The degree is designed both for mathematicians who wish to make themselves more marketable by adding computational techniques and the corresponding theory and applications to their knowledge and skills base, and for non-mathematicians with strong quantitative backgrounds who look for training in mathematical methods and theory at MSc level.
Through the programme, you'll learn the mathematical theories behind today’s society, examine their practical implementation, and explore how algorithms and people compete and cooperate in shaping tomorrow's world. You'll take courses with a focus on algorithms, game theory, discrete mathematics, network theory, probability and stochastics, optimisation, and machine learning. In line with the modern world's dependence on computation, you'll also receive training in computational methods using the programming language Python.
The skills and knowledge gained over the programme will open up a wide range of potential careers, including in consultancy, software development, industrial research, finance, and policy. It'll also provide a solid base for further studies at research level. Our students land high-earning roles in firms such as Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Google, or go on to PhD study.
Students who have no programming experience should acquire some before starting the programme, as otherwise the pre-sessional for the Algorithms and Computation course will be uncomfortably fast-paced. One of the best ways to do this is to use the (free) online system at The Khan Academy
You might want to start with the introductory video, Welcome to computer science
Moving on to working through: Tutorials at The Khan Academy
Algorithms and Computation uses the following book:
R Sedgewick and K Wayne Introduction to Programming in Java , (Pearson, 2008)
Chapter One Explains how to install Java on your computer and get started and comes with the online resources
Working through Sections 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 of and attempting some of the exercises (for example exercise 5 of 1.1, exercise 15 of 1.2, and exercises 27 and 30 of 1.3) will give you an ideal preparation for the course.
Students who feel their mathematical background could be stronger, especially those who have little experience writing formal mathematical proofs or working with abstract concepts, may want to look at one of the following two books before starting the programme.
Discover more about our students and department.
The Department of Mathematics aims to be a leading centre for the study of mathematics in the social sciences.
The department has a vibrant intellectual community, with fantastic students, internationally respected academics and high-achieving alumni. Our department has grown rapidly in recent years, with exciting developments in research and new teaching programmes and courses.
This research encompasses four main overlapping areas:
All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021) , submitted jointly with the Department of Statistics.
We embrace the School’s ethos of research-led teaching. Currently, we offer four undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes, as well as doctoral research opportunities on our MPhil/PhD in Mathematics. These programmes are all in high demand – attracting talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a mathematically-based subject, or a scientific, engineering or social science subject with an excellent mathematics background.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.