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MSc Dissertation in Mathematical Sciences - MAT00076M

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  • Department: Mathematics
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2022-23 to Summer Vacation 2022-23

Module aims

Candidates for the MSc degree will submit a dissertation of around 60 A4 pages on a selected topic in advanced mathematics. Support and advice will be provided by individual dissertation supervisors.

Students submitting a dissertation will be expected to demonstrate the ability to absorb and analyse current research literature in advanced mathematics and/or to apply their skills in mathematical methods to solve concrete mathematical problems. Original contribution to research, while laudable, will not be required.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should

  • demonstrate an ability for in-depth independent research into a chosen topic in advanced mathematics;
  • provide evidence in their dissertation of their ability to read and understand current research literature in their chosen field;
  • present the outcome of their research and the background for the chosen topic in a self-contained, clear, rigorous and accessible manner;
  • demonstrate the ability to locate and understand current literature in the selected area of their research;

Module content

  • Students decide on the topic for the dissertation in consultation with their supervisors.
  • Supervisory backup is provided individually to each student on a regular basis by means of meetings with the dissertation supervisor. Four hours of supervision is provided, at regular meetings during the summer term and summer vacation. At each meeting the student and supervisor agree on what should be done by the next meeting.
  • Students are expected to submit their first draft in mid-August. It will be read and returned with comments by the supervisor, normally in a supervision meeting.
  • The deadline for submission of the dissertation is in September, on the Monday of the second last week of the programme.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

None

Module feedback

  • Draft work is read and returned with comments by the supervisor in mid-August.

  • The result of the assessment of dissertation is made available shortly after the meeting of the MSc Board of Examiners in November.

  • The result of reassessment is made available as soon as possible after the submission date.

Indicative reading

Dependent on dissertation title.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.