This programme equips you with a command of numerical accuracy and versatility. You will not only be an all-around mathematician, but also a specialist in either pure or applied mathematics, able to analyse complex mathematical problems, design solutions, supervise their realisation, and communicate mathematical concepts to fellow mathematicians and non-specialists alike.

About the programme:

This master is a research-based master’s programme in which you can specialise in various fields of both pure and applied mathematics.  You are trained to be a mathematician with a broad view on the scientific domain on the one side, and a thorough knowledge of a number of specialised disciplines within mathematics.

You choose one of the two profiles – Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (54 ECTS) – and one of the two options – Research Option or Professional Option (30 ECTS). The Option for Education is only available in the Dutch Master.

The profile allows you to specialise either in pure mathematics (algebra, geometry, analysis), or in applied mathematics (statistics, computational mathematics, fluid dynamics). Researchers in pure mathematics focus on algebraic geometry, group theory, differential geometry, functional analysis, and complex analysis. Researchers in mathematical statistics deal with extreme values, robust statistics, non-parametric statistics, and financial mathematics. Research in the applied mathematics group is in computational fluid dynamics and plasma astrophysics.

There is one common course: Mathematics of the 21st Century (6 ECTS).

To complete the programme, you will carry out a research project that results in a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).

Student profile:

The ideal prospective student has completed at least 90 ECTS of coursework covering: linear algebra, analysis, algebra, geometry, differential equations, statistics, probability and numerical mathematics.

Career perspectives:

Mathematicians are in high demand across the work field. As a graduate mathematician, you can find employment in industry and in the banking, insurance, and IT sectors. There are also openings in academic institutions, government agencies and think tanks, private companies, research centres and industrial companies and departments.  

Many graduates who choose the research option pursue a career in research and start their PhD in mathematics, mathematical physics, astrophysics, engineering, or related fields.

Career support:

Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience, but also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews. 

Entrepreneurship:

For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.

Our alumni network:

As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 290 000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect.

Why KU Leuven:

KU Leuven is one of Europe’s highest-ranked and most renowned universities. It boasts a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education. But KU Leuven has quite a few other strengths as well.