Master of Mathematics
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 7,518 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* non-EEA / EEA: €1,116
Introduction
Master of Mathematics program 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 analyze complex mathematical problems, design solutions, supervise their realization, and communicate mathematical concepts to fellow mathematicians and non-specialists alike.
This master's is a research-based master’s program in which you can specialize in various fields of both pure and applied mathematics. You are trained to be a mathematician with a broad view of the scientific domain on the one side, and a thorough knowledge of a number of specialized disciplines within mathematics.
Curriculum
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 specialize 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 program, you will carry out a research project that results in a master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
Pure Mathematics: Core Courses
- Pure Mathematics: Core Courses
- Algebraic Geometry I
- Commutative Algebra
- Group Theory
- Functional Analysis
- Differential Geometry
- Probability and Measure
Applied Mathematics: Core Courses
- Optimization
- Computational Methods for Astrophysical Applications
- Introduction to Plasma Dynamics
- Numerical Simulation of Differential Equations
- Fundamentals of Financial Mathematics
- Statistical Tools for Quantitative Risk Management
- Advanced Nonparametric Statistics and Smoothing
- Waves and Instabilities
- Robust Statistics
Ideal Students
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 Opportunities
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.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Program Leaders
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.