Operational Research

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This course is designed to give a broad foundation in Operational Research (OR), and to provide an understanding of the techniques of OR and develop the skills required to incorporate these techniques in the management decision process.

It provides training in the mathematical and computational foundations of OR and experience in modelling practical decision problems. It covers the solution of these models using existing software packages and teaches the skills needed to implement novel software solutions on conventional or high-performance computers. There is a focus on risk management and computational optimisation, and evolving application areas such as finance, telecommunications, energy and data mining.

Specific named degrees exist for students who follow particular themed pathways. Some of the courses are delivered by industrial, financial and academic specialists from both the UK and abroad.

The study programme is divided into three parts.

* Part 1 covers the core skills of Operational Research. The majority of the core courses are in Semester 1 (S1) from September to December.
* Part 2 gives students the opportunity to tailor their degree by selecting from a broad range of optional courses. These are taught mainly in Semester 2 (S2) from January to March.
* Part 3 begins in June and comprises a three month project on which students base their dissertations. Many projects are done in collaboration with outside organisations.

The length of the programme and its courses are measured in points. The whole programme is 180 points, comprising 70 points of core courses in Part 1, 50 points of optional courses in Part 2 and the 60 point dissertation in Part 3.

IELTS 7.0 (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section)TOEFL-iBT: Total 100 (with no score lower than 20 in each section)Pearson Test of English: 67 (with no score lower than 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections - "Enabling Skills" section scores are not considered)Cambridge CPE Grade BCambridge CAE Grade A English Language Requirements CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A)

If you are from the UK or a EU national, there is substantial general funding from EPSRC, the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) and the School of Mathematics, as well as specific scholarships.

If you are an overseas student (a national of a non UK/EU country), then getting funding is very competitive. Academic excellence and a high degree of English proficiency are necessary, but for some sources of funding you must have at least 3-5 years good work experience.

Up-to-date information on postgraduate scholarships is available from the University of Edinburgh Scholarships and Student Finance Office.

Note that there is no need to apply separately for funding from EPSRC, SAAS and the School of Mathematics. All applicants for the OR MSc Programme are automatically considered for any funding for which they are eligible. This is despite the following statement in the application form: "This does not constitute an application for funding from the University of Edinburgh".