This programme offers you the opportunity to specialise in a broad range of areas across pure and applied mathematics and theoretical physics.
Mathematics is a beautiful and diverse subject. It underpins a wide range of disciplines, from physical sciences to social science, from biology to business and finance. The further your study of mathematics progresses, the more fascinating it becomes.
The University of Liverpool has a large Mathematical Sciences department with highly qualified staff, a first-class reputation in teaching and research, and a friendly, supportive environment. We use mixed approaches to teaching and assessment, taking the best from traditional lectures, tutorials and assignments, and modern methods such as interactive learning sessions, video content and online assessment. Our programmes are designed with the needs of employers in mind to give you a solid foundation from which you may take your career in whatever direction you choose.
Our Mathematical Sciences MSc programme allows students to specialise in a broad range of areas across pure and applied mathematics and theoretical physics. It includes project work worth 105 credits, helping students develop independent working and research skills, highly valued by employers and essential for gaining entry to PhD programmes.
The programme is suitable for graduates in mathematics and closely related subjects, who are seeking the opportunity to further develop their understanding of the subject. It is available to both full-and part-time students.
Students can choose from a range of taught modules in the following areas:
The range of possibilities grows even wider when you reach the dissertation modules, as you then have the opportunity to work with one of the expert supervisors in our department, on the mathematical topic that interests you the most.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will choose modules in semester one to make up 60 credits. Please note that a limited selection of optional modules may only run in alternate years.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| LATEX AND MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING PROJECT (MATH549) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will choose modules in semester two to make up 60 credits. Please note that a limited selection of optional modules may only run in alternate years.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MATH552 - PRELIMINARY DISSERTATION (MATH552) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Full-time students complete their final dissertation during the summer. Part-time students complete their final dissertation during the second semester and summer of their second year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MAIN DISSERTATION (MATH554) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
We are proud of our record on teaching quality; our MSc consists of cutting edge mathematics modules delivered by world-leading experts. We use a range of teaching methods, including traditional lectures and tutorials, video content, interactive learning sessions and one-to-one project supervision. Opportunities for individual discussions are provided for every taught module, for example via online forums or staff office hours.
Each lectured module has an assessment scheme tailored to fit its syllabus. This might include a traditional written exam, class test, assignments, projects, group work, or online exercises with automatic marking and immediate feedback. The programme also includes dissertation modules assessed through independent project work.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A mathematically-based degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including some of the most lucrative professions.
Recent graduates have moved into specialised jobs in finance (actuarial, banking, insurance), software development, teaching, drugs testing and defence work.
The MSc programme is a natural route into doctoral study in mathematics and related fields, and many of our graduates have progressed to PhD at Liverpool and at other universities across the world.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £7,000
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Part-time place, per year - £16,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Mathematics. We also encourage applications from those with degrees in subjects where Mathematics is a major component, for example Physics and Engineering. In these circumstances, we may look for higher marks to offset the lower number of credits earned for Mathematics modules. Each application will be assessed on its own merits. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 31 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions