Master's Programme in Mathematics

The Master’s Programme in Mathematics comprises 120 credits, corresponding to two years of full-time study. It is also possible to obtain a one-year Master’s degree.

Three Study Tracks

The programme offers three study tracks, which can be combined or complemented depending on your career goals and previous studies.

Theoretical Mathematics

Here you specialise in central theories and concepts of mathematics. The programme begins with courses such as Integration Theory, Partial Differential Equations, Differential Topology, and Homological Algebra. Later, you may choose to specialise in areas such as Analytic Functions, Riemannian Geometry, or Algebraic Geometry.

Recommended prior knowledge: Real Analysis and Algebraic Structures.

Applied Mathematics and Statistics

This track offers specialisation in either Applied Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics, or a combination of both. Example courses include Partial Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, Data Analysis, Time Series Analysis, Computationally Intensive Statistics, Modelling, and Machine Learning. You may also specialise in areas such as Markov Processes and Bayesian Statistics.

Recommended prior knowledge: 10 credits in Probability Theory and Statistics, 5 credits in Numerical Methods, and 5 credits in Programming. Real Analysis if you wish to pursue theoretical depth.

Financial Mathematics

You combine mathematical theory with financial applications and computer science. The first semester includes courses in Probability Theory, Financial Theory, Financial Derivatives, and Statistical Machine Learning. Later, you may choose elective courses in areas such as Partial Differential Equations, Monte Carlo Methods, Data Analysis, and Economics.

Recommended prior knowledge: 10 credits in Probability Theory and Statistics, 5 credits in Numerical Methods, and 5 credits in Programming.

Degree project

The programme concludes with a 30-credit degree project in the final semester (15 credits for the one-year Master’s). The project may be carried out in research or in collaboration with companies, organisations, or government agencies.

Courses within the programme

In addition to the courses suggested in the study plan, you may also choose other courses, both within mathematics and from other subject areas, provided you meet the prerequisites and scheduling allows.

Admission to the programme does not automatically grant eligibility for all courses. Eligibility depends on the courses you have taken at Bachelor’s level. Course selection is always made in consultation with a study advisor.

Exact criteria for the degree requirements within a main field are specified in the programme syllabus. For questions regarding course selection and study planning, please contact the study advisor.

See the programme outline for proposed courses.

International opportunities

You may study at a partner university abroad for one or two semesters of the programme. Uppsala University has exchange agreements with many universities worldwide. The Department of Mathematics also has its own agreements with institutions particularly strong in mathematics, for example in France, Germany, Scotland, and Japan.

Teaching is conducted in English, mainly through lectures, classes, and seminars, and is continuously developed through dialogue between teachers and students. You will study in an international environment where between one-third and one-half of students on the programme come from outside of Sweden.

Success in mathematics requires a high degree of independent work, both individually and in groups. You can always discuss and seek help from our teachers. All teachers are researchers at the Department of Mathematics and actively engaged in teaching. Many have received awards for their teaching excellence. The department’s research groups are highly active and hold regular seminars, where Master’s students are welcome to participate.

Both teaching and research in mathematics take place at the Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University’s largest campus, beautifully situated about three kilometres south of Uppsala city centre. The laboratory is home to cutting-edge research across a broad spectrum of science, technology, mathematics, and computer science. Our students have access to attractive study spaces close to the research environments, and the department’s doors are always open to students wishing to interact with their teachers.

Learn more about student life at Uppsala University.

A Master’s degree in Mathematics from Uppsala University provides excellent opportunities for interesting and stimulating jobs in a broad and expanding labour market. The demand for mathematical expertise is high and continues to grow, as areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, and financial technology develop rapidly.

The theoretical track provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies, both in Sweden and internationally. Many alumni have chosen this path, with some continuing as researchers and lecturers, while others pursue advanced roles outside academia, for example in IT, finance, government, and consultancy.

The applied track opens up a broad labour market across many sectors. Common roles for alumni include analysts, data scientists, biostatisticians, actuaries, and systems developers. Industries range from medicine and healthcare to technology, insurance, energy, marketing, security, and defence.

Graduates of the financial mathematics track are well prepared to work in banks, insurance companies, hedge funds, asset management firms, and other financial institutions. Typical roles include analysing complex financial data, developing and implementing models to assess risk and return, and supporting investment decision-making.

Alumni from the programme often continue with doctoral studies or advanced roles in both the private and public sector. Examples of positions include machine learning engineers, data scientists, and analysts at companies such as AMD Silo AI, Orange Peak Company, Trivago, Pegasystems, and Handelsbanken.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

The Department of Mathematics arranges an annual Career Day, where former students present their educational and professional paths. Within science and technology, a large career fair is also organised each year, giving you the chance to meet future employers.

For more information about career paths, the labour market, and our alumni, see the department’s career pages.