MSc Mathematics and Computation

The degree is designed both for mathematicians who wish to make themselves more marketable by adding computational techniques and the corresponding theory and applications to their knowledge and skills base, and for non-mathematicians with strong quantitative backgrounds who look for training in mathematical methods and theory at MSc level.

Through the programme, you'll learn the mathematical theories behind today’s society, examine their practical implementation, and explore how algorithms and people compete and cooperate in shaping tomorrow's world. You'll take courses with a focus on algorithms, game theory, discrete mathematics, network theory, probability and stochastics, optimisation, and machine learning. In line with the modern world's dependence on computation, you'll also receive training in computational methods using the programming language Python.

The skills and knowledge gained over the programme will open up a wide range of potential careers, including in consultancy, software development, industrial research, finance, and policy. It'll also provide a solid base for further studies at research level. Our students land high-earning roles in firms such as Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Google, or go on to PhD study.

Please note, until 2024/25 this programme was called MSc Applicable Mathematics.

Programming

Students who have no programming experience should acquire some before starting the programme, as otherwise the pre-sessional for the Algorithms and Computation course will be uncomfortably fast-paced. One of the best ways to do this is to use the (free) online system at The Khan Academy

You might want to start with the introductory video, Welcome to computer science

Moving on to working through: Tutorials at The Khan Academy

Algorithms and Computation uses the following book:

R Sedgewick and K Wayne Introduction to Programming in Java, (Pearson, 2008)

Chapter One Explains how to install Java on your computer and get started and comes with the online resources

Working through Sections 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 of and attempting some of the exercises (for example exercise 5 of 1.1, exercise 15 of 1.2, and exercises 27 and 30 of 1.3) will give you an ideal preparation for the course.

Mathematics

Students who feel their mathematical background could be stronger, especially those who have little experience writing formal mathematical proofs or working with abstract concepts, may want to look at one of the following two books before starting the programme.

• P J Eccles An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning: numbers, sets and functions (Cambridge University Press, 1997) - Parts I to IV give a good and very readable text for those wanting to refresh their abstract mathematics skills in general.
• N L Biggs Discrete Mathematics (Oxford University Press, 2002) - this book covers several areas. Chapters 1–7 are good for students who are unsure about their background in abstract mathematics.

The Department of Mathematics aims to be a leading centre for the study of mathematics in the social sciences.

The department has a vibrant intellectual community, with fantastic students, internationally respected academics and high-achieving alumni. Our department has grown rapidly in recent years, with exciting developments in research and new teaching programmes and courses.

This research encompasses four main overlapping areas:

• discrete mathematics and algorithms
• mathematical game theory
• financial and related mathematics
• operational research.

All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Statistics.

We embrace the School’s ethos of research-led teaching. Currently, we offer four undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes, as well as doctoral research opportunities on our MPhil/PhD in Mathematics. These programmes are all in high demand – attracting talented students from diverse backgrounds.

Our programmes are highly interdisciplinary and we have close ties with other departments at LSE, including Statistics, Economics, Finance, Management and the Data Science Institute.

Whatever your study route, you’ll benefit from a welcoming, inclusive and friendly learning environment where students and staff are supported to achieve their best.

Learn more about our programmes, recent research and regular events and seminars.

Department of Mathematics

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references
• CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. In addition, you'll undertake a project, equivalent to a full unit, in an appropriate branch of mathematics, and present your work in the form of a dissertation. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

This programme is ideal preparation for a range of careers in industry, finance, government and research. Graduates of the programme have found employment in companies such as Amazon, BlackRock, Credit Suisse, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Google, KPMG, National Grid and RBS.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.