leeds university masters dissertation

Welcome to White Rose eTheses Online

White rose etheses online.

Welcome to White Rose eTheses Online, a shared repository of electronic theses from the University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield and the University of York.

Student from the University of Leeds, Sheffield or York? Need to upload your thesis? Start by creating an account , or login to your account

If you are unsure if this is the right place for you, check the FAQs .

Recent additions for Leeds , Sheffield , York or all recent additions .

What is White Rose eTheses Online?

This repository gives access to theses awarded by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. The available repository content can be accessed for free, without the need to log on or create an account, as per the instructions of the depositing author. We also make the content available through aggregator sites via harvesting mechanisms.

Dissertation Format Regulations

Please click on each of the seven headings below to see the regulations which must be followed to format your dissertation correctly:

1. Number of copies

One electronic copy must be uploaded to the Assessed Assignment Submission area, within the module section of Minerva.

A hard copy of the Dissertation is not required.  

If you need to upload any additional data in a separate document, there is an additional submission area to upload this.

2. Indicative length

The main body of the Dissertation must not exceed the word limit.

Does Count toward word count

The word count covers everything within the main text of the Dissertation, including:

• the abstract and contents page
• lists of tables and illustrative material
• any tables, diagrams, subtitles, footnotes and references which are included within the main text.

Does not Count toward word count

The word count does not include;

• the title page and front cover
• any acknowledgements
• bibliographies
• end lists of references

Words presented as images

Any words presented in graphs, tables, or other graphics must be included in the word count.

Words displayed in these formats may need to be counted manually, as they will not be detected by the word count function on most word processing software.

Appendix Abuse

You must not use appendices to present matters of substance which should be included in the main body of the text.

The text must remain understandable without reference to any appendices.

3. Text and Layout

Font and size.

Dissertations should be presented using a standard font, and a font size of between 10 and 12 points.

Text must not be presented using only upper case letters.

Line Spacing

All standard text must be presented using double or one and a half line spacing.

Indented quotations and footnotes have an exception to the above rule, and may use single spacing.

For Microsoft Word this means standard dissertation text should have a spacing setting of either 2.0 or 1.5

Margins along all sides of the document (left, right, top and bottom) should not be less than 2.5cm (25mm).

For reference, the "normal" margins setting on a Microsoft Word document is 2.54cm on all sides - this is acceptable.

4. Pagination

All pages of text and appendices in your dissertation should be numbered consecutively.

Images and diagrams should also have their own consecutive numbering where possible.

5. Title Page

You must use the Leeds University Business School Dissertation / Project coversheet as your title page.

This can be downloaded from the Forms and Guidance Page

6. Table of Contents

Your dissertation document must include a contents page.

The contents page should list all main numbered chapter headings (such as 1, 2 , 3).

It is good practice to break down chapters into numbered sections, and these should also be listed on your contents page (such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3).

Please carefully check the section above on word counts (2. indicative length) for information on which text contributes to your maximum permitted word count.

7. Acknowledgements

It is common to include a list of acknowledgements at the start of your dissertation, but you do not have to do so.

Students may wish to acknowledge the help their Supervisor provided, as well as the support of others such as family members or friends.

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Referral and resubmission for research degrees

If the examiners recommend that your thesis is referred for resubmission, then you'll be required to revise the thesis, which may include further research, and then resubmit it for re-examination.  

Please see the Guide for candidates referred for resubmission on the Policies and procedures page of the SES website for more information on the processes explained on this webpage.    

Referral 

If the examiners recommend referral for resubmission, you will be required to revise the thesis, which may entail further research or any other activity required by the examiners, and then resubmit this to the University for re-examination. You may be required to attend a second viva. 

Notes for guidance  

Alongside the report on the examination, the examiners are required to prepare ‘Notes for Guidance’ which outlines the changes which are required. The Notes for Guidance will set out the sections or aspects of the thesis which need improvement and information about what work is required to enable you to revise the thesis for resubmission to meet the standard required for award.  

You will not receive your Notes for Guidance directly from your examiners after your viva. The Notes for Guidance must be submitted with the examiners’ report to Doctoral College Operations (DCO) for scrutiny by the Graduate Board’s Progression and Examinations Group. The examiners’ report and Notes for Guidance will be issued to you by DCO after approval by the Group with information describing how to resubmit for re-examination. DCO aim to send you your approved report and Notes for Guidance within a period of six weeks from receipt of the report and Notes for Guidance. This will be uploaded to GRAD and a notification sent to your University email address.  If for any reason it will not be possible to meet this timescale you will be kept informed.  

Supervision during the referral period 

To keep the resubmission on course before the maximum time limit, it is expected that supervisory contact and support will continue during the referral period.  Supervisors are asked to provide up to six supervision meetings a year during the referral period. Whilst the precise nature, pattern and timing of supervisions will vary depending on the stage of the resubmission, and the extent and nature of the work required for resubmission, recommended best practice is that meetings will be held at regular intervals during the referral period (until resubmission) and include at least: 

• An early meeting (or equivalent), normally within one month of receipt of the examiners’ report and notes for guidance; and 
• A meeting (or equivalent) around the mid-point of the referral period (eg around nine to 12 month point for doctoral PGRs) if the thesis has not been resubmitted. 

Supervisions should continue to be recorded in GRAD and may take place in a variety of forms (for example in face-to-face meetings when the PGR is in the UK or by other means such as video conferencing where appropriate). For PGRs in the referral period the University appreciates that supervision may take the form of reading and commenting on draft chapters of the thesis prior to resubmission.  PGRs must ensure that they provide their supervisor with re-drafts of work for comment within a reasonable timescale. PGRs should take the advice of their supervisor whether or not to resubmit their work for examination. PGRs are strongly recommended not to resubmit against their supervisor’s advice. However, PGRs are solely responsible for the decision to resubmit their work for resubmission. 

Additional information for PGRs holding a student visa

If you hold a current Student Visa and you wish to remain in the UK during the referral period, DCO will contact your School to establish that there is academic need for you to study at the University. The University can only continue to sponsor you during the referral period if there is a genuine academic need for you to remain in the UK during the referral period to use University facilities. You should be studying full time in the UK and there is an expectation that supervision meetings will take place on campus/in-person. If you do not need to use University facilities in person or could re-draft your thesis from outside the UK, then the University cannot continue to sponsor during the referral period.

If you have an active CAS and don’t need to remain in the UK, your sponsorship will be withdrawn. You will be notified of this once your referral has been confirmed, and you should take advice from the Student Visa Advice team .

If it is confirmed that there is an academic need for you to remain in the UK during the referral period, the School must implement regular supervision meetings and contacts in order to monitor attendance and maintain sponsor duties. In these cases the normal attendance monitoring arrangements must apply (a minimum of 10 supervision meetings a year, with gaps of no more than 8 weeks) with attendance/supervision meetings recorded and attendance and progress monitored as set out in the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy. 

Examination entry 

A minimum of three months before the thesis is resubmitted for examination, you must enter for re-examination by completing the examination entry process. Normally the same team of examiners will act for the resubmission, except in exceptional circumstances.  

• You will have a ‘task’ in GRAD to complete the examination entry workflow again for your resubmission 
• The workflow will be automatically populated with the information from your first submission eg your thesis title, ethical review and publication information. You can check this and amend (if necessary) for your resubmission 
• When you submit the workflow, it will move to your supervisor so they can confirm the team of examiners for your resubmitted thesis. 
• You can track the process of the workflow via the status box in GRAD 

Resubmission 

The referral period begins from the date the Report and Notes for Guidance are issued following approval by the Progression and Examinations Group and the deadline will be included in the GRAD notification from DCO which is sent with your Report and Notes for Guidance. This is the maximum time limit for resubmission and you may resubmit at any point in the referral period, once the amendments have been made and your thesis is ready for resubmission. The thesis must be resubmitted for examination to GRAD. Your resubmission must not be sent directly to your examiners. 

If circumstances arise which may prevent you from resubmitting your thesis by your resubmission deadline you must talk to your Graduate School as soon as possible for advice. Please see the Taking time out from your research page of the For Students website for advice on suspensions and extensions as well as the Policy on Suspensions and Extensions to the correction/referral period on the Policies and Procedures page of the Student Education Service (SES) website . 

You must upload to GRAD, alongside your resubmitted thesis, a summary of how your revised thesis has responded to changes listed by your examiners in the Notes for Guidance. This will assist the examiners when considering your resubmitted thesis.   

Once your resubmitted thesis is sent for examination, the appropriate fee will be charged. 

Resubmission fee

Once your resubmitted thesis is sent for examination the appropriate re-examination fee will be charged. Student Finance (Fees) will contact you about this. The fee is subject to an increase each academic year and you should contact Student Finance (Fees) at the appropriate time for details of the fee levels beyond the current year. 

Fees for 2023/24: Doctoral resubmissions (eg PhD, MD, EdD, DClinPsychol, DPaedDent) £555 MPhil resubmission £405 Masters by Research resubmission £325  

Examination 

The resubmitted thesis is subject to the same process as the first examination, with both the internal and external examiners required to examine the resubmitted thesis. The examiners may hold a second viva if they deem it appropriate. Your examiners will confirm whether or not a second viva is needed after they have considered your resubmitted thesis.  

Appealing 

Please see the Outcome of the viva page on the For Students website for more information about appealing the outcome of your viva. 

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MA by Research (MAR)

Through the MA by Research (MAR), you'll conduct an original piece of independent research that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of your chosen discipline. 

You'll be guided by an academic supervision team, who'll be leading experts in your field, attend research training sessions and have regular meetings with your supervisors. The MAR can be considered ideal preparation for undertaking a PhD in that it is also entirely research-based and does not (at least formally) include any taught components.

MAR specialisms

Arabic, islamic and middle eastern studies, east asian studies, linguistics and phonetics, russian and slavonic studies, spanish, portuguese and latin american studies, world cinemas and digital cultures, world literatures.

At the end of your studies, you'll submit a 30,000-word thesis, which is assessed through a viva voce examination involving two examiners other than your supervisor.

MA by Research opportunities

As one of the UK’s leading centres for research and teaching in languages and cultures we can offer a wide variety of MA by Research opportunities.

Key themes from across the School include: 

• European literatures and cultures from the medieval age to the 21st century
• the Arab world
• contemporary China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and the cultures of South East Asia
• the media, especially film
• translation and interpreting
• language branding
• immigration and race
• postcolonialism
• diasporic cultures
• linguistics and language computing.

See our  research pages  for details of our staff specialisms.

Applications

You're encouraged to contact a prospective supervisor in the School first, attaching a copy of your research proposal and CV. 

If you've yet to produce a research proposal and need more information about how to apply, contact  [email protected] .

Skills for Learning : Dissertations & Literature Reviews

Dissertations  are extended projects in which you choose, research and write about a specific topic. They provide an opportunity to explore an aspect of your subject in detail. You are responsible for managing your dissertation, though you will be assigned a supervisor. Dissertations are typically empirical (based on your own research) or theoretical (based on others’ research/arguments).

The  Dissertation IT Kit  contains information about formatting your dissertation document in Word.

Look at the  Library Subject Guides  for your area. These have information on finding high quality resources for your dissertation. 

We run interactive workshops to help you prepare for your dissertation. Find out more on the  Skills for Learning Workshops  page.

We have online academic skills modules within MyBeckett for all levels of university study. These modules will help your academic development and support your success at LBU. You can work through the modules at your own pace, revisiting them as required. Find out more from our FAQ  What academic skills modules are available?  

Dissertation proposals

What are dissertation proposals.

A dissertation proposal is an outline of your proposed research project. It is what you imagine your dissertation might look like before you start. Consider it a temporary document which might change during the negotiation process between you and your dissertation supervisor.  The proposal can help you clarify exactly what you want to cover in your dissertation. It can also outline how you are going to approach it. Your dissertation plan and structure might change throughout this process as you develop your ideas. Your proposal is the first step towards your goal: a completed dissertation.

Structuring your dissertation proposal

The structure, content, and length of your dissertation proposal will depend on your course requirements. Some courses may require that your aims and objectives are separate from the main body of the proposal. You might be expected to write a literature review, and/or provide a detailed methodology. You might also be asked to include an extensive context for your proposed study. Consult your module handbook or assignment brief for the specific requirements of your course. 

Give each section of your proposal a heading You can also experiment with giving your proposed dissertation a title. Both of these approaches may help you focus and stay on topic. Most dissertation proposals will have a fairly standard structure, under the following headings:

Sections of a dissertation proposal

• Aims and objectives
• Rationale for your study
• Methodology
• Brief literature review
• Benefits of your research

Describe what you plan to investigate. You could write a statement of your topic, a research question(s), or a hypothesis.

• Explain why you want to do this research.
• Write a justification as to why the project is worth undertaking.
• Reasons might include: a gap in existing research; questioning or extending the findings of earlier research; replicating a piece of research to test its reliability.
• Describe and justify how you plan to do the research.
• You might be reviewing the work of others, which mainly involves secondary, or desk-based, research. Or you might plan to collect data yourself, which is primary research. It is common for undergraduate dissertations to involve a mixture of these.
• If you are doing secondary research, describe how you will select your sources. For primary research, describe how you will collect your data. This might include using questionnaires, interviews, archival research, or other methods. 
• Others will have researched this topic before, or something similar.
• The literature review allows you to outline what they have found and where your project fits in. For example, you could highlight disagreements or discrepancies in the existing research.

Outline who might potentially gain from your research and what you might find out or expand upon. For example, there could be implications for practice in a particular profession.

Dissertation style and language

A dissertation is a logical, structured, argument-based exploration of a topic. The style of your writing may vary slightly in each chapter. For example, your results chapter should display factual information, whereas your analysis chapter might be more argument-based. Make sure your language, tone and abbreviations are consistent within each section. Your language should be formal and contain terminology relevant to your subject area. Dissertations have a large word count. It is important to structure your work with headings and a contents page. Use signposting language to help your reader understand the flow of your writing. Charts, tables or images may help you communicate specific information. 

Top tip!  To signpost in your dissertation, use the ‘Signalling Transition’ section of the  Manchester Academic Phrasebank .

Download the Dissertation Project Checklist Worksheet to help with planning your dissertation work. 

• Dissertation Project Checklist Worksheet

The  Dissertation IT Kit  also contains information about formatting your dissertation document in Microsoft Word.

Past dissertations

Exploring past dissertations within your academic field can give you an idea as to how to structure your dissertation and find similar research methodologies. You can access dissertations and theses completed by students at Leeds Beckett and other universities. To find external dissertations, look at our FAQ answer ' Are there other dissertations I can look at?' . To find dissertations completed by Leeds Beckett students, use the FAQ answer ' Can I find copies of past dissertations in the Library? '

Sections of a dissertation

Not all dissertations will follow the same structure.  Your style can change depending on your school. Check your module handbook, assignment brief or speak with your course tutor for further guidance.

To decide what to include:

• Think about your project from an outsider’s perspective. What do they need to know and in what order? What is the most clear and logical way for you to present your research?  
• Discuss your project with your supervisor. Be open about ideas or concerns you have around the structure and content. 

Each section of a dissertation has a different purpose. Think about whether you're doing an empirical or theoretical dissertation and use the headings below to find out what you should be including.

You can also use the Leeds Beckett Dissertation Template to help you understand what your dissertation should look like. 

• Leeds Beckett Dissertation Template

For more information on dissertation style, language and structure, watch a recording of our interactive workshop below.

Empirical (research-based)

• 1. Abstract
• 2. Contents Page
• 3. Introduction
• 4. Literature Review
• 5. Methodology
• 6. Findings / Results
• 7. Discussion
• 8. Conclusion
• 9. Reference List / Bibliography
• 10. Appendices

Abstract : provides a brief summary of your whole dissertation.

The abstract outlines the purpose of your research and your methodology (where necessary). You should summarise your main findings and conclusion.

Top tips! Give the reader a sense of why your project is interesting and valuable. Write in the past tense. Aim for about half a page.

Contents page : lists all the sections of your dissertation with the page numbers. Do this last by using the automatic function in Word.

Introduction: introduces the reader to your research project.

Provide context to the topic and define key terms. Ensure that the scope of your investigation is clear. Outline your aims and objectives, and provide a brief description of your research methods. Finally, give an indication of your conclusion/findings.

Top tips! Start broad (background information) and get more specific (your research aims and findings). Try writing the introduction after the literature review and methodology chapters. This way, you will have a better idea of your research aims.

Literature Review : positions your research in relation to what has come before it.

The literature review will summarise prior research on the topic, such as journal articles, books, government reports and data. You should introduce key themes, concepts, theories or methods that provide context for your own research. Analyse and evaluate the literature by drawing comparisons and highlighting strengths and weaknesses. Download the Critical Analysis Questions and Evidence Matrix Worksheets to help you with this process and for more information on literature searching see Finding Information .

• Critical Analysis Questions Worksheet
• Evidence Matrix Worksheet

The literature review should justify the need for your research and highlight areas for further investigation. Avoid introducing your own ideas at this point; instead, compare and comment on existing ideas.

Top tips! Your literature review is not a descriptive summary of various sources. You need to synthesise (bring together) and critically analyse prior research. Sophisticated use of reporting verbs is important for this process. Download our Reporting Verbs Worksheet to help you with this.

• Reporting Verbs Worksheet

Find out more about literature reviews elsewhere on this topic page.

Find out more about critical thinking.

Methodology : provides a succinct and accurate record of the methodology used and justifies your choice of methods.

In this section, you describe the qualitative and/or quantitative methods* used to carry out your research/experiment. You must justify your chosen research methodology and explain how it helps you answer your research question. Where appropriate, explain the rationale behind choices such as procedures, equipment, participants and sample size. You may need to reference specific guidelines that you have used, especially in subjects such as healthcare. If your research involves people, you may also need to demonstrate how it fulfils ethical guidelines.

Top tips! Your account should be sufficiently detailed so that someone else could replicate your research. Write in the passive voice. Remember, at this point you are not reporting any findings.

*Qualitative research is based on opinions and ideas, while quantitative research is based on numerical data.

Find out more about the research process.

Findings/Results : presents the data collected from your research in a suitable format.

Provide a summary of the results of your research/experiment. Consider the most effective methods for presenting your data, such as charts, graphs or tables. Present all your findings honestly. Do not change any data, even if it is not what you expected to find.

Top tips! Whilst you might acknowledge trends or themes in the data, at this stage, you won’t be analysing it closely. If you are conducting qualitative research, this section may be combined with the discussion section. Important additional documents, such as transcriptions or questionnaires, can be added to your appendices.

Discussion : addresses your research aims by analysing your findings.

In this chapter, you interpret and discuss your results and draw conclusions. Identify trends, themes or issues that arise from the findings and discuss their significance in detail. These themes can also provide the basis for the structure of this section. You can draw upon information and concepts from your literature review to help interpret your findings. For example, you can show how your findings build upon or contradict earlier research.

Top tips! Ensure that the points you make are backed up with evidence from your findings. Refer back to relevant information from your literature review to discuss and interpret your findings.

Conclusion : summarises your main points.

Provide an overview of your main findings and demonstrate how you have met your research objectives. Set your research into a wider context by showing how it contributes to current academic debates. Discuss the implications of your research and put forward any recommendations.

Top tips! Do not introduce any new information in this section. Your conclusion should mirror the content of your introduction but offer more conclusive answers.

Reference List / Bibliography : a complete list of all sources used.

List all the sources that you have consulted in the process of your research. Your Reference List or Bibliography must follow specific guidelines for your discipline (e.g. Harvard or OSCOLA). Look through your module handbook or speak to your supervisor for more information.

Find out more about referencing and academic integrity .

Appendix (single) or Appendices (plural):  presents raw data and/or transcripts that aren’t in the main body of your dissertation.

You may have to be selective in the data you present in your findings section. If this is the case, you may choose to present the raw data/extended version in an appendix. If you conduct qualitative research, such as interviews, you will include the transcripts in your appendix. Appendices are not usually included in the word count.

Top tips! Discuss with your supervisor whether you will need an appendix and what to include.

Theoretical (argument based)

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Main body (divided into chapters)
• Reference list / Bibliography

Provides a brief summary of your whole dissertation.

The abstract outlines the purpose of your research and your methodology (where necessary). You should summarise your main findings and conclusion.

Top tip!  Give the reader a sense of why your project is interesting and valuable. Write in the past tense. Aim for about half a page.

Contents page : lists all the sections of your dissertation with the page numbers. Using the automatic table of contents feature in Microsoft Word can help you format this.

The  Dissertation IT kit provides guidance on how to use these tools. 

Introduces the reader to your research project.

Provide context to the topic and define key terms. Ensure that the scope of your investigation is clear. Outline your aims and objectives, and provide a brief description of your research methods. Introduce your argument and explain why your research topic is important. Finally, give an indication of your conclusion/findings.

Top tip!  Start broad (background information) and get more specific (your research aims and findings). Try writing the introduction after the literature review and methodology chapters. This way, you will have a better idea of your research aims.

Summarises prior research on the topic, such as journal articles, books, and other information sources. You should introduce key themes, concepts, theories or methods that provide context for your own research. You should also analyse and evaluate the literature by drawing comparisons and highlighting strengths and weaknesses. 

Many (although not all) theoretical dissertations will include a separate literature review. You may decide to include this as a separate chapter. Otherwise, you can integrate it into your introduction or first themed chapter.

Find out more about literature reviews on the  Literature Reviews  page.

Divide the main body of your research into chapters organised by chronology or themes. Each chapter should be like a mini-essay that helps you answer your research questions. Like an essay, each chapter should have an introduction, main body and conclusion. Develop your argument and demonstrate critical thinking by drawing on relevant sources. Compare and contrast ideas, and make suggestions or recommendations where relevant. Explain how each chapter helps answer your main research question.

Top tip! Divide each chapter into chunks and use subheadings where necessary to structure your work.

Find out more on the  Critical Thinking  pages. 

Top tip!  Do not introduce any new information in this section. Your conclusion should mirror the content of your introduction but offer more conclusive answers.

List all the sources that you have consulted in the process of your research. Your Reference List or Bibliography must follow specific guidelines for your discipline (Harvard, APA or OSCOLA). Look through your module handbook or speak to your supervisor for more information.

Find out more about  referencing and academic integrity .

Appendix (single) or Appendices (plural):  presents any data, such as images or tables, that aren’t in the main body of your dissertation.

You may have to be selective about the information you include in the main body of your dissertation. If this is the case, you may place data such as images or tables in the appendix. Appendices are not usually included in the word count.

Top tip!  Discuss with your supervisor whether you will need any appendices and what to include.

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Skills for Learning home

Artificial intelligence tools

Before using any generative artificial intelligence or paraphrasing tools in your assessments, you should check if this is permitted on your course.

If their use is permitted on your course, you must  acknowledge any use of generative artificial intelligence tools  such as ChatGPT or paraphrasing tools (e.g., Grammarly, Quillbot, etc.), even if you have only used them to generate ideas for your assignment or for proofreading.

• Academic Honesty (Integrity) Module in MyBeckett
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• Building on Feedback
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• Essay X-ray tool
• International Students' Academic Introduction
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Topic Links

• Academic Integrity Module
• Dissertation IT Kit
• Dissertation Process and Planning Video
• Writing your Literature Review Video
• Dissertations Methodology Chapter Video
• Dissertations Results and Analysis Chapter Video
• Dissertations Editing Video

Resources & Worksheets

• Annotated Bibliographies Worksheet
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Mathematics MSc

Year of entry 2025, sign up for masters updates.

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Course overview

Please note: applications for this course open on the 1 st October 2024.

This Masters degree is designed to build on your existing mathematical skills, and it allows you to both broaden and deepen your understanding of the branches of mathematics which interest you most.

The flexibility of this course allows you to either keep your studies broad, learning a range of mathematical techniques, or specialise in areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics or statistics depending on your interests. These specialisations can range from algebra, analysis and logic to integrable systems, fluid dynamics and mathematical biology.

A Masters-level qualification in mathematics will enhance your existing career prospects. It can also help you change direction. A Masters is also an excellent route into further study, such as a PhD.

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll be fully equipped with the most up-to-date mathematical practices and techniques, alongside the technical skill set you’ll need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of industries.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in pure and applied mathematics.
• Benefit from our School’s close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics , Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute , the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas of mathematics, both theoretically and practically.
• Tailor the degree to suit your specific interests with a large selection of optional modules to choose from, with everything from quantum field theory to coding theory, mathematical biology to astrophysical fluid dynamics – plus many more.
• Put theory into practice by conducting a project which focuses on a topic that matches your interests, giving you the chance to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the course and demonstrate independent research skills necessary for a professional or academic career.
• Access excellent teaching facilities and computing equipment throughout the school, complemented by social areas and communal problem-solving spaces.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics who specialise in a wide range of areas in mathematics.
• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in many excellent organisations, including Capita, Lloyds Banking Group and the NHS.
• Be part of a diverse and supportive community of mathematicians from all over the world.

Course details

During the two semesters, there is a range of taught modules to choose from, providing the opportunity to combine mainstream, advanced mathematical topics and innovative methods relating to the research interests of within the School of Mathematics.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mathematics MSc in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Dissertation in Mathematics – 60 credits

You’ll be required to complete a research project over the summer. This is an opportunity for you to pursue a particular topic in-depth. Your supervisor will help you to find a project that matches your interests and motivations for studying this degree.

Some examples of past projects include:

• Cluster Algebras
• Nonstandard Analysis
• Combustion Waves
• Planetary Motion in General Relativity

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

• Calculus in the Complex Plane – 15 credits
• Graph Theory – 15 credits
• Number Theory – 15 credits
• Groups and Symmetry – 15 credits
• Proof and Computation – 15 credits
• Differential Geometry – 15 credits
• Models and Sets – 15 credits
• Combinatorics – 15 credits
• Coding Theory – 15 credits
• Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry – 15 credits
• Metric and Function Spaces – 15 credits
• Topology – 15 credits
• Mathematical Methods – 15 credits
• Quantum Mechanics – 15 credits
• Dynamical Systems – 15 credits
• Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations – 15 credits
• Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World – 15 credits
• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics – 15 credits
• Actuarial Mathematics 1 – 15 credits
• Actuarial Mathematics 2 – 15 credits
• Mathematical Biology – 15 credits
• Fluid Dynamics 2 – 15 credits
• Linear Regression and Robustness – 15 credits
• Statistical Theory – 15 credits
• Stochastic Calculus for Finance – 15 credits
• Multivariate Analysis – 10 credits
• Time Series – 10 credits
• Generalised Linear Models – 10 credits
• Groups, Symmetry and Galois Theory – 20 credits
• Advanced Proof and Computation – 20 credits
• Advanced Differential Geometry – 20 credits
• Advanced Models and Sets – 20 credits
• Advanced Commutative Rings and Algebraic Geometry – 20 credits
• Metric Spaces and Functional Analysis – 20 credits
• Advanced Mathematical Methods – 20 credits
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics – 20 credits
• Advanced Dynamical Systems – 20 credits
• Advanced Entropy in the Physical World – 20 credits
• Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics – 20 credits
• Advanced Mathematical Biology – 20 credits
• Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing – 20 credits
• Multivariate and Cluster Analysis – 15 credits
• Time Series and Spectral Analysis – 15 credits
• Generalised Linear and Additive Models – 15 credits
• Independent Learning and Skills Project – 15 credits
• Statistical Computing – 15 credits
• Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics – 20 credits
• Cosmology – 15 credits
• Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice – 15 credits
• Advanced Mechanics – 15 credits
• Quantum Field Theory – 15 credits
• General Relativity – 15 credits
• Dynamics of Weather Systems – 10 credits
• Inverse Theory – 10 credits

Learning and teaching

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, seminars and a supervised research project. Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials are available to enhance and extend the material taught formally.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment is by a range of methods which may include, formal examination, in-class tests, example sheets, problem solving, project work and verbal presentations.

The research project will be assessed based on a written report and an oral presentation. It will contribute 60 credits to the overall total.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in mathematics or a closely related subject. You should have strong grades in mathematical modules. We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications . For more information, please contact the Admissions Team .

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications .

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks)  and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks) . 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional .

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025  – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students . We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Mathematics

School of Mathematics Admissions Team

Email: [email protected] Telephone:

UK: £13,000 (Total)

International: £29,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges .

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview .

Scholarships

Career opportunities.

This course will give you the technical and transferable skills plus advanced knowledge that employers in many different industries are looking for.

There is a high demand for mathematicians and statisticians across a range of sectors such as accountancy and finance, medicine, IT, as well as many forms of engineering and different government departments.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to  The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research .

Further study at Masters level can be useful for some maths-related careers such as operational research, medical statistics in pharmaceutical companies, meteorology, engineering design, finance and IT-based roles.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous mathematics graduates have secured:

• Assistant Financial Controller, Live Nation
• Pricing Manager, Vets4Pets
• Finance Analyst, Morrisons
• Auditor, National Audit Office
• Penetration Tester, Claranet Cyber Security
• Risk Analyst, Yorkshire Building Society
• Software Engineer, BJSS Ltd
• Environmental Data Analyst, Comply Direct
• Risk Analyst, Capita
• Trainee .Net Developer, FDM Group
• Actuarial Associate, PwC UK
• Credit Risk Modeller, Lloyds Banking Group
• Audit Assistant, The Royal Society of Medicine
• Data Analyst, Co-operative Bank Plc
• Credit Risk Analyst, Hitachi Finance
• Contractor Software Developer, Bet365
• Client Coverage Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group

Common career paths for mathematics graduates include:

Actuaries evaluate, manage and advise on financial risks. They use their knowledge of business and economics, together with their understanding of probability theory, statistics and investment theory, to provide strategic, commercial and financial advice.

Operational Research

Operational researchers use analytical and creative skills to assist organisations in developing better systems and operational procedures. By examining an organisation's operations and using mathematical modelling, computer software or other analytical approaches, they find more effective ways of working.

Corporate investment banker

Corporate investment bankers provide a range of financial services to companies, institutions and governments. They manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions, lending, privatisations and initial public offerings (IPOs).

Corporate investment bankers also advise and lead management buyouts, raise capital, provide strategic advice to clients, and identify and secure new deals

Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality.

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea and upper atmosphere. They use computerised and mathematical models to make short and long-range forecasts concerning weather and climate patterns.

Further study

This MSc in Mathematics will provide you with excellent preparation for research for a PhD. At Leeds, we have a range of research opportunities available.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union , including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds:

Watch our Employability Team video

Find out more about career support .

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Leeds offers a flexible Mathematics MSc program that allows students to take any combination of pure, applied, and statistics modules. Muyou Li, Mathematics MSc