MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS)

The Oxford Masters in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS) provides a broad and flexible training in the mathematical sciences, and gives students with a keen interest in the mathematical sciences the chance to study a selection of our interesting and varied master’s level courses. Oxford has a world-class reputation in the Mathematical Sciences, and this Masters offers students the opportunity to join our current fourth year undergraduates and to work with an international group of peers, including other mathematical leaders of the future.

The Masters mainly draws on courses in mathematics and statistics: from number theory, geometry and algebra to mathematical physiology, geoscience and machine learning. Students will have the opportunity to choose from many courses across the mathematical sciences, tailoring the programme to their individual interests and requirements. 

The Masters course is a 9 month course running from the start of October through to the end of June. Students will be required to attend at least six units of courses, as well as writing a dissertation worth two units. Those wishing to extend themselves further might wish to take one or two additional units. Of the non-dissertation units, students may take courses from the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Statistics, and up to two units chosen from the fourth year options offered by the Department of Computer Science (subject to places being available). Performance on the Masters will be assessed by the dissertation, and depending on course choice, either written examinations or take home mini-projects.

One unit usually corresponds to a lecture course with 16 lectures which is supplemented by classes and problem sheets. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively in the classes to better develop their understanding of the course material.

The Masters offers a substantial opportunity for independent study and research in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor and will typically involve investigating and writing in a particular area of mathematical sciences, without the requirement (while not excluding the possibility) of obtaining original results. A dissertation gives students the opportunity to develop broader transferable skills in the processes of organising, communicating, and presenting their work, and will equip students well for further research or for a wide variety of other careers.

Students whose primary focus is on Mathematical Finance should consider the MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance.

To get an idea of the subject options that might be offered to OMMS students in future years, take a look at the lists of courses available for the academic year 2024-25:

• Mathematical Institute courses;
• Department of Statistics courses (look at the Part C/OMMS courses);
• Department of Computer Science courses. 

The course is run jointly by the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Statistics. Both departments have a strong sense of community with a multitude of social opportunities such as societies, open workspaces and networking at departmental lectures and seminars. To facilitate the integration of our students into the departments, OMMS students will be buddied with an undergraduate student who will be continuing onto the fourth year (also known as Part C).

The admissions process opens in September of the preceding year.  Applications for the MSc should be made via the University's online graduate admissions form which you can link to from the University page about the MSc in Mathematical Sciences. Detailed information on the practicalities of applying can also be found there. Prospective applicants are also encouraged to read the graduate application guide before applying.

Applicants will be required to upload several different types of supporting documents as part of the application for the course, including a statement of purpose/personal statement (guidance available here).

When completing your application, you will be asked for your 'Proposed field and title of research project'. Please choose one preferred subject area from the following list, in order to give a broad indication of your academic area(s) of interest:

• Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, Topology and Logic
• Analysis, Stochastic Analysis and Discrete Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis and Data Science 
• Statistics, Probability and Machine Learning.

This will allow us to allocate an appropriate supervisor/academic advisor to successful applicants. However, please note that this choice will in no way limit your options once you are on the course.

Course Contact: @email 

Course Director: Dr Kathryn Gillow