MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

Summary

Oxford's M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing aims to train graduates with a strong mathematical background to develop and apply their skills to the solution of real problems. By the end of the course students should be able to formulate a well posed problem in mathematical terms from a possibly sketchy verbal description, carry out appropriate mathematical analysis, select or develop an appropriate numerical method, write a computer program which gives sensible answers to the problem, and present and interpret these results for a possible client. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for all these parts in the problem solving process, and on the fact that they frequently interact and cannot be carried out sequentially.

Requirements

[MT, HT, TT = Michaelmas, Hilary, Trinity term]

All students will complete 12 units. Students who wish to may take either one, two, or three extra units as described below. The 12 units that all students will take and be assessed on are:

Two core courses in mathematical methods (1 unit each);
Two out of three core courses in numerical analysis (1 unit each);
One special topic based on a modelling/methods lecture course (labelled [M]) (1 unit);
One special topic based on a computing lecture course (labelled [C]) (1 unit);
One case study in mathematical modelling (1 unit);
One case study in scientific computing (1 unit);
One dissertation and viva (4 units).

The extra units that students may take are:

The third written examination on a core course in numerical analysis;
One or two further special topics.

Students will accumulate 4 units for core courses + 2 units for special topics + 2 units for case studies + 4 units for dissertation.

All core courses comprise 16 lectures and four 90 minute classes and are assessed by a written examination. The core courses are taught in MT and HT, and are examined in weeks 6-8 of TT.

There are about 20 special topic courses to choose from spread over the first and second terms. Most special topic courses comprise 16 lectures and four 90 minute classes and are assessed by a written report submitted in week 0 of the subsequent term.

The Case Studies in Modelling and in Scientific Computing involve a combination of group work and personal study. The scientific computing case study is assessed by an individual report, and the mathematical modelling case study is assessed by an oral presentation and an individual written report.

The dissertation culminates in a written report of about 40-50 pages, not necessarily containing original research to pass. The dissertation will be in some area of applied mathematics and numerical analysis, and may involve working on a problem proposed by industry. Since there is another M.Sc. course in Mathematical and Computational Finance, students on the M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing are not permitted to undertake a dissertation in the field of mathematical finance.

In addition all students must attend:

Practical Numerical Analysis classes in MT
Additional Skills classes in MT
Mathematical Modelling classes in HT

General Information

The Course Director is Dr Kathryn Gillow. A supervisor will be appointed for each student who will discuss their progress with them and who can advise on what options are suitable.

The course lasts almost twelve months, from the beginning of October to the end of the following September. Although the lecture courses are given during the three University terms, much other work is carried out in the vacations, and students should expect to spend most of the year in Oxford. There will be no time for long holidays.

For the academic year 2026-2027, the course will begin with a week of introductory material based at the Mathematical Institute, beginning at 9.30am on the morning of Monday 5th October 2026.

The dates of the University Full Terms for the Academic Year 2026-2027 are:

MT = Michaelmas term 2026: Sunday 11th October - Saturday 5th December
HT = Hilary term 2027: Sunday 17th January - Saturday 13th March
TT = Trinity term 2027: Sunday 25th April - Saturday 19th June

Here are the Michaelmas term 2026 timetable and the Hilary term 2027 timetable.

MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

Summary

Requirements

General Information

Course Details

Further Information and Links