About this course

Explore cutting-edge research techniques and advanced mathematical methods. On this integrated master's degree, you'll learn to model, analyse and solve real-world problems in business and industry. You’ll develop advanced analytical and quantitative skills, and study topics such as optimisation and modelling. Southampton is one of the few places in the UK to offer this MMORSE degree.
Your A level results will determine which core or compulsory modules you'll need to take.
This 4-year Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) degree is a broad, business-oriented integrated master's.
The course is similar to the BSc MORSE for the first 3 years, then introduces more challenging concepts such as game theory, data mining and survival analysis.
This course will develop your abilities in:


problem-solving
logical argument
deductive reasoning
abstraction
generalisationIt is ideal for students pursuing a career as a:


mathematician
operational researcher
statistician
economistYou’ll also have the flexibility to specialise in an area of your choice for your research project.
As part of this course you can:


discover a range of mathematical techniques, such as graphical networks, cost models, decision processes and statistical modelling
solve real-world problems using mathematics and other skills
use our student centre, a dedicated learning and social space for maths students
explore mathematical and computational packages such as Python and the statistics package 'R'We'll teach you through a combination of lectures and workshops. Our staff are leading researchers in fields like game theory, healthcare modelling and experiment design.

Entry requirements

For Academic year 2024/25

A-levelsAAA or AABB including Mathematics (grade A)
A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

If an additional Mathematics qualification (STEP grade 2/MAT/TMUA) is taken alongside three A-levels then the offer will be AAB including Mathematics (grade A). We accept any of the three STEP papers. For more details about the STEP and TMUA papers see the Admissions Testing Service Website.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Mathematics (grade A) and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. The contextual offer for this programme is AAB including A in Maths.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 points from Higher Level Mathematics (Preferred Mathematics module is Analysis and Approaches, but Applications and Interpretation also considered)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTECD in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics 

DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics 

We do not accept BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.
RQF BTECWe are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional informationApplicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year 
QCF BTECD in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA from two A levels including Mathematics 

DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A in A level Mathematics 

We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer would be DDD plus A in A level Mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Course structure

You'll study a wide range of modules from:


mathematics
operational research
statistics
economics
business

The course has a flexible structure, so you can focus on one of these areas or develop your skills in many.
In the first 2 years you'll learn core concepts and practical aspects of statistics. The third year gives you a wider variety of options to choose from. In the fourth year you will complete a research project over the whole year.
You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

You'll cover maths fundamentals, such as linear algebra and calculus, and discover statistics and operational research.
While you may already be familiar with calculus, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the underlying ideas.
Linear algebra teaches you how to accurately use vectors and matrices.
Alongside these topics, you'll study both micro and macroeconomics, and begin your journey into business and finance.

Year 2 overview

You’ll continue to study core topics from mathematics, such as differential equations. You'll also learn more about statistics, including statistical distributions and modelling.
Modules will cover:


econometrics
operational research
resource and time management in complex, multi-task projects
game theory

Optional modules allow you to follow a specific interest. For example, you can choose to study financial mathematics and learn how:


compound interest theory applies to mortgages and loans
securities are evaluated
investment projects are appraised

Year 3 overview

In your final year, you’ll learn about the mathematical programming techniques of convex optimisation and integer programming.
You’ll complete a project, choosing from:


Maths and your Future: working in small teams to analyse data and apply your mathematical learning to a real-life problem
Mathematical Investigation and Communication: applying your modelling and computation skills, your knowledge of game theory, or your economic skills

You'll also choose from a range of optional modules. These include topics such as:


Galois theory
simulation and queues
Hilbert spaces
marketing analysis
project management

Year 4 overview

In your final year, you'll do a year-long research project on a topic of your choice. A supervisor will support your study.
You can also take advanced specialist modules in areas of study that interest you. You could extend your knowledge of operational research and game theory, by choosing topics in:


management
corporate finance
risk management

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.