MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing Handbook (2026-27 Entry)

During the course you will be assessed on 12 units. If you wish, you may take one, two or three extra units as described below.

The 12 units that you will take and be assessed on are:

• two core courses in mathematical methods (1 unit each);
• two out of three core courses in numerical analysis (1 unit each); 
• one special topic based on a modelling/methods lecture course (labelled [M]) (1 unit);
• one special topic based on a computing lecture course (labelled [C]) (1 unit);
• one case study in mathematical modelling (1 unit);
• one case study in scientific computing (1 unit);
• one dissertation and viva (4 units).

The extra units you may take are:

• the third core course in numerical analysis;
• one or two further special topics.

More details of these units are given below.

You will be assigned a supervisor on arrival in Oxford whose main role throughout the first two terms is to act as an academic advisor. They will be able to help with decisions about which options to take and the Course Director is also available for advice.

2.4.1 Core Courses

There are two core courses in mathematical methods:

• A1: Applied Partial Differential Equations (MT)
• A2: Perturbation Methods (HT)

and you should do both. You should choose two of the three core courses in numerical analysis:

• B1: Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations (MT)
• B2: Numerical Linear Algebra (MT)
• B3: Continuous Optimisation (HT)

All core courses are assessed by written examination in the summer examination period (normally weeks 6-8 of Trinity term).

Each core course consists of 16 lectures. The set of lectures is backed up by a set of four problem solving classes, usually with no more than 15 students per class, in which the class tutor goes through the problems on the associated problem sheets as well as clarifying any of the material as necessary. However, the course is assessed solely by the examination. 

Revision classes will be organised before the written examinations and students are encouraged to look at and attempt past examination papers  available online at https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/.

Note that calculators will not be allowed, or required, in the written examinations.

Details of the synopses for the core courses are available online at the MMSC Moodle page.

2.4.2 Special Topics

You must complete at least one special topic in the area of Modelling/Methods [M] and at least one in the area of Computation [C]. Special topic courses usually consist of 16 lectures, backed up by four problem solving classes. A special topic is usually assessed by a mini-project of approximately 15 pages on a topic agreed with the lecturer. If you wish to do a special topic on one of these courses you should discuss a suitable plan with the lecturer by the end of term, and submit a pdf of your topic to the online site by the deadline listed in the Diary of Important Events. 

Special topic marks are awarded by the examiners on the recommendation of the assessors; usually the relevant course lecturer and a second independent marker. Once the official marks have been released, you will also be sent the feedback provided by the assessors.

The special topic guidelines are given in Appendix A.

These are the special topic courses expected to be available for the Academic year 2026-27.

Michaelmas Term

• Applied Complex Variables [M]
• Further Mathematical Biology [M]
• Integer Programming [C]
• Mathematical Geoscience [M]
• Mathematical Mechanical Biology [M]
• Mathematical Physiology [M]
• Solid Mechanics [M]
• Theories of Deep Learning [C]
• Topics in Fluid Mechanics [M]
• Viscous Flow [M]

Hilary Term

• Computational Algebraic Topology [C]
• Elasticity and Plasticity [M]
• Finite Element Methods for PDEs [C]
• Machine Learning [C]
• Mathematical Models of Financial Derivatives [M]
• Networks [M]
• Nonlinear Dynamics, Bifurcations and Chaos [M]
• Optimal Control [M]
• Optimisation for Data Science [C]
• Stochastic Modelling of Biological Processes [M]
• Waves and Compressible Flow [M]

Details of the synopses for the special topic courses are available online at the MMSC Moodle page.

2.4.3 Case Studies

Some of the time in the induction week will be spent teaching Python, and hopefully this will provide a good introduction if you do not already know the language, and revision if you do. In weeks 1-3 of Michaelmas term you will take the course Practical Numerical Analysis in which you will use Python to investigate numerical algorithms as described in lectures. For the remainder of Michaelmas term you will participate in the Case Studies in Scientific Computing where you will work in small groups developing numerical solutions to problems of interest, possibly using algorithms beyond the scope of the lecture courses. You will write an individual report on your work for assessment.

In weeks 1-3 of Hilary term you will attend Mathematical Modelling classes which will include group work and presentation of results. This is followed by the Case Studies in Mathematical Modelling in which you will work in groups to model problems of practical interest. Each group meets with the group leader weekly and at the end of the term they give a presentation; the mark for the presentation makes up 20% of the final mark for this unit. The remaining 80% of the mark is for an individual written report.

2.4.4 Dissertation

You will prepare your dissertation during Trinity term and the long vacation with some preliminary reading taking place during the Easter vacation. Your dissertation topic should be selected in consultation with your supervisor and the details of the form and scope of the dissertation are described in the Regulations. There is a list of possible dissertation projects on the course dissertation page, although note that this list will not be updated for the 2026–27 academic year until February 2027. 

The topics suitable for dissertations will be presented by the appropriate supervisors at a meeting in February. Also you are encouraged to talk to any potential supervisors, which includes most academics or researchers in OCIAM or the Numerical Analysis Group. Note that the supervisor allocated to you in the first term will not usually turn out to be the supervisor for your dissertation.

You will be required to give a short talk and answer questions on the background to your dissertation topic at an open meeting, attended by supervisors, examiners and and other students, to be held in late June or early July. The main body of the final dissertation (excluding appendices etc.) should usually be 40–50 pages in length. Precise guidelines on the length of the dissertation, the formatting and the penalties for overlong submissions are available in the dissertation handbook and the Examination Conventions, both of which can be downloaded from the MMSC course webpage.

You should submit a pdf version of your dissertation by 12 noon on Wednesday 25th August 2027.

Your dissertation will be read by two assessors, neither of whom will be your supervisor. The oral examination (viva) will be held in mid-September and you will be expected to answer questions on your dissertation. Each viva will last approximately 30 minutes and sub fusc should be worn. At least two assessors will attend the viva and ask questions. They will begin by asking you to summarise briefly the main contributions of your dissertation and you are advised to prepare a few slides for this. The final mark for your dissertation and viva will be decided after the viva by the assessors who have read your work and were present in the viva.