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You'll need a 2:1 degree in a quantitative subject with an appropriate level (2:1 or equivalent) for your Mathematics modules, which must form a substantial part of your degree.

¸£Àû×ÅƬ the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Your studies on the full-time course will last 12 months, from September to the following September. 

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.  

Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. 

For the remainder of the course, you’ll work independently on your research project and dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• guest speakers
• computer workshops
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own) 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• coursework
• a dissertation
• essays
• individual and group projects
• written exams 

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a dissertation on a topic in operational research, working with an industry partner or a member of academic staff. 

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show specialist knowledge of a particular area of operational research. 

You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,500.
• EU and international students pay £26,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

¸£Àû×ÅƬ out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

¸£Àû×ÅƬ out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. .

Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Mathematics.

¸£Àû×ÅƬ out more about the Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

¸£Àû×ÅƬ out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• International applicants: Wednesday 26 September 2026, midday, UK time
• UK applicants: Wednesday 9 September 2026, midday, UK time

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000