Mathematics: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

Mathematics is a versatile discipline which plays an essential role in other sciences ranging from physics, biology, and computer science to economics and psychology. The Master’s programnme in Mathematics is an allround programme covering virtually every branch of modern mathematics, but with an emphasis on topics that can be applied in business and science. The Master’s programme will open up many opportunities in diverse fields, and will assure a first class training in analytical and quantitative methods to solve the next generation’s problems from science, technology and finance.

The programme offers a wide variety of courses spanning modern mathematics, covering

• Probability theory
• Stochastic processes
• Applied analysis and differential equations
• Topology
• Financial mathematics
• Biostatistics
• Algebra

Students have much freedom to choose the suite of courses that best fits their interests.

Career prospects

Mathematicians are to be found in industry, banking, technology, consultancy, service organizations and many other segments of the labour market. Your analytical training and your problem-solving skills will give you a head start in a great many work situations, even those in which your specialist knowledge may initially seem less relevant.
Mathematics is not a vocational course: it is so broad that your opportunities are almost limitless. One of their graduates now works in financial modelling at ABN AMRO and is in charge of an entire department. Another is employed in the Cryptography Section of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Other potential careers include:

• quantitative analyst
• risk analyst
• consultant
• corporate or institutional researcher, usually in a technical or financial environment
• lecturer

Admission requirements

Direct admission to the Master's programme in Mathematics is possible with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Engineering Mathematics from a university in the Netherlands. If you have a Bachelor's degree in another subject from a university or institute of higher education in the Netherlands or elsewhere, the Examination Board may set additional requirements.

Entrants from higher vocational education (HBO)

Holders of an HBO certificate generally have to follow a large part of the Bachelor's programme before they can be admitted to the Master's programme in Mathematics. An exception exists for students of hogeschool Windesheim who have attended a minor at VU University. They can be admitted to a special education variant of the Master's programme.

Language requirements

Foreign students for whom English is not the first language are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or they must obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to VU University Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the Examination Board can take these factors into consideration.

Admission of Chinese students

Chinese students are required to contact the Netherlands Education Support Office (NESO) in Beijing about certification of their diplomas and English language test (IELTS). This regulation applies to all students with the Chinese nationality who are not living in the Netherlands.