Program Overview

Master's in Mathematics Programme

The Master’s in Mathematics is a two-year programme divided into compulsory courses, elective courses and seminars, and concludes with the Master’s project. You choose whether you do the Master’s project as an internship at a company or as a member of one of the research groups at the university. You can pursue the programme either full-time or, uniquely within the Netherlands, part-time. The start dates are September 1st and February 1st.

Study Paths

The Master has two study paths: Mathematics and Data, and Mathematics and Computation.

• Mathematics and Data is for students interested in data science, statistics, probability and optimisation grounded in a strong mathematical foundation.
• Mathematics and Computation is for students who wish to use their fundamental mathematical skills to solve problems in domains our department is strong at, such as dynamical systems, topology, biomedical applications and discrete structures.

By following a study path, you have a wide variety of courses to choose from, both local and through Mastermath. You have the opportunity to be a member of one of our research groups and participate in its activities. Can’t decide? Don’t worry – you can switch study paths later on, and even mix and match between them.

First Year

All students meet each other at Current Issues in Mathematics. You’ll explore hot topics like the use of LLMs for mathematical proofs, the ethics of AI or sustainability and mathematics.

We also recommend all students to take Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning as this prepares you for your future career, whether that’s in industry, societal organisations or research. Requiring only basic knowledge of linear algebra and statistics, you’ll learn about the most effective machine learning techniques and their theoretical underpinnings.

In addition, you’ll choose two seminars that align with your interests, where you’ll practice giving mathematical presentations and reading research papers in your field.

Finally, you’ll choose electives aligned with your study path.

Mathematics and Data

Summary This study path is for students interested in data science, statistics, probability and optimisation grounded in a strong mathematical foundation. You will study how to transform data into decisions. Important areas of application are in the life sciences, forensic probability and statistics, logistics, the energy and service industries. This study path prepares you well for a broad range of careers, ranging from data science consultant to biostatistician to financial risk modeller to PhD researcher, to name just a few examples.

VU offers wide-ranging expertise in statistics and probability, combining classical theory with modern developments in machine learning and data-driven modelling. Staff expertise includes optimisation, machine learning algorithms, networks, Bayesian statistics, computational neuroscience and much more.

Courses We recommend that you take Statistical Models and Mathematical Optimization, and that you select at least two of the following courses:

• Applied Stochastic Modeling
• Asymptotic Statistics
• Dynamic Programming and Reinforcement Learning
• Entrepreneurship in Analytics and AI
• Measure Theoretic Probability
• Optimization of Business Processes
• Statistical Learning with High-Dimensional Data
• Stochastic Processes

Mathematics and Computation

Summary This study path is for students who wish to use their fundamental mathematical skills to solve problems in domains in which the Mathematics department at VU is strong, including dynamical systems, topology, biomedical applications and discrete structures. You will learn how to convert mathematical results into actionable algorithms.

• Explore analytic tools to describe the dynamics of evolving systems with applications to neuroscience, biomedicine, and fundamental physics.
• Reveal the topological structure hidden in data, networks, protein folding, and in the fascinating world of manifolds and their symmetries.
• Discover discrete structures and their computer formalisation: from graph theory to number theory.

This study path prepares you well for a broad range of careers, ranging from quantitative analyst to computational neuroscientist to scientific software developer to cryptography expert to PhD researcher, to name just a few examples.

Courses We recommend that you select at least two of the following courses:

• Algebraic Topology I
• Dynamical Systems
• Elliptic Curves
• Formal Methods in Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology
• Mathematical Neuroscience
• Partial Differential Equations
• Topological Data Analysis

Second Year

In your second year, you can select electives relating to your interests. The last semester of your second year is dedicated to the Master’s project. This is either a research thesis under the supervision of a staff member, or an external internship at a company or research facility. If you choose an internship, you’ll have an on-location advisor as well as a supervisor from the Department of Mathematics. To complete your Master's project, you’ll write a thesis and present your results in a colloquium.

Career Prospects

A Master’s degree in Mathematics will set you up well for an exciting (international) career. Your analytical mind and problem-solving skills will make you a valuable asset for all kinds of employers.