MSc Mathematics (by Research)
Want a career in Mathematics research? Our MSc Mathematics (by research) is the first step toward a Math PhD or a research position.
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Course overview
Postgraduate Open Evening
Discover your future prospects with postgraduate study at Buckingham.
14 May 2025
FIND OUT MOREAbout the course
Research programmes can be full-time or part-time with starting dates in January, April, July and September.
Research programme
This programme aims to engage enthusiastic and motivated Mathematics students in innovative research, both in pure Mathematics and its applications in Computer Science. It is designed for students with a strong background in Mathematics or closely related disciplines. In particular, the programme serves as a valuable stepping stone for students intending to pursue PhD studies or research roles at universities and research institutes.
Some research projects within the programme will explore new directions in neural networks and artificial intelligence (AI), with potential applications in industry. The importance of interdisciplinary research is highlighted in the UK’s Research and Development Roadmap, which encourages innovative collaborations between mathematical sciences, biomedical research, and computing technologies.
The main research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Model theory and applications: This branch of mathematical logic has wide-ranging applications in different areas in pure mathematics such a group theory, algebra, topological dynamics, combinatorics, and also in theoretical Computer Science. Specific research projects focus on: Fraïssé construction method, automorphism groups of countable homogeneous structures, structural Ramsey theory, asymptotic classes, ultraproducts, and infinite constraint satisfaction problems in theoretical Computer Science. Research proposals in other areas of mathematical logic, philosophy of mathematics, and theoretical Computer Science are also welcomed. These may include topics such as formal methods, type theory, set theory, higher-order logics, and fuzzy logic.
- Topological Data Analysis and Application of Topology and Geometry in Data Science which is a relatively recent and fast-growing field of mathematics that emerged from applying well established theories in algebraic topology and geometry. Specific projects focus on applications of data-driven Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in the fields of computer vision, medical diagnostics, multimedia security tools. These applications employ Topological Data Analysis (TDA) and its growing list of tools (persistent homology, mapper, etc.) to infer relevant (topological) class discriminating features from high dimensional and complex data. Upcoming projects focus on using TDA for interpreting Deep Learning (DL) decisions and dealing with the challenges of overfitting of DL models.
- Quantum computing: The prospect of quantum computers to be built in big capacities and available to use is growing everyday Many countries, including the UK, are heavily investing in the development of both quantum hardware and software. Quantum computation models calculations through networks of quantum logic gates, offering fundamentally different computational power compared to classical systems. When quantum computers become available at larger scales and capacities, they have the potential to reshape numerous fields. Research projects in this area span from foundational theoretical work on quantum computing and quantum algorithms to practical applications in data science. In particular, some projects focus on exploring how quantum computing can be applied to Topological Data Analysis (TDA).
Throughout the programme students will interact and be encouraged to work with other researchers in the University of Buckingham and other leading research universities in the UK. The students based on their research project would be part of research networks such as BPGMTC, SEEMOD and Data Science groups such as TMLI (Centre for Topological Machine learning and Innovative).
For projects with computing aspects, some existing taught Computing modules would be available for students according to need and in discussion with supervisors. All research students are required to take the Research Methods module.
View course modules
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Entry requirements
Applicants should normally hold a first- or second-class honours degree in Mathematics or a closely related discipline. Highly motivated graduates from Computing or other relevant fields with strong backgrounds in Mathematics and theoretical Computer Science are also encouraged to apply.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our undergraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Applicants will be invited for an initial informal discussion with the Admissions Tutor. Shortlisted applicants later will be asked to discuss their undergraduate project or an advanced mathematics subject of their choice. Students with degrees that are not in mathematics will be asked to provide evidence of their knowledge in mathematics. A successful discussion will lead to the completion of an outline research proposal.
Further requirements might be asked in the selection process.
If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so the process would take place online.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, call us on +44 (0)1280 820227.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching and assessment
Quality supervision
The aim of the Research Programme is to help students develop the following: a) a systematic and in-depth understanding in the subject area of choice of research by the student; b) the critical skills necessary to analyse and evaluate complex legal problems and related issues; c) To give students the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project at Level 7 of writing; d) research skills necessary to demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities; e) To develop research skills necessary to display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of other authors in the subject.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Supervisory methods
Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner. In addition to this:
- All postgraduate research students are required to take the Research Methods Course.
- All postgraduate research students must attend supervisory meetings
- All postgraduate research students must attend any other training required to assist with the completion of the MSc.
See the Research Degrees Handbook and the Regulations Handbook for further information.
After your course
Career prospects
This programme is designed to prepare students to join research institutes and universities for PhD programmes. Pivotal role of Mathematics in natural science is long known and research in pure mathematics is an important part of research activity of every university. We provide an environment for students to engage in innovative and mainstream research with us, which will eventually enable them to pursue research careers in universities and research centres.
In recent years, various industries have embraced Mathematics graduates to work as part of their research teams. Mathematics graduates with a rigorous background in pure Mathematics have shown to be more flexible and creative. Familiarity with abstract objects together with problem solving skills equips Mathematics graduates’ special capabilities that the innovative industry appreciates the most. Mathematics graduates in many research teams in industries such as bioinformatics, various parts of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Banking and Finance and Insurance are present and demanded. We would consider adjusting research projects in certain subjects, for students that are particularly pursuing careers in research teams in industry.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have bursaries and scholarships available for both home and international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and these are awarded based on location, merit or financial need.
Funded scholarships and bursaries may be awarded across all schools of study, and represent a partial remission from tuition fees. Bursaries are means-tested and are intended for those who need a contribution towards their fees in order to study at Buckingham.
View all scholarships and bursaries.
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as:
- You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
- There are no application fees.
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button.