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  • Mathematics (MSc)
  • 2013/2014 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • For each taught module there will be an examination in May/June, counting for 80% of the marks for the module; these are the only daytime commitments in your programme. The other 20% is from assessed coursework. Coursework consists of short, problem based assignments, and you will have around three weeks to complete each one.

      The project module has four assessment points. 80% of the marks for the module are for the dissertation (submitted at the end of Year 2). 5% are for the initial ten minute oral presentation (autumn term Year 2), 5% for the written progress report (spring term Year 2) and 10% for the final oral presentation (end of Year 2).

  • Attendance
      • Two–three evenings a week.
      • October–June.
  • Duration
      • Two years part-time.
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2013/14)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa 
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7425 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching
    • Lectures and seminars. Examinations are held in May and June. You will work on your project throughout the programme, and will submit the final dissertation in September at the end of your second year.

Mathematics (MSc) - 2013/2014 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme offers you the chance to study a range of modules in pure and applicable mathematics – giving you the opportunity to increase your knowledge and abilities in these areas. Depending on your choices, you will take either seven or eight modules, allowing you to study several different topics in depth, and to focus on the areas that interest you most. Over two years, you will also learn the methods of mathematical research: how to read mathematical papers and how to communicate mathematics, both in written form for your project dissertation, and orally when you give presentations about your project.

      You will acquire the skills to pursue your interest in the subject, either formally with a research degree, or informally with independent reading. You will come to us as someone with a maths degree: you will graduate as a mathematician.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Offers modules in group theory, graph theory, combinatorics and applicable mathematics such as coding theory and cryptography.
      • Specially designed for part-time students – delivered via high-quality, face-to-face teaching in the evenings, so that you can fit study around daytime commitments.
      • Complete a project in your chosen area of mathematics, with guidance from an expert supervisor.
      • Birkbeck's mathematicians are all active researchers, mostly in the areas of algebra and combinatorics.We've developed this exciting course around those research strengths.
  • Course structure

    • You must take taught modules worth 60 credits each year – each 15-credit module runs for one term, and each 30-credit module runs for two terms. You may take at most one 30-credit module in your MSc. You will also complete a project worth 60 credits.

      The following is an indicative list of modules for the next two years.

      Modules available in 2013–2014:

      • Calculus 3: Transforms and Models (30 credits)
      • Galois Theory (15 credits)
      • Games, Choice and Optimisation (30 credits)
      • Permutation groups (15 credits)
      • Representation Theory (15 credits)
      • Topics in Combinatorics (15 credits)
      • Topology (15 credits)

      Modules available in 2014–2015:

      • Algebraic Number Theory (15 credits)
      • Computational Mathematics (30 credits)
      • Discrete Optimization (15 credits)
      • Group Theory (15 credits)
      • Mathematics of Communications (15 credits)
      • Number Theory and Geometry (30 credits)
      • Topics in Graph Theory (15 credits). 
  • Study resources
    • Birkbeck has a library and several workstation rooms. You can also use several local university libraries, including the collection of the London Mathematical Society, a five-minute walk from Birkbeck’s main building.
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information
    • There are many career paths available for our highly numerate graduates. The financial sector, the actuarial profession, IT and computing, teaching and academia are all popular, but logic, rigorous thinking and an analytical approach are highly valued in many other fields. Find out more about maths careers.
  • Apply now
    • How to apply
      • We may send you a diagnostic test to gauge the level of your mathematical knowledge. This will be an at-home test, which you should return to us as soon as possible.
      • We normally interview all applicants.
    • Application deadlines and interviews
      • Interviews held throughout Spring and Summer.
      • You should apply as early as possible. We need to receive your supporting documents, i.e. your transcript, before we can proceed with your application.
    • Online application
      You can apply online from the link below.