The Masters course

The Masters course provides the student with a scientific education in depth, and develops the capability of independent scientific work. The degree is the "Master of Science in Mathematics" (MSc). 90 credit points (modules) are needed to obtain the degree. The recommended duration of the course is 3 semesters.

In the Masters course, substantial emphasis is placed upon a Masters thesis, requiring about 2 semesters of work, in the form of a research dissertation of a high scientific standard.

The MSc in mathematics is the qualification necessary for academic mathematical careers, and forms the scientific basis for a career as gymnasial teacher.

The Masters degree in mathematics can include a minor subject, requiring 30 credit points. The 30 credit points are on top of the 90 achieved in the major. 

Masters thesis

The Masters degree carries a grade. The grade is the average of the marks obtained in the individual modules as well as the Masters thesis, weighted according to their credit points. The marks for major and minor subjects appear separately on the certificate. The weighted average is rounded up to the next 1/10 of a mark. Students must send an application to the Dean of Studies in order to obtain the degree. The necessary documents are listed in the "Merkblatt Masterarbeit und Masterprüfung". If all the conditions have been met, and if the application is made more than 3 weeks before a faculty meeting, the degree will be awarded at that meeting; otherwise, at the next one.

Detailed information is to be found in the "Studienordnung" for studying in the Bachelor and Master programs at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Zurich from July 1, 2015 and in the "Wegleitung for the study of mathematics".

Master's thesis topics

Possible topics for a Master's thesis are dynamic and very individual, which is why it is difficult to specify a list of open Master's thesis topics. In the search for a suitable Master's thesis, we therefore recommend that you get in touch with one or a possible lecturer at the beginning of the Master's program. It is best to make an appointment for an initial interview, in which the topic of the Master's thesis may already be agreed upon. Once the topic is clear, you should also discuss the meaningful familiarization with the area. The preconditions which the individual lecturers place on their students are published from time to time in the Bulletin of the Fachvereins Mathematik or can be accessed via the homepage of the lecturer.