Overview
Introduction
The degree is designed both for mathematicians who wish to make themselves more marketable by adding computational techniques and the corresponding theory and applications to their knowledge and skills base, and for non-mathematicians with strong quantitative backgrounds who look for training in mathematical methods and theory at MSc level.
Through the programme, you'll learn the mathematical theories behind today’s society, examine their practical implementation, and explore how algorithms and people compete and cooperate in shaping tomorrow's world. You'll take courses with a focus on algorithms, game theory, discrete mathematics, network theory, probability and stochastics, optimisation, and machine learning. In line with the modern world's dependence on computation, you'll also receive training in computational methods using the programming language Python.
The skills and knowledge gained over the programme will open up a wide range of potential careers, including in consultancy, software development, industrial research, finance, and policy. It'll also provide a solid base for further studies at research level. Our students land high-earning roles in firms such as Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and Google, or go on to PhD study.
Preliminary readings
Programming
Students who have no programming experience should acquire some before starting the programme, as otherwise the pre-sessional for the Algorithms and Computation course will be uncomfortably fast-paced. One of the best ways to do this is to use the (free) online system at The Khan Academy
You might want to start with the introductory video, Welcome to computer science
Moving on to working through: Tutorials at The Khan Academy
Algorithms and Computation uses the following book:
R Sedgewick and K Wayne Introduction to Programming in Java, (Pearson, 2008)
Chapter One Explains how to install Java on your computer and get started and comes with the online resources
Working through Sections 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 of and attempting some of the exercises (for example exercise 5 of 1.1, exercise 15 of 1.2, and exercises 27 and 30 of 1.3) will give you an ideal preparation for the course.
Mathematics
Students who feel their mathematical background could be stronger, especially those who have little experience writing formal mathematical proofs or working with abstract concepts, may want to look at one of the following two books before starting the programme.
- P J Eccles An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning: numbers, sets and functions (Cambridge University Press, 1997) - Parts I to IV give a good and very readable text for those wanting to refresh their abstract mathematics skills in general.
- N L Biggs Discrete Mathematics (Oxford University Press, 2002) - this book covers several areas. Chapters 1–7 are good for students who are unsure about their background in abstract mathematics.
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a mathematically-based subject, or a scientific, engineering or social science subject with an excellent mathematics background.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
You'll complete a core course in Algorithms and Computation and choose between a dissertation or a project in mathematics. You'll then select additional courses across a range of mathematics and social science options.
Year 1
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The Department of Mathematics aims to be a leading centre for the study of mathematics in the social sciences.
The department has a vibrant intellectual community, with fantastic students, internationally respected academics and high-achieving alumni. Our department has grown rapidly in recent years, with exciting developments in research and new teaching programmes and courses.
This research encompasses four main overlapping areas:
- discrete mathematics
- mathematical game theory
- financial and related mathematics
- optimisation and algorithms.
All aspects of our research were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021), submitted jointly with the Department of Statistics.
We embrace the School’s ethos of research-led teaching. Currently, we offer four undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes, as well as doctoral research opportunities on our MPhil/PhD in Mathematics. These programmes are all in high demand – attracting talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Our programmes are highly interdisciplinary and we have close ties with other departments at LSE, including Statistics, Economics, Finance, Management and the Data Science Institute.
Whatever your study route, you’ll benefit from a welcoming, inclusive and friendly learning environment where students and staff are supported to achieve their best.
Learn more about our programmes, recent research and regular events and seminars.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
You can also apply for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding when you apply as part of a 1+3 research programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one-year research training master's linked to a three-year PhD. It is designed for students who have not completed an ESRC-recognised programme of research training at MSc level.
To be considered for ESRC funding, you need to supply your application (and any supporting documents) before the funding deadline.
Funding deadline for ESRC funding: 14 January 2026.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans.
Further information
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
Contact hours and independent study
Within your programme you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. Teaching on each half unit lasts for roughly ten weeks, with lectures, and classes or seminars. The average number of taught contact hours is approximately 12 hours per week (depending on the courses chosen). Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide. Lecturers also offer weekly office hours.
You're also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.
Teaching methods
LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.
Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
How you're assessed
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. In addition, you'll undertake a project, equivalent to a full unit, in an appropriate branch of mathematics, and present your work in the form of a dissertation. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
This programme is ideal preparation for a range of careers in industry, finance, government and research. Graduates of the programme have found employment in companies such as Amazon, BlackRock, Credit Suisse, Facebook, Goldman Sachs, Google, KPMG, National Grid and RBS.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.
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