Mathematics (Theoretical Physics) MASt

This course is an application stream for the Master of Advanced Study (MASt) in Mathematics; students should apply to only one of the four application streams for the MASt (Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, or Theoretical Physics).

This course, commonly referred to as Part III, is a nine-month taught masters course in mathematics. It is excellent preparation for mathematical research and it is also a valuable course in mathematics and its applications for those who want further training before taking posts in industry, teaching, or research establishments.

Students admitted from outside Cambridge to the Part III are admitted to the Master of Advanced Study (MASt). Cambridge students continuing from the Cambridge Mathematical Tripos for a fourth-year are admitted to the Master of Mathematics (MMath). The requirements and course structure for MASt and the MMath are the same. Cambridge students interested in the MMath should refer to this page for more information.

There are around 280 Part III (MASt and MMath) students each year; almost all are in their fourth or fifth year of university studies. Each year the Faculty offers up to 80 lecture courses in Part III, covering an extensive range of pure mathematics, probability, statistics, applied mathematics and theoretical physics. They are designed to cover those advanced parts of the subjects that are not normally covered in a first-degree course, but which are an indispensable preliminary to independent study and research. Students have a wide choice of the combination of courses they take, though naturally, they tend to select groups of cognate courses. Examples classes and associated marking of (unassessed) example sheets are provided as complementary support to lectures.

As a taught masters course, the main emphasis is on lecture courses, and assessment is almost entirely based on written exams, which are taken at the end of the academic year starting in the last week of May, alongside a mathematical essay, normally due in early May. The standard graduation dates for successful candidates are usually in June and July.

Learning Outcomes
After completing the MASt, students will be expected to have:

studied advanced material in the mathematical sciences to a level not normally covered in a first degree;

further developed the capacity for independent study of mathematics and problem-solving at a higher level; and

undertaken an extended essay normally chosen from a list covering a wide range of topics.

Students are also expected to have acquired general transferable skills relevant to mathematics as outlined in the Faculty Transferable Skills Statement.

Continuing
MASt students wishing to apply for a PhD at Cambridge must apply via the Postgraduate Admissions webpage for readmission by the relevant deadline. Details of entry requirements can be found in the relevant course listings on this site.

Applications to study in either of the Mathematics Departments will be considered on a case-by-case basis and offer of a place will usually include an academic condition based on Part III results.