Master's Programme in Mathematics – Applied Mathematics and Statistics

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 solve 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 or 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

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 applied 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 labour market, career paths and our former students on the Department of Mathematics career pages.

Career counselling at the Faculty of Science and Technology

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