Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Solve real world problems through mathematical modelling with our Applied Mathematics course. From biological systems and engineeering applications to financial markets and industrial processes, this course will equip you with the tools to understand and confidently explain these complicated systems.
This course is a great stepping stone onto our fast-track PhD programme, making it an excellent option for you if you are looking to build strong mathematical foundations for this route.
Course Structure
This is a 1 year full-time programme comprising of 60 credits of taught modules and a 120 credit MRes dissertation. This MRes programme can be used as the first phase of our fast-track PhD programme.
Upon arrival, you'll be paired with a personal supervisor. You'll deepen your academic foundation through relevant taught modules while beginning research for your MRes dissertation. All examinations will take place during the May/June examinations period.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
The School of Mathematics Birmingham offers a dynamic and supportive environment where you can apply your mathematical knowledge to a range of complex real-world problems.
Our programme will help you use your strong mathematics background and become a multidisciplinary scientist. You could be learning how to model the spread of disease, understanding air turbulence or modelling how crops can grow in dry conditions.
You will learn how to tackle challenging problems and offer solutions that make a difference in our changing world. You'll learn to diversify your knowledge and skills by delving into other fields and working with research leaders and students from various disciplines.
- The researchers in the School of Mathematics collaborate extensively across disciplines, including Biological and Medical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, as well as with industry
- Birmingham is becoming a hub for multidisciplinary Biological Systems Science research, uniquely positioned near one of Europe’s largest super-hospitals, serving a highly diverse population
- Learn from experts in their fields of Continuum Mechanics, Mathematical Biology, Nonlinear Systems, Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing, Optimisation and other areas of Applied Mathematics
Study at the School of Mathematics which is internationally recognised for its quality of research
Obtain a globally respected qualification, enhancing your prospects in a competitive job market.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Course delivery
Our School of Mathematics offers world-class research, lectures, tutorials, thesis supervision, seminars, and international conference opportunities for students.
- Learn through a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Participate actively in discussions, problem-solving activities, and hands-on exercises during tutorials to deepen your engagement with the subject matter
- Engage in practical assignments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding of mathematical concepts and their applications
- Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning and mentoring, giving you the opportunity to receive tailored guidance and feedback
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest through research seminars given by international experts in their fields
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
1:1 Supervision
Module information
This course is one-third course work and two-thirds dissertation. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which gives our students the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.
Teaching staff
Dr Alex Bespalov
Associate Professor in Numerical Analysis
Profile page for Alex Bespalov
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a Mathematics-related subject.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £4,921
Full-time
- £2,461
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Career opportunities
Fast-track your career with our course which is an ideal route into a PhD. Our programme will give you comprehensive training in Applied Mathematics and other areas that are essential for professional development and research foundations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.