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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Mathematics (Pure Mathematics) is no longer accepting new applications.

This course is an application stream for the Master of Advanced Study (MASt) in Mathematics; students should apply to only one of the application streams for this course.

This course, commonly referred to as Part III, is a nine-month taught masters course in mathematics. It is excellent preparation for mathematical research and it is also a valuable course in mathematics and its applications for those who want further training before taking posts in industry, teaching, or research establishments.

Students admitted from outside Cambridge to Part III study towards the Master of Advanced Study (MASt). Students continuing from the Cambridge Mathematical  Tripos for a fourth-year study towards the Master of Mathematics (MMath). The requirements and course structure for Part III are the same for all students irrespective of whether they are studying for the MASt or MMath degree, or whether they applied through the Applied Mathematics (MASA), Pure Mathematics (MASP), Mathematical Statistics (MASS), or Theoretical Physics (MASTH) application stream.

There are around 280 Part III (MASt and MMath) students each year; almost all are in their fourth or fifth year of university studies. Each year the Faculty offers up to 80 lecture courses in Part III, covering an extensive range of pure mathematics, probability, statistics, applied mathematics and theoretical physics. They are designed to cover those advanced parts of the subjects that are not normally covered in a first-degree course, but which are an indispensable preliminary to independent study and research. Students have a wide choice of the combination of courses they take, though naturally, they tend to select groups of cognate courses. Examples classes and associated marking of (unassessed) example sheets are provided as complementary support to lectures.

As a taught masters course, the main emphasis is on lecture courses, and assessment is almost entirely based on written exams, which are normally taken at the end of the academic year starting in the last week of May, alongside a mathematical essay, normally due in early May. The standard graduation dates for successful candidates are usually in June and July.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Part III, students will be expected to have:

  • studied advanced material in the mathematical sciences to a level not normally covered in a first degree;
  • further developed the capacity for independent study of mathematics and problem-solving at a higher level; and
  • undertaken an extended essay normally chosen from a list covering a wide range of topics.

Students are also expected to have acquired general transferable skills relevant to mathematics as outlined in the Faculty Transferable Skills Statement.


Continuing

MASt students wishing to apply for a PhD at Cambridge must apply via the Postgraduate Admissions webpage for readmission by the relevant deadline. Details of entry requirements can be found in the relevant course listings on this site.

Applications to study in either of the Mathematics Departments will be considered on a case-by-case basis and offer of a place will usually include an academic condition based on Part III results.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Details of activities hosted by the Faculty of Mathematics can be found on the Faculty website.


Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

Key Information


9 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Advanced Study

Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Feb. 8, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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