSc projects have led to publications in scientific journals.

Recommended reading and further information

To find out more about the course, including course handbooks, timetables, information on careers support offered and social events, please see the current student pages.

The part time mode of study follows the same schedule as the full time programme but is completed over 24 months instead of 12. It consists of 8 modules plus a research project. Part time students normally take 4 modules in the first year and 4 in the second, along with the research project.

Each module has 2-3 hours of problem classes each week and these are scheduled between 09:00-18:00 Monday-Friday. The days spent in College is dependent on module selection. Attendance to problem classes is compulsory and the part time mode of study is not suitable for those who are looking for a distance learning course or evening study.

Part time students are examined in the modules taken for that academic year. All exams are held in the summer exam period, including for any modules taken during the autumn term. The exam period is usually during the first few weeks of May. 

Find out more about the course modules. Information can also be found in the course handbook (up to date course handbooks are available on the current MSc students pages).

A solid training in applied mathematics provides the necessary background for further postgraduate studies (PhD) and for an academic career. An MSc in Applied Mathematics also leads to many career opportunities in industry, for example in the aerospace, petroleum and financial industries. Find out more on the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) website.

• The Basil Furneaux Memorial Fund Scholarship

Undergraduates at Imperial College London who are applying for the MSc in Applied Mathematics are also eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Basil Furneaux Memorial Fund. For further details and eligibility visit Basil Furneaux Memorial Fund.

• MSc Women’s Scholarship funded in part by Marjorie McDermott 

The Department of Mathematics offers the Marjorie McDermott’s scholarship to promote our women scholars as well as Imperial College’s commitments to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity. Marjorie McDermott was an alumna of Imperial’s Department of Mathematics. She graduated with a BSc in Mathematics in 1951 and then completed a DIC (MSc) in 1952.  Each autumn, women in Imperial’s MSc programmes will be invited to apply for a Marjorie McDermott Scholarship. If you are following one of the MSc degrees part-time, you are invited to apply in the second year of your studies.

There are up to two women awarded a scholarship through this route each year. Applicants are expected to have been awarded a First Class or equivalent undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related field. Recipients of the scholarship are awarded a total of £7,500 in two instalments during their master's study. Individual students are not allowed to hold more than one of these scholarships. 

For further information visit the MSc Marjorie McDermott Women's Scholarship page.

• The 2024 Martingale Foundation Scholarship

The Martingale Foundation, offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships in mathematics and related topics at leading UK universities.

Our mission is to fund and support scholars, and to provide them with exceptional development opportunities. The Foundation has been set up to enable students, to whom family income would otherwise be a barrier, to pursue postgraduate study.  

Martingale Scholars will receive a fully-funded scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at one of our partner universities, including tuition fees and research expenses covered, including a tax-free stipend for living costs. Scholars will also receive tailored support to apply for a Martingale PhD Scholarship and access to the Martingale Development Programme, including leadership training and access to top academic and industry professionals, becoming members of a pioneering community of future STEM leaders.

Applications are open until the 25^th October, and can be made on our website.  

Am I eligible to apply for MSc APPLIED MATHEMATICS  course?

Unfortunately, we cannot comment on individual cases and eligibility without seeing a full application. Our MSc in Applied Mathematics accepts applicants with non-mathematics degrees, such as engineering, computer science or physics. However, we expect a high level of quantitative experience, and we look for evidence of sufficient mathematical background.

On our webpage the minimum entry requirements is outlined as 2:1 in mathematics, applied mathematics, engineering or physics. However, most of our applicants admitted to the programme do tend to have a first degree.

You may want to visit the main MSc courses page here for further information: Prospective students | Faculty of Natural Sciences | Imperial College London

I have submitted an application for this programme as my second choice. Will I be considered?

If you are selecting MSc Applied Mathematics as a second course choice in your application to Imperial, we will only consider your application if your first choice course is MSc Pure Mathematics.

When is the application deadline?

There is no formal closing date but it will close as they become full so early application is generally advised,

If an application deadline does apply, this will be published on the relevant course page. Prospective students | Faculty of Natural Sciences | Imperial College London

Are there any scholarships available?

Information about the scholarships available can be found on the scholarship pages. If there is nothing listed in the search tool, then unfortunately there are no scholarships available from the College.

There may be external scholarships available, please see the International scholarship collaborations page and the Further Funding Opportunities page on our website.

Does my current GPA meet the minimum requirements for this programme? / Do you accept my international qualification?

Please visit this webpage for information on Accepted qualifications | Study | Imperial College London

Do you require my GRE / GMAT score?

We do not require either the GRE or GMAT to consider applications to our MSc programmes in the Department of Mathematics. You are not required to send us your results.

When will I receive a decision on my application?

We aim to make application decisions within 8 weeks of receiving a complete application, which includes references and any supporting documents.

However, some courses will release decisions at certain points in line with published application ‘rounds’.  Where this is the case, the relevant details will be published on our course page.

This decision timeframe may vary throughout the year, especially during peak periods and if the selection process includes an interview.

In addition, if you have applied for a particular funded opportunity, the decision may take longer and you should check the relevant programme/scholarship pages for details.