Master's Programme in Mathematics
The Master's programme in Mathematics is a joint initiative by the Departments of Mathematics at Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). It is a two-year programme at the advanced level and leads to a joint master's degree in mathematics from Stockholm University and KTH.
Mathematics, together with astronomy, is one of the oldest sciences, and is more important now than ever before. New methods are developed continuously, and old problems are solved. Mathematics is a critical element in the development of society: with mathematics it is possible to calculate planetary orbits, to describe the growth of the world population, and to predict the melting pattern of the Arctic glaciers. Mathematical education is applicable in all fields where advanced mathematical methods are used. Examples include numerical calculations in technology and natural sciences, estimation of probability, price setting in the financial sector and the development of algorithms used to ensure secure transfer of data.
Purpose and Content
The programme is meant to provide a strong background in the mathematical sciences. It prepares you for PhD studies (e.g. at KTH or SU) in mathematics or related subjects, and for research and development in the industry and business sectors.
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Programme overview
This two year programme is organized into three different course blocks and one master's thesis. Blocks are read in parallel and each block corresponds to one semester of studies.
The basic block gives a broad competence in mathematics at the advanced level, with courses in each of algebra and geometry, analysis, topology and discrete mathematics.
In the profile block, you choose 30 credit's worth of courses in mathematics on the advanced level. These courses are chosen freely, and this is where you specialise and prepare for the master's thesis.
The broadening block comprises mandatory courses in science theory, communication of mathematics and 15 credits of optional courses that can be chosen without condition on subject or level.
Master courses in mathematics are generally given at a 25% pace, stretching over the whole semester, with one lecture per week.
Year 1
First semester
Usually the first semester comprises the following courses.
SF2743 Advanced Real Analysis I
MM7020 Mathematical communication
If you are taking separate courses rather than the programme, you cannot apply for SF2743 which is the KTH version of the course, but you can instead apply for the SU version with the same name and code MM7046.
Second semester
AK2030 Theory and Methodology of Science (Natural and Technological Science), 4.5 credits
SA2001 Sustainable development and research methodology in mathematics, 3.0 credits
Otherwise, the second semester depends on your choice of courses. You must include a course in discrete mathematics, either Graph Theory, Number Theory of Enumerative Combinatorics, but when you take it depends on which one you choose.
List of jointly organised programme courses
Year 2
Third semester
Depends on you choice of courses, should include a course in discrete mathematics if you have not taken one already.
List of jointly organised programme courses
Fourth semester
During the fourth semester you write your degree project.
Independent project
The final component of your studies is the degree thesis where you indepentently plan, execute and report your own research project, supervised by one of our researchers.
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How to apply
You apply to this programme via Universityadmissions.se.
See Stockholm University's step-by-step guide on how to apply
Two application rounds
You can apply for this programme in both the international application round and the national application round.
The international application round is suitable for all students and is open from the middle of October to the middle of January.
The national application round (mid-March to mid-April) is only suitable for students who will not need a residence permit to study in Sweden, since admissions results are posted in late July which is usually too late to get a residence permit before the autumn semester starts.
See dates and deadlines at Universityadmissions.se
Information for students at KTH
If you are already a student at KTH, taking a programme where you can choose to continue to the master's programme in mathematics, you apply via KTH instead. You should receive information from KTH on how to apply.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this programme you need a Bachelor's Degree corresponding to at least 180 ECTS, including courses in abstract algebra and foundations of analysis, see details under "Required supporting documentation". You also need the equivalent of Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.
Tuition fees
Please note that applicants outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay an application fee in order for the application to be processed. In most cases such students will also need to pay tuition fees to study in Sweden. You can find information about scholarships under "More information".
Information about tuition fees and application fees
Required supporting documentation
On universityadmissions.se, you can find information about required documentation. Also attach the following documents in your application (details follow the bullet point summary):
- A letter of intent
- A filled copy of the Summary form found below, including specifically:
- Information about the relevant higher education qualifications
- The mathematics courses you have already taken, are currently taking or are due to take
- Specification on how you meet the specific eligibility requirements
- Contact details of potential academic references
- A copy of your bachelor thesis (if your studies included one)
Summary form Master's Programme in Mathematics SU-KTH (pdf) (251 Kb)
A letter of intent of at most one A4 page
This letter should be written in English and should address the following questions:
- What drives your motivation? What are your favorite subjects of mathematics? Do you have a favorite theorem you feel passionate about?
- Why are you interested in the program? What are your reasons for choosing it? Why do you want to undertake postgraduate study at this point in your academic or professional career?
- How will the course benefit your future career plans? What do you hope to achieve with your degree? How would this program prepare you for the future you envision for yourself?
Information about the relevant higher education qualifications
In addition to filling out the list of mathematics courses in the summary form, you must submit complete transcripts from your university-level studies (current or completed) including translations if not in English.
Specification on how you meet the specific eligibility requirements
Knowledge equivalent to to the following two courses is a specific requirement:
Mathematics III - Abstract Algebra, MM5020 (at KTH called Groups and rings, SF1678)
Mathematics III - Foundation of mathematical analysis, MM5021 (at KTH called Foundations of analysis, SF1677)Or equivalent to the books "Principles of mathematical analysis" by W. Rudin and "Abstract Algebra", 3rd Edition by D.S. Dummit and R.M. Foote.
Please indicate in the summary form which courses in your bachelor’s degree that (possibly together) cover the contents of the courses listed above, and add the syllabuses of those courses (in the form of PDF files, not links).
Academic references
In the summary form, provide the names and contact details of two people who can act as academic references in support of your application upon request. An academic reference could be from, for example
- A personal tutor or former teacher in case you are currently studying (or have recently finished studying in the last 3 years).
- Any academic referee from your previous studies if you have not recently studied (more than 3 years ago), or if not possible, a person who can testify to your academic ability in a formal context.
A copy of your bachelor thesis (if your studies include one)
Include a brief summary if it is written in a language other than English or Swedish. If you are in the process of writing your thesis, you may include a draft.
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More information
General information for those applying to, or studying at, the Department of Mathematics:
New student
During your studiesSome additional information about the programme can be found on a separate page on the website of Stockholm Mathematics Centre (SMC):
Master's Degree Programme in Mathematics
Scholarships
You may be able to apply for scholarships for this programme:
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Contact
If you have questions about the programme, please contact master@math-stockholm.se.
See also:
