Skip to main content
Two students working on an assignment in class.
Graduate (Taught)
Application code:G1U2
Department of Mathematics

MSc Mathematics and Computation

Understand the mathematical foundations of the structures and processes in today's society.

Overview

Introduction

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.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a mathematically-based subject, or a scientific, engineering or social science subject with an excellent mathematics background.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

You'll complete a dissertation in mathematics and choose between two core courses. You'll then select additional courses across a range of mathematics and social science options.

Year 1

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

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.

Your application

Overview

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.

292
Applications
31
Intake
9:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£18,300

Home student fee (2025/26)

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

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

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

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Financial and Professional Services
Information, Digital Technology and Data
Accounting and Auditing
Consultancy
Transport, Logistics, Procurement, Storage and Courier Activities
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

Find out more

Explore LSE

Student life

Discover our campus and student services
Welcome at LSE

Student support

Find out more about our academic guidance, advice and pastoral care
A group of students sitting with an advisor at a LSE LIFE session

Accommodation

Explore the accommodation services we offer to our students
Two students taking part in Action for Happiness held in LSE Residences during London Wellbeing Week 2020.

Meet, visit and discover LSE

Attend our in-person events or explore LSE from home
Campus tour guide during a campus tour for prospective students.