Master's Programme in Mathematics – Applied Mathematics and Statistics

120 credits

Most things in the real world are complex – from biological systems to financial markets and industrial processes. Explaining them is crucial to making progress or making decisions, and for this we need solutions to many mathematical problems. This Master’s programme in Applied Mathematics and Statistics provides you with the tools you need to arrive at answers and solutions. After graduation, you will be able to work in a wide variety of industries.

Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

How do you get usable search results in a network of billions of records? How do you gain insights into the underlying causes of cancer? Applied mathematics is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on applying mathematics, statistics and computational methods to model and describe complex systems that occur in all conceivable areas.

Within the Applied Mathematics and Statistics specialisation in the Master’s Programme in Mathematics, you learn how to describe reality using mathematics. You study the mathematical theory behind random phenomena, and advanced statistical methods for modelling in various areas. In addition, you gain a sound knowledge of dynamic systems models and learn to use them to understand phenomena in everything from biology and physics to economics and sociology.

There are two suggested study routes within the specialisation, depending on whether you want to focus more on applied mathematics or mathematical statistics. The suggested study plan also includes courses in computational science, high-performance programming, data analysis and machine learning, all of which are areas that are becoming increasingly important as tools in applied mathematics.

You have great freedom of choice within the programme, and you also have the opportunity to choose courses in addition to those in the study plan. You can also combine your studies in mathematics with courses in another subject area that interests you to gain a competitive edge for work with a more interdisciplinary focus.

The programme also offers excellent opportunities for specialised study in the mathematical aspects of applications. Research in applied mathematics and statistics at Uppsala University focus on areas such as time series analysis, big data and digital evidence analysis. We also conduct research with a more applied focus, where mathematics researchers develop models in close collaboration with researchers in other disciplines. Uppsala University is highly ranked in mathematics and ranks as a whole among the top 100 universities in the world in several rankings.

Degree

The programme and specialisation leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Mathematics as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

The programme comprises 120 credits, corresponding to two years of full-time study. It is also possible to take out a one-year Master’s degree (60 credits) within the programme. The programme has two specialisations: one in applied mathematics and one in mathematical statistics. You are free to combine these specialisations or focus on one of them. You can also include courses in other subject areas in your study programme or more courses in computer science and machine learning.

Specialisation in applied mathematics

Within the applied mathematics specialisation, you study dynamic systems and partial differential equations and learn how to model these using numerical methods.

The specialisation in applied mathematics starts in the first semester with a course in partial differential equations, and a course in computation for partial differential equations. A highlight of your Master’s studies is sure to be the project course in the modelling of complex systems.

Specialisation in mathematical statistics

In the mathematical statistics specialisation, you learn about a variety of aspects of the field, including Markov processes and Bayesian statistics and get an introduction to data analysis.

The specialisation in mathematical statistics starts with an introduction to data analysis and a course in computer-intensive statistics, and then add a course in the analysis of time series.

Degree Project

In the final semester, you complete a degree project worth 30 credits in which you apply your knowledge. You can choose to do your degree project on the topic you choose with a researcher as your supervisor, or as a project in collaboration with a business, organisation or government agency to explore an actual dataset. The degree project can lead to your first job.

If you choose to take out a one-year Master’s degree, you will complete a smaller degree project worth 15 credits during the second semester of the programme.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

In addition to the courses specified in the programme outline you can choose to include other courses in the programme, in maths and other subjects. If you are unsure whether a course can be included in a degree from the programme, please contact a study counsellor.

The programme is taught in English, mainly in the form of lectures, lessons and seminars and is continuously developed through dialogue between the teaching staff and the students. You study in an international environment where between half to one-third of the students on the programme come from abroad.

To succeed in studying mathematics studies you need to be able to work independently – individually and in groups. You can always discuss and get help from your teachers, whom are all researchers at the Department of Mathematics. The Department of Mathematics’ research groups are active and hold regular seminars. Master’s students are welcome to participate in these seminars.

Study environment

You study in an international environment where between half to one third of the students on the programme come from abroad.

Both teaching and research in mathematics is located at the Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University’s largest campus, situated in beautiful surroundings about three kilometres south of Uppsala city Centre. This is where cutting-edge research in a broad field of science, technology, mathematics and computer science takes place. Our students have access to many attractive spaces in close proximity to the research environments and the Department’s doors are always open for students wanting to get in touch with their teachers.

Read more about student life at Uppsala University.

Study abroad

You have the option of studying courses at a university abroad for one or two semesters of the programme. Uppsala University has student exchange agreements with many universities around the world. The Department of Mathematics has student exchange agreements with several universities that excel in mathematics in particular, for example in France, Germany, Scotland and Japan.

A Master’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics gives you access to many job opportunities in a variety of different industries. As an applied mathematician, you can get a job in any activity that works with research and development, but also in other activities where strategic decisions need to be made. That means you have the opportunity to explore a range of career paths and adapt your expertise to different areas of work based on your interests and goals.

Most students who graduate from this specialisation choose to move directly into working life. Examples of common job titles are:

  • analyst,
  • data scientist,
  • actuary,
  • biostatistician,
  • system developer.

Examples of industries with strong growth and a rising demand for applied mathematicians are computer science and artificial intelligence, financial technology, healthcare analysis, and the environment and energy sectors. Examples of industries in which many work are medicinal products and health, the engineering industry, finance and insurance, trade and marketing, security and defence.

Some choose to go on to doctoral studies in Sweden or abroad, and then either remain in academia as researchers and lecturers or pursue a career outside academia. In addition to research in financial mathematics, Uppsala University also has a Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematics (CIM) which offers interesting doctoral projects in applied mathematics each year.

Career support

Throughout your entire study period, you can receive guidance and participate in events and activities that prepare you for working life. The Department of Mathematics holds an annual career day where former students talk about their education and career paths. In the field of technology and natural sciences, a large career fair is organised annually where you can meet future employers.

You can find more information about the career day and where our former students work on the Department of Mathematics career pages.

Faculty of Science and Technology's career counselling service

UU Careers

Contact

FOLLOW UPPSALA UNIVERSITY ON

facebook
instagram
twitter
youtube
linkedin