Choosing your Modules
The text below is an extract from the MSc handbook for students.
Each student should attend lectures on 8 taught modules. In addition, MSc students write a dissertation.
For the Cryptography and Communications programme, the eight taught modules should include the core modules. At the discretion of the Programme Director, the requirement to take a core module may be dropped if a student has already taken an equivalent course at a comparable level as part of their previous studies (in which case the student must take an extra optional module). Recommended optional modules for the MSc of Cryptography and Communications are Applications of Field Theory (MT5485), Computational Number Theory (MT5412), Combinatorics (MT5454), Complexity Theory (MT5413 - 2019/2020) and Principles of Algorithm Design (MT5414 - 2018/2019)
Students on the MSc Mathematics for Applications may choose from the whole range of MT5xxx modules.
A student may also, in agreement with the Programme Director, choose modules from the third year options of the undergraduate degree programme in Mathematics (MT3xxx range), and from the list of MSc modules in Information Security (IY5xxx range). Normally, permission will only be given if the material has not been covered as part of their previous studies. Note that these modules can only be taken as `supplementary' and the marks obtained in such modules cannot be included in the calculation of the degree classification.
All MSc students (but not PgDip students) will do a main project, which is a major piece of independent study. This project work will be undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff. The assessment will be on the basis of a written dissertation; the examiners may also at their discretion require an oral examination. Please refer to the Handbook for more information on the dissertation. The dissertation must be submitted by the first Thursday of September of the calendar year of completion of the written part of the examination by 2pm (14:00).
The final assessment is based on the courses and dissertation listed above.
- 66.7% of the assessment is taken to be the average mark of the six taught modules, which must all be of Masters level.
- 33.3% of the assessment is on the written dissertation.