Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Advance your mathematical knowledge and problem solving skills by learning from leading mathematicians. This course equips you with broad fundamental knowledge to pursue research in the field of Pure Mathematics.
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.
While nearing the end of my undergraduate course in Maths and Music, I was still really enjoying studying maths and simply didn’t want to stop. Generally, with Pure Mathematics there aren’t many options apart from going straight on to a PhD, and due to doing a joint-honours course I was also slightly restricted in masters courses available to me. The MRes at Birmingham, however, has been the perfect solution for me! Allowing me to continue studying pure mathematics, as well as being introduced into the research life of the maths department here – this has given me a really good idea of what it would actually be like to do a PhD and very much helped me to make some decisions about the future.
Course Structure
This is a 1 year full-time programme comprising of 60 credits of taught modules and a 120 credit MRes Dissertation. The MRes is an ideal preparation for entry into a PhD programme. 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
Study at the School of Mathematics which is internationally recognised for its quality of research in various fields
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
What makes this course different?
The School of Mathematics at Birmingham offers a dynamic and supportive environment where you can apply your mathematical knowledge to a range of complex scenarios.
You will receive comprehensive training in research, constructing proofs, and tackling abstract problems, equipping you to critically evaluate and address intricate issues. Paired with a project supervisor for your MRes thesis, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with internationally renowned mathematicians.
You'll work with experts in areas such as Algebra, Analysis, Combinatorics, Geometry and Mathematical Physics, Topology and other areas of Pure Mathematics. Additionally, you'll be encouraged to engage with the School's vibrant research community, participating in active seminar programs and international conferences across all areas of mathematics.
- Benefit from the School of Mathematics' ambitious research programmes and extensive inter- and intradisciplinary collaborations.
- Learn from world-leading experts in their fields
- Earn a globally respected qualification that enhances your attractiveness in a highly competitive job market
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 delivery
Our School of Mathematics offers world-class research, lectures, tutorials, thesis supervision, seminars, and international conference opportunities for students.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest through lectures and seminar talks delivered by international experts in their fields
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material
- Engage in projects that extend theoretical knowledge, enhancing your understanding of mathematical theories and developing your communication skills
- Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning and mentoring, giving you the opportunity to receive tailored guidance and feedback
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
1:1 Supervision
Module information
Our course is made up of one-third course work and two-thirds dissertation. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which will give you 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
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £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 research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Applications are accepted all year round but if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme
International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.
How to apply to our research courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Find a supervisor
To apply for an MRes, you'll need to find supervisor for your research. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the research programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
Mathematics staff
Research proposal
When you apply for an MRes, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
Career opportunities
Our programme gives you the comprehensive training in mathematics that you need in order to build strong research foundations and to advance your professional development. This MRes is ideal if you are seeking entry into the PhD programme in Pure Mathematics at Birmingham. In fact, the MRes programme can be used as the first phase of our fast-track PhD programme.
Careers Network
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.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
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
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
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.
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.
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.
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.