How does a bank check whether your digital signature is a valid one? Do planets move in stable orbits or will they eventually collide? How can a 3D-sphere within the 3D-figures be characterized?
The mathematics behind these questions is dealt with within your
Master's degree programme.
Our Master’s programme consists of five internationally
acclaimed research groups involving 30 mathematical researchers.
During your two-year Master’s programme, you will be embedded
in one of these research groups and can choose from five
mathematical fields.
In addition to gaining specialised knowledge,, you will learn how
to solve a problem by using abstraction and modelling and to find
scientific literature on the subject. You will be able to determine
whether the problem can be solved by using existing mathematical
theory or whether new theory should be developed. Finally, you will
learn how to present mathematical results in written and oral form,
for both specialised and general audiences.
Specializations
The Master's degree programme in Mathematics offers five
specializations:
In addition to these specializations, you can also follow the Science, Business and Policy track.
This is a 2-year Master's programme, that consists of 120 ECTS (60 ECTS per year). The programme is built up as follows:
1) 15 ECTS mandatory courses
2) ≥25 ECTS from one specialization 3) ≤30 ECTS Electives (from other specializations, Mastermath, etc.) 4) 50 ECTS MSc Research Project
You also have the option to follow an MSc Mathematics open
degree programme. In that case, the programme is built up as
follows:
- Mathematics and its environment
- Student Colloquium
- Research Seminar in Mathematics
2) ≥25 ECTS from a selection of courses from MSc Mathematics
specializations
3) 50 ECTS MSc Research Project
| Programme options |
|---|
| Mathematics and Complex Dynamical Systems (specialization) Do you want to deepen your knowledge in pure mathematics? And, are you interested in the science of complexity and how a dynamical systems point of view gives the tools to understand complex phenomena? In this specialization you will learn how to model and qualitatively analyse the dynamics of complex systems; how to describe the geometry of high-dimensional spaces and study their properties; and how advanced mathematics applies in the study of problems in physics, chemistry, and biology. More information about the research questions that motivate the topics in this specialization can be found at the webpages of the following research groups:
For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66980-5533 |
| Geometry and Topology (specialization) More information: |
| Mathematical Physics (specialization) More information: |
| Number Theory and Algebraic Geometry (specialization) More information: |
| Probability and Discrete Mathematics (specialization) More information: |
| Science, Business and Policy (track) Interested in the business side of science? You can combine one of the above tracks with the Science Business & Policy profile. The SBP profile includes a six-month internship as a scientific advisor. For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66980-5534 |
Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Applied Mathematics | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A Dutch bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics gives direct acces. In case of other bachelor's or master's degrees, the board of admission will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge. A special pre-master programme is available for holders of a relevant Dutch HBO Bachelor's degree. In case you have a Dutch bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics which is not obtained at the University of Groningen, or a relevant Dutch HBO bachelor's degree, please contact the academic advisor. Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is also published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission |
| other admission requirements |
BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:
Application - Decision:
1 December – 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The admissions board determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied. |
| additional subject |
The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge. |
| knowledge minimum |
BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
| language test |
MAKE SURE TO VISIT https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores. |
| other admission requirements |
BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. SCHOLARSHIPS In cooperation with major national and international companies we welcome students with several scholarships ASML Scholarship: ASML is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. The €5000 p/y scholarship is awarded every year to 25 exceptional students, who get the chance to become a Technology Ambassador within their scholarship period. More information can be found here: https://www.asml.com/en/careers/students-graduates |
The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don’t wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master’s programme (for a start on 1 September).
If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:
Application - Decision:
1 December – 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 October 2025 | 01 February 2026 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 24200 | full-time |
Practical information for:
A Master's degree in Mathematics opens up many job opportunities. During your Master's programme you will learn to think in a logical and systematic way. These qualities are highly appreciated by employers. Students of our Master programme have found employment at banks, insurance companies, the consultancy branch and research and development departments of companies like Philips, Unilever, TNO, Gasunie, Ericsson and CGI.
With a Master's degree in Mathematics you can also pursue a scientific career as a PhD student at a university. This means working for four years on a research project and writing a thesis. After successfully defending this thesis, you will be awarded a PhD degree. Afterwards you can continue your career at a university or start a higher-level career in a company.
You will conduct a large research project in the second year of this Master's programme. This project will give you the opportunity to specialize further in one of the five specializations. During your research project you will be supervised by staff members who are experts in one of these areas
The Master's programme in Mathematics is closely linked to the Bernoulli Institute. Its mission is to perform outstanding academic research and teaching in Mathematics, Computing Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
The main goal of the institute is to perform research at a high international level, leading to publications in international scientific journals and a steady stream of highly qualified researchers (at PhD level). The intended audience consists of the academic research community on one hand and social and professional practice (e.g. industry, hospitals and administration) on the other hand. The Institute aims to provide an attractive research environment for graduate students by maintaining a modern infrastructure and by appointing highly competent and active scientific staff members.
I feel like I am part of a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about mathematics
Marit van Straaten - Student of the MSc Mathematics
As a Bachelor's student in Mathematics at the University of Groningen, I had a great experience studying the subject and wanted to continue my education with a Master's degree in Mathematics. As for my current specialization I chose Number Theory and Algebraic Geometry, as I enjoyed studying algebraic geometry during my Bachelor's thesis. Additionally, I enjoyed the freedom to choose my courses and dive deeper into a particular topic.
One of the things I like most about the programme is the atmosphere and the way the courses are given. I feel like I am part of a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about mathematics. Although the workload is higher than in my Bachelor's degree, I am enjoying the challenge and learning a lot.
After completing my Master's degree, I plan to either pursue a PhD or look for a job in a technical company or the government, where I can contribute something valuable. I feel like this programme provides a strong foundation for either career path by teaching me how to think in an advanced mathematical way and be independent.The ability to grasp abstract concepts, think creatively, and analyze problems is a great foundation for any future career.
Overall, the most valuable thing I have learned from studying this programme is that I am capable of doing more than I thought I could. I have also developed a greater appreciation for the research process and the satisfaction that comes with exploring a topic in-depth. I am most looking forward to starting my Master's thesis project and seeing what new things I will learn along the way.
