Students develop an understanding of the processes undertaken to arrive at a suitable mathematical model and are taught the fundamental analytical techniques and computational methods used to develop insight into system behaviour. The course introduces a range of problems – industrial, biological and environmental – and associated conceptual models and solutions.
The master’s course in Mathematical Modelling will appeal to students with a strong undergraduate background in a numerate discipline who are looking to expand their mathematical modelling skills. While a strong background in mathematics will be important, applications from students whose qualifications are in physics or other areas will also be welcomed and considered on individual merit.
This course provides graduates with the skills and knowledge for a wide range of career prospects in fields which require advanced analytical and mathematical modelling knowledge, such as finance, technology and computing, climate research, or engineering.
Finance, actuarial and accountancy professionals are constantly in demand for their high-level mathematical skills. Recent graduates have taken positions in leading finance-related companies such as UBS, Royal Bank of Scotland, Societe Generale, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, and KPMG. In the engineering sector, one recent graduate has progressed to a mathematical modelling role at a leading transportation planning consultancy; another became a graduate trainee at a business segment of Schlumberger that provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services. In addition, a number of graduates have remained in education either progressing to a PhD or entering the teaching profession.
Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2017–2024 cohorts.
UCL Mathematics is internationally renowned for its excellent individual and group research that involves applying modelling techniques to problems in industrial, biological and environmental areas. The department is currently #6 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Mathematics .