Master in Mathematics

Mathematics plays a fundamental role in our technologically advanced society. The discipline is in constant evolution, with new discoveries made at an increasing pace. These answer either questions that were generated by internal progress in mathematics, or problems raised in other disciplines (scientific, industrial, business, etc.). Mathematics has proven to be indispensable in all branches of science and technology: cryptography and codes, medical imagery, telecommunications, theory of fundamental particles, space research, bioengineering, meteorology, ecological modelling, economy and finance, etc. This programme aims to train mathematicians who are ready to contribute to both the theoretical development of the discipline and the solution to problems from various origins. Our Master programme develops the students' ability to reason abstractly and rigorously, but also with invention and imagination. Graduates are also able to use existing powerful mathematical techniques as well as to develop new ones. Through the choices made during the Master programme, our students can direct their learning towards a career in research, in the private sector, or in teaching.

The majority of classes involve lectures in tandem with activities in which students take an active part (e.g. lab classes, reading seminars, talks, etc.).

While writing their dissertation and other personal assignments, students develop their creativity and even have a chance to contribute original research.

The Master benefits enormously from the internationally renowned research teams at the Mathematics Department. Moreover, active collaborations with the Economics, Computer Science, and Physics Departments, as well as agreements with neighbouring universities, broaden the range of courses available to students (some of which are given in Dutch or English). The programme is designed so that the student may develop their interests in various mathematical disciplines, chosen from a large range on offer. Research is conducted within the department in algebra and combinatorics, differential geometry, analysis of PDEs, mechanics and applied mathematics, probability, statistics, actuarial sciences, and mathematics teaching.

While most courses consist in lecture classes, a significant part of the progamme relies on individual assignments based on material that reaches beyond what is covered during the lectures. Students who choose the research focus, for instance, will receive an introduction to research in mathematics, and gain experience in scientific communication. Students who pick the teaching focus will spend time in classrooms. In both cases, the dissertation plays an important part in the programme (30 credits) and gives students an opportunity to master a subject of their choosing, to present a summary of various techniques and theories, and even perhaps to make an original contribution themselves. Graduates are well placed to tackle new problems, such as those encountered in pure research, in the industrial sector, or in other applications of mathematics.

Whilst comprised mainly of lecture courses, the progamme has a large component which is based on individual work of the student done over and above that which is is seen in lectures. The student who chooses an in-depth specialisation in mathematics, for example, will get an introduction to carrying out research in mathematics as well as experience of scientific communication. The student specialising in teaching of mathematics will spend time in classrooms. In both specialisations, the memoire plays an important role (30 ECTS) and gives the student the opportunity to master a subject of their choice, to present a synthesis of various techniques and theories and even perhaps to make an original contribution themselves. The finishing student will be well placed to attack new problems, such as those encountered in pure research, in industry or in other applications of mathematics.