Below are a selection of frequently asked questions relating to the MSc Applicable Mathematics programme run by the Department of Mathematics.
What are the entry requirements/required academic background for the degree in Applicable Mathematics?
Applicants should normally possess at least an upper second-class honours degree in a mathematically-based subject from a UK university or an equivalent standard elsewhere (click here for more information). Candidates with degrees in scientific or engineering subjects will be considered, provided that they have a reasonable background in mathematical methods and some understanding of the logical structure of a mathematical ‘proof’. Prior knowledge of computational mathematics and social science applications is not required.
If you have more specific queries regarding the application criteria then please email: MSc-AM@maths.lse.ac.uk
Further information on the LSE's minimum entry requirements for Master's degrees can be viewed by clicking here. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/taughtProgrammes2012/MScApplicableMathematics.aspx|
When should I apply?
Applications open in October each year for admission the following September. You can request a prospectus at: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/graduateAdmissions/
|Applications can be made on-line at the following link: ,http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/enquirer/howToApply/home.aspxAlternatively| or you can apply by post, and details can be found at the following link: ttp://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/enquirer/howToApply/paperApplicationGuide.aspx|
Full details about the application process are available at the online 'Applying to LSE' prospectus page. Make sure that you send your application and any related material to Graduate Admissions - sending your application directly to the Mathematics Department will only delay it.
There are no official application deadlines for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible because competition for places is fierce.
We are only allowed to make a certain number of offers, and late applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
You can check the availability of the course at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/availableProgrammes.aspx|
How can I check the status of my application?
See the online Track Your Application tool:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/applicant/trackYourApplication.aspx|
How is the academic year structured?
The year is divided into three ten-week terms: Michaelmas (October to December), Lent (January to March) and Summer (April to July). A full unit course will run over Michaelmas AND Lent terms. A half-unit course will typically (but not always) run for just one of the two main teaching terms. In the Summer Term there are usually revision classes in the first week, dissertation workshops in the second week and examinations usually take place in June. The dissertation must be handed in at the beginning of September. Full term dates are available at Term dates:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/diaryAndEvents/termDates/Home.aspx|
You are advised to remain in London while writing your dissertation, but this is not mandatory. It is your responsibility to ensure that the dissertation reaches us by the due date.
How are the courses structured?
Courses run by the Mathematics Department will usually consist of two hour-long lectures and one hour-long class per week during the two main teaching terms. Lectures and classes are spread over the week.
Timetabling of courses run by other departments is not under our control, and it is possible that some teaching clashes may occur.
Students on the MSc in Applicable Mathematics are required to take courses to the value of 4 full units.
One unit is the Dissertation, which is compulsory and must be taken within the Mathematics Department. In addition, all students are required to take 4 half-units in Mathematics, of which one must be the core course Algorithms and Computation, and another must be from the three courses listed under paper 2.
This leaves you with the chance to take one full unit of options outside Mathematics. Here you may choose to take two half-unit courses or one full unit course. You may of course choose to take two further units from within the Maths Department. The Programme Regulations are described in more detail on our web page at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Applicable_Mathematics_Additional_Information.aspx|
Where can I get more detailed information on each course?
Further information on each module is available at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Applicable_Mathematics_Additional_Information.aspx|
How and when do I choose my options?
Students have until the end of the third week of the first term (Michaelmas Term) to finalise their options. Courses are selected online using the LSEforYou system. All new students receive a user name and password when they register, giving them access to their student profile online in order to choose courses. Instructions are provided online but the process will also be explained at induction. Each student's Tutor and the Programme Director will then access these initial course choices to approve them (or not, if they are not felt to be suitable to the requirements of the degree). When a student would like to take a course option outside the Mathematics Department they need to ask the permission of the lecturer on that course as certain restrictions may apply. Students also need the approval of the Programme Director if these outside options are not explicitly stated in our programme regulations. Further information is available at:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/registrationTimetablesAssessment/Registration/Course/Graduate/pgcoursechoice.aspx|
Are there any other MSc Mathematics courses?
The Mathematics Department also offers the MSc in Financial Mathematics.
Is it possible to do the MSc Applicable Mathematics part-time?
The course is currently only available to full-time students.
How much does the course cost?
The fee for a September 2013 start is: £11,112 for UK/EU students, and £17,184 for overseas students. For up-to-date information on fees and further details, see the Graduate Prospectus and the School's Fees pages.
What funding is available?
A small number of Graduate Merit Awards are available from the Mathematics Department. Further information is available at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/feesAndFinancialSupport/home.aspx|
All applications that qualify are automatically considered as they come in - you do not have to apply specifically.
Full details of the funding available from the LSE and from external bodies can be found on the Financial Support Office website.
Do I need to submit a GRE/GMAT score?
No, this is not required for the MSc Applicable Mathematics. However, you might need to check whether your second choice degree, if you have selected one, requires GRE/GMAT.
What if English is not my first language?
If your first language is not English or if the language of instruction of your first or second degree was/is not English, we ask you to provide evidence of your command of English. Please check here for further information. http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/enquirer/entryRequirements/home.aspx|
I am an overseas Student, but have studied previously in the UK – do I still need to submit IELTS scores?
If you have successfully completed a degree taught in English then you are not required to submit an IELTS or TOEFL score.
Do you interview students?
We do not interview for places on the degree. However, the LSE does arrange Graduate Open Evenings each year, which give you an opportunity to visit the School and meet some staff and students from the Mathematics Department. This usually takes place in November each year, at the beginning of the application cycle, and more information can be found here:http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/meetLSE/openDaysAndEvenings.aspx|
We can also discuss the course, by email or in person, with individual applicants who cannot attend the Open Evenings.
Is there any reading I can do in advance?
The department sends out course packs to all successful applicants in late July/ early August each year. This will include information on course content, timetabling and recommended preparatory reading, along with some suggested exercises to help you prepare for the JAVA programming element of the core course, MA407 Algorithms and Computation.
*Keen students might want to look at an online introduction to Java, such as the online Sun Java tutorial (http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/) which is a good starting point, or one of the many books available, for instance:
Sams Teach Yourself Java 2 in 21 Days (4th Edition)
(Sams Teach Yourself) by Rogers Cadenhead, Laura Lemay
Publisher: Sams; 4th edition (May 13, 2004)
ISBN: 0672326280
OR
Schaum's Outline of Programming with Java, (2nd Edition),
By John Hubbard
Publisher: McGraw-Hill, 2004
ISBN: 0071420401
What do people go on to do after their degree?
Below is a pie chart of what all graduates from the Mathematics Department at LSE (not just those who studied the MSc) have gone on to do, to give you a good idea of the possibilities available. It covers graduates from 1998 - 2008.
It is already apparent that a number of graduates have gone on to good jobs in a variety of areas, but the banking and finance sector is particularly well represented. We also believe our MSc programmes are good preparation for a PhD in our Department, or indeed for a PhD in many other Mathematics or Economics Departments.
Back to main MSc Pages : http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Applicable_Mathematics.aspx|
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Financial_Mathematics.aspx|
Student Profiles:
Preeyesh Bhadresha|
Ana De Corbavia
|Bice Di Gregorio
|David Covolo|
Julian Merschen|,
Gabriel Rosenberg |
Raminder Ruprai |
Detailed Course Information : http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Applicable_Mathematics_Additional_Information.aspx|
For general information, please email MSc-AM@maths.lse.ac.uk|
For information about your application, please contact LSE's Graduate Admissions Office, or see the LSE Graduate Prospectus :
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/graduateAdmissions/|
Home Page of the London School of Economics: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/home.aspx|
Home Page of the Department of Mathematics|