Pure Mathematics

The Pure Mathematics group has many varied interests, with particular emphasis on algebra, analysis, dynamical systems, geometry and topology, and number theory. There are regular seminars in all research areas.

This one-year taught postgraduate programme leads to the degree of MSc by examination and dissertation.

Entrants to the programme are normally required to have a good honours degree (or its equivalent) in mathematics. Funding for the programme may be available from a variety of sources.

Students attend taught course units from the beginning of the academic year until late Spring. Written examinations are taken at the end of January for the first semester course units, and the end of May for the second semester course units. The remaining months are spent preparing a dissertation on an advanced topic in pure mathematics, normally of current research interest, chosen by each student in consultation with his or her supervisor.

The MSc programme can also be offered part-time, taken over a period of two years. There is some flexibility in the precise arrangements for this programme, but students would normally attend one or two lecture courses each semester for three or four semesters, before commencing work on their dissertation.

The taught element of the programme is normally comprised of five course units, together with a written project. The project is normally an expository account of a piece of mathematics and is written under the guidance of a supervisor. The taught element comprises of conventional lectures supported by examples classes, project work, and independent learning via reading material.

Topics covered in lecture modules include: group theory, representation theory, dynamical systems and ergodic theory, measure theory and dimension, functional analysis, algebraic topology, differential topology, hyperbolic geometry, Lie algebras, and number theory.

Mode of Attendance: Full - time