What will I learn on this module?
The project requires you to develop and demonstrate the ability to do research and this is primarily demonstrated through your dissertation. Your dissertation will detail a systematic understanding of Mathematical Modelling and its real life application, a critical awareness of knowledge, a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights into advanced mathematical methods and their importance for professional practice. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to the research topic you have chosen and advanced scholarship. You will also develop skills for carrying out original research in Mathematical Modelling and practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the specific area of interest. You will be trained on how to engage with relevant research articles for your chosen project. You will also learn from seminars in Mathematics that are regularly organised in the department. Importantly, you will learn by 1:1 meetings with your supervisor while working on a topic grounded in the staff research.
Specifically, you will learn how to do the following
1) Conduct a focused literature search of library and web-based materials and critically appraise and analyse the findings.
2) Integrate and/or modify ideas, concepts and theoretical models that have been selectively extracted from scholarly literature.
3) Critically appraise and test the applicability of theoretical models to their researchable topic.
4) Rationalise and defend the key aspects of the work undertaken in the form of a presentation using professional software (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint, Beamer package in LaTex).
(5) Write an original dissertation in an academically acceptable format, which should be theoretically and methodologically linked, paying particular attention to the integration of the literature review, the methodology and the clear and concise presentation of results and conclusions.
How will I learn on this module?
You will implement and evaluate a research project. The project areas, titles and summaries will be proposed by the supervisors and made available to students by the Module Tutor.
On this module you will learn through lectures, workshops and supervisory meetings, however a significant part of the learning on this module will be in your own time through independent learning. You will be expected to take ownership of your own learning and through a process of self-reflection on your own needs, skills and abilities, seek the necessary guidance and personal development required to successfully complete your project. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide you with specialist guidance on your research project throughout the year. As an integral part of the module you are expected to maintain regular contact with your supervisor and to take full responsibility for the management of your research project. You will be required to keep working papers which should include relevant computer output, calculations, comments and other observations. Important landmarks and difficulties should be recorded in a Logbook. This
is important as it facilitates writing up, and is a demonstrable record of progress. Your supervisor will provide written feedback on your computer outputs and up to two draft chapters, highlighting areas for improvement before the final submission of your research project. By applying what you have learnt and by engaging in the process of research itself you will become more self-sufficient as the year progresses and will further develop the key employability skills of time-management, the retrieval and critical application of relevant knowledge and information, effective communication, problem solving and analysis, and the ability to make informed decisions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported in the pursuit of individually based research projects. The supervisors will monitor, evaluate and reflect on the research process, concluding with the production of a dissertation and an oral presentation of the major outcomes of the research..
You will receive regular (weekly) feedback on your project progress through your working papers and computer output from the supervisor.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• Integrate and/or modify ideas, concepts and theoretical models and techniques that have been selectively extracted from scholarly literature (LO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Conduct a focused literature search of library and web-based materials and critically appraise and analyse the findings (LO2)
• Write an original dissertation in an academically acceptable format, which should be theoretically and methodologically linked, paying particular attention to the integration of the literature review, the methodology and the clear and concise presentation of results and conclusions (LO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Develop proficiency and independence in exploiting rigorous Mathematical Modelling techniques to study problems from fluid dynamics, electrodynamics, data science,climate and environmental science, social science (LO4)
• Demonstrate critical enquiry and the ability to learn independently, communicating new knowledge and research findings (LO5)
How will I be assessed?
SUMMATIVE
1. Viva Examination (30%) – LO1, LO4, LO5
2. Written Project (70%) – LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
FORMATIVE
1. Individual Project Supervision weekly sessions.
Students will be assessed by two formal assessments (30% and 70%, respectively, which will cover all topics from the module.
Formative feedback will be provided during individual supervision sessions.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The individual MSc Mathematical Modelling Project constitutes the final part of the MSc, and represents a focus for earlier studies. It is a great opportunity for you to complete an in depth piece of research work on a topic of their choice. Successful completion of the project is an essential requirement for the award of the MSc degree in Mathematical Modelling. Undertaking the project will allow you to develop and demonstrate academic ability to undertake research and practical ability to apply appropriate mathematical theory and practice-based skills and knowledge from definition to modelling and solution of a complex loosely defined problem. This will enable you to develop and prepare for jobs where advanced mathematical modelling knowledge and skills are required, as for example academic research, data science and statistics, climate and environmental impact assessment, engineering, telecommunications, social sciences, informing policy and practice in public and private sectors, and various jobs requiring quantitative dexterity and advanced numeracy .
Course info
Credits 60
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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