Teaching and Learning

Each taught module (fall and spring terms) is typically delivered by 3 hours of lectures, a 1-hour problem class and a drop-in hour for questions per week as well as coursework for independent study which, depending on the module, includes a combination of problem sheets, online quizzes, programming assignments and individual or group mini-projects. Depending on the classroom facilities, lectures may be recorded. All modules follow a specific textbook or a set of self-contained lecture notes provided by the module lecturer and are accompanied by a reading list for further study which is made available on UCL’s Moodle (login required) with a link to the UCL library.

In most modules, the coursework has a weekly or biweekly assessed component, which is marked within 7-14 days. Both individual feedback and generic class feedback is provided alongside numerical scores. In the case of problem sheets, brief answers and further hints are available after the deadline. Students are encouraged to raise any issues coming up in the coursework or the lectures in the drop-in hours and the Moodle forum for class discussion.

The term one Research Essay module will involve independent study and literature review as well as group meetings with an academic supervisor. Workshops in research methods, mathematical writing and oral presentation skills will be provided during the first half of the first term. The Research Essay module is assessed by a written report and a viva in the second term. A list of possible topics for the Research Essay module will be presented to the students in a seminar during induction week.

The dissertation component involves independent research and literature review in an area of the student’s choice under the guidance of an academic member of staff. A list of possible projects is made available in the fall term when, with guidance from their personal tutor, students start discussing topics for their individual research with potential supervisors. The work on the dissertation starts full time after the summer examination period ends. Students are required to agree on a provisional title and a summary of their dissertation plan by the end of the spring term.

Expert training on research methods, mathematical writing and oral presentations delivery will be offered in term one to help students succeed on this degree and further, in a professional career. 

MSc students also benefit from the weekly seminars in all areas of research in the department, as well as the Departmental Colloquium which takes place three times per term. There are also a number of advanced modules offered by the London Taught Course Centre that MSc students may be allowed to audit, subject to departmental approval. Further information about the department’s activities can also be found on our new Linkedin page.

The department puts a strong emphasis on professional values and the UCL Mathematics Equality and Diversity and Sustainability chapters have a prominent place on the departmental website, inviting all our postgraduate students to get involved and make their voice heard. Sustainability issues permeate the MSc Mathematics curriculum and project provision and play a central in several areas of study like Biomathematics, Mathematical Modelling, Fluid Dynamics and Machine Learning.

All MSc students are allocated a personal tutor from Induction Week for both academic and pastoral advice.

MSc students are consulted by the department on teaching and learning matters through their student representatives in the department’s Student Staff Partnership Committee and Teaching Committee which meet once per term.

UCL Students

Further help and advice about managing your studies at UCL, can be found on the UCL Students webpage.

• UCL Students