Overview of the MSc programme
The MSc Operations Research & Analytics provides participants with the skills needed to apply mathematical methods to real-world analytics problems faced by companies, governments, and other institutions. With study in both practice and theory, participants will gain deep insight into analytics problems. On the practical side, they will learn how to model a range of real-world problems using optimisation, simulation, and statistics, using specialist software taught with accompanying computer lab sessions. On the theoretical side, they will learn to recognise the canonical underlying mathematical problems, and discover how to solve them with state-of-the-art methods. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake a Project in Operations Research & Analytics, working in a consultancy role in a host organisation, where they will turn a real problem faced by the organisation into a mathematical model whose solution provides tangible benefit. Alternatively, they may choose to write a Dissertation, supervised by a faculty member.
The programme is designed for students with strong quantitative backgrounds who wish to deepen and broaden their mathematical knowledge, while gaining skills in high demand in the marketplace. Graduates will be suited to careers in quantitative positions in consultancy, management, finance, government, and business, anywhere in the world. Some will also continue to higher degrees.
The programme aims to:
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provide participants with a thorough grounding in fundamental concepts and methods of Operations Research & Analytics;
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provide participants with a thorough understanding of the practical application of analytic methods through lectures, seminars and case studies, and from the opportunity of a real-world project done under supervision in the final three months of the course;
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offer a range of intellectually challenging course options within Operations Research & Analytics and in Management, Mathematics, and Social Sciences;
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allow specialisation, including the option of a dissertation as an alternative to the practical project;
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develop participants’ skills in quantitative analysis, critical reading of texts, and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
Application code: G2U1
Duration of course: 12 months full-time only
Programme structure
This is a full-time, 12 month programme only. Students will take 1 full-unit course and 6 half-unit courses (which typically run for one of the two main teaching terms).
The programme has three compulsory courses (two in Operations Research and one in Statistics) and a project or dissertation. These are as follows:
Fundamentals of Operations Research: This course is an introduction to a range of Operations Research techniques, including: the foundations of linear programming, including the simplex method and duality; queueing theory and birth and death processes; dynamic programming.
Modelling in Operations Research: This course covers simulation and optimisation. Simulation topics include Monte Carlo simulation, Markov processes, discrete event simulation and variance reduction. The Optimisation part studies a range of modern techniques and approaches, including: the modelling life-cycle and modelling environments; formulation of problems using linear and network models, and the solution of such problems with a special-purpose programming language; interpretation of the solutions and the limitations of such models; formulation and solution.
Data Analysis and Statistical Methods: This course studies common techniques of statistical inference (together with theoretical justification). The techniques are then applied to linear and logistic regression and basic time series models. Statistical software R constitutes an integral part of the course and provides hands-on experience of data analysis.
In addition, each participant completes a Project or Dissertation in Operations Research & Analytics. As well as these core elements, students choose two courses from a range of course in Mathematics and Operations Research, including one related to optimization and/or algorithms. They also choose a course in a Management subject.
The structure of the programme is shown below. (You should note that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may require the suspension or withdrawal of an individual course.)
A course of value 0.5 unit typically runs for one of the two main teaching terms. The total 'unit value' of courses taken is 4.0.
Papers 1, 2 & 3 Compulsory:
Paper 1
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MA423 Fundamentals of Operations Research (0.5)
Paper 2
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MA424 Modelling in Operations Research (0.5)
Paper 3
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ST447 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods (0.5)
Paper 4
One course from the following:
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MA427 Mathematical Optimisation (0.5)
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MA428 Combinatorial Optimisation (0.5)
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MA429 Algorithmic Techniques for Data Mining (0.5)
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MA430 Efficient Algorithms for Hard Optimisation Problems (0.5)
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MA407 Algorithms and Computation (0.5)
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MA421 Advanced Algorithms (0.5)
Paper 5
One course from the following:
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MG401 Operations Management (0.5)
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MG403 Pricing Strategy (0.5)
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MG405 Behavioural Decision Science (0.5)
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MG409 Auctions and Game Theory (0.5) *
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MG422 Thinking Strategically (0.5) *
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MG455 Behavioural Decision Science for Management and Policy (0.5)
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MG456 Risk and Decision Analysis for Management and Policy (0.5)
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MG481 Innovating Organisational Information Technology (0.5)
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MG4B3 International Marketing: A Strategic Approach (0.5)
Any other MG4** course, with approval of the Programme Director.
Paper 6
One course from the following:
Another course from the list under Paper 4 above
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MA402 Game Theory I (05) *
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MA408 Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory (0.5)
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MA409 Continuous Time Optimisation (0.5)
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MA410 Information, Communication and Cryptography (0.5)
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MA431 Advanced Topics in Operations Research and Applicable Mathematics (0.5) (n/a 17/18)
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ST409 Stochastic Processes (0.5)
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ST422 Time Series (0.5)
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ST444 Statistical Computing (0.5)
Any other MSc-level course, with approval of the Programme Director and the teacher responsible for the course.
Paper 7
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MA425 Project in Operations Research & Analytics (1.0)
or
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MA426 Dissertation in Operations Research & Analytics (1.0)
Notes:
* Students may only choose one the following three optional courses as part of this programme: MG409, MG422, MA402.
Please note that not all optional courses from papers 4, 5, 6 are available every year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally posess at least an upper second class honours degree in a relevant discipline, including first year university mathematics and statistics course. Appropriate work experience also considered (see entry requirements)
For detailed information about the equivalence of non-UK qualifications, please see information for international students.
English requirements
An IELTS or TOEFL is required if English is not your first language, or you do not have proof of your previous degree being taught in English (see English requirements)
GRE/GMAT requirement: Not mandatory but recommended
Full details regarding entry requirements can be found on the Graduate Admissions pages.
How to Apply
Application procedure Applications are made centrally to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Personal Statement and Supporting Information The personal statement should be 2–3 pages (A4) in length and we recommend including the following information:
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How elements of your background relate to the MSc in Operations Research & Analytics programme
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Reasons/motivation for studying this degree at the LSE
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An explanation for any grades you believe do not accurately reflect your ability
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Information about future plans and how the programme fits in with these plans
Transcripts Please include transcripts of subjects taken in the relevant degrees and copies of all certificates and relevant qualifications mentioned in your application.
References Two academic references are required with the application. If you graduated before January 2013, one academic reference should suffice, plus one professional reference. Seek the advice of Graduate Admissions if you are unsure.
Deadline There is no official application deadline for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible because competition for places is fierce. We are only allowed to make a certain number of offers, and late applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
You can check whether the programme is currently open for applications on this page.
Application code: G2U1
Duration of course: 12 months full-time only
Fee level: £21,576
Financial support: Graduate Support Scheme (see Financial support)
Application deadline: None – rolling admissions
Apply
All applications are processed centrally through the School's Graduate Admissions Office. To make an application and for further information on the application procedure, consult Graduate Admissions.