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University of Bergen

Mathematics, Master's, 2 years

Mathematics is an extraordinary rich and rapidly evolving subject. It is the finest tool for thought that we humans have at our disposition. It is used everywhere to model scientific, technological and large scale societal activities. It is also the most fascinating and beautiful subject to investigate in itself. Modern technology is unthinkable without mathematics. And knowledge of maths is necessary to make informed choices about almost any aspect of modern society.
  • TuitionFor non eu/eea citizens
  • Years2 Years
  • Intake6
  • Grade requirementsMinimum C
  • LanguageEnglish
  • ECTS120
  • StartAutumn and Spring

Main content

Mathematical knowledge is in demand in the job market, such as telecommunications and Informatics, oil related business, management, finance and insurance and education. 

The Master's Programme in Mathematics will qualify you for research, development and teaching, as well as employment in the many sectors where mathematical knowledge is needed. You will be taught by top, internationally renowned researchers. 

Within the Master's Programme, you can choose among the following specialisations, mirroring the four main research groups within pure Mathematics: 

(* studieretninger *)

Career

The Master's programme in Mathematics qualifies you for research, development and teaching.  

Our graduates also work in: 

  • telecommunications and informatics  
  • oil related business 
  • management, finance and insurance 
  • Education 

7 out of 10 of alumni with a degree from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating.   

A master’s degree is a qualification for continued research, for instance by pursuing a PhD.   

Structure

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn and spring.    

The first year you follow courses worth 60 ECTS. Courses, schedules and study plans depend on your specialisation.   

 We offer specialisation in:  

(* studieretninger *)

The second year is devoted to working with your master's thesis, worth 60 ECTS.   

Alternatively, you can choose a 30 ECTS thesis, and follow courses worth 90 ECTS.  

Academic life

Department of Mathematics is in the Science Building on the University’s city centre campus. Our social environment is friendly and informal, with students and staff from around the world. 

As a master’s student, you get your own desk in a reading room together with the other MA students 

During the two years of the programme, you follow courses or special topics and write a thesis. Some of the courses are mandatory within the specialisations, while the other courses are chosen in agreement with your academic supervisor.  

The courses are usually based around lectures and groups, around 14 hours per week. Find more details on courses, schedules and literature on the specialisation pages.  

You can choose between a 30 ECTS thesis or a 60 ECTS thesis. 

Your master’s thesis is a piece of independent research, where you make use of appropriate methods and scientific working techniques in the research of relevant material. With research-based literature as a starting point, you will get an overview of a specific field, and/or find new angles and results within your chosen field.  

You will work closely with an academic supervisor whose expertise is in the field of your thesis topic. In agreement with your supervisor, you will choose a thesis topic and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project.  

What will I learn

 With a master’s degree in Mathematics, you will: 

  • have a thorough knowledge of mathematics. You can relate general and abstract concepts and methods to real calculations and applications. 
  • have extensive experience in problem solving and a knowledge of strategies for combining different methods. 
  • have insight into the most important structures in the discipline, and be able to explain the basic theory of these structures. 

Study period abroad

You can spend your first or second semester as an exchange student at one of our partner universities.  

Admission requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Mathematics you need a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics or the like. You must hold a minimum of 80 ECTS in relevant courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Algebra, Real Analysis, Functions of several Variables, and at least two of Complex Functions, Commutative Algebra, Topology, and Manifolds. 

Your last Mathematics course should not be older than 10 years.

It is important to document the content and learning outcomes of the central mathematics subjects, either with attached course descriptions or with links to web pages where course descriptions can be found.

Based on your previous knowledge in Mathematics, you can qualify for one or more of our four specializations: 

  • Mathematical Analysis: require a minimum of 10 ECTS in Complex Functions, Topology or Functional Analysis as part of your bachelor’s degree
  • Topology: require a minimum of 10 ECTS in Topology or Manifolds
  • Algebra: require a minimum of 10 ECTS in Commutative Algebra, Manifolds, or Algebraic Structures
  • Algebraic Geometry: require a minimum of 10 ECTS in Commutative Algebra + 10 ECTS in Topology or Manifolds

Please indicate in your Letter of motivation which specialization(s) you are interested in. 

How to apply

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

The programme has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission. The spring admission does not apply for applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.