About this course

Develop the analytical skills for success in business and industry on this Operational Research MSc at the University of Southampton. You’ll work with multinational organisations on real-life case studies as you develop the knowledge to solve complex challenges. Prepare for a rewarding career in industry or research.

Operational Research is the application of scientific methods to the study of complex organisational problems.

As an operational researcher, you’ll play an important role in business and industry, providing analytics and guidance to management teams. If you’re good at maths, enjoy problem-solving and have strong communication skills, this could be a rewarding area for you.

On this UK master’s course you’ll learn the key skills and knowledge to provide effective solutions to organisational issues.

You’ll study topics such as revenue management and forecasting, and learn techniques to improve organisational efficiency and productivity.

You’ll work closely with industry throughout, and have the chance to develop your research skills in a commercial setting as you work on your dissertation over the summer. Our industrial liaison team will help you find a project that suits your skills and career plans.

On this course you’ll learn:

the mathematical, computational and communication skills needed for the practical application of operational research
an appreciation of related disciplines important in operational research
how to use operational research tools in a wide range of applications
research methods and current issues in operational research

You’ll also benefit from regular seminars featuring guest speakers from a wide range of organisations.

The part-time study option for this course is not running in the 2020 to 2021 academic year.

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Hou-Duo Qi, Professor of Optimization within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on matrix optimisation with applications in finance and statistics. Read Dr Qi’s staff profile to find out more about his work.

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the programme specification

The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.

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Download 2021-22 programme specification

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2: 1 degree in a subject with some quantitative training, such as:

computer science
economics
engineering
mathematics
physics
statistics

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Your studies on the full-time course will last 12 months, from September to the following September.

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.

Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the remainder of the course, you’ll work independently on your research project and dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Analytical Consultancy Skills

The first case study is run by a company over one day and focuses on the modelling of a problem that is of current interest. The second case study runs over four days and requires a complex problem to be solved. The techniques used to tackle the problems ...

Data Analytics

The module provides an introduction to the use of spreadsheets, databases and R for modelling in Operational Research.

Deterministic OR Methods

This module aims to introduce the student to the main deterministic techniques that are used in operational research, namely linear and integer programming, dynamic programming, machine scheduling, project networks, and heuristics. The process of modellin...

Introduction to Python

This module aims to teach students the fundamentals of writing structured computer programs, applicable using any high level programming language. However, students will be shown the special features of Python that makes this language especially useful fo...

Presenting Reports

This is a self-study module that aims to develop the skills required for researching, writing and presenting a report on some aspect of Operational Research/Data and Decision Analytics.

Problem Structuring

This module introduces you to the inter-related issues of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured problems in an effective manner. Problems which present in a well-structured form are the exception rather than the rule. Most pro...

Project

Students are allocated a project with an external organisation or on a topic devised by a member of staff in the Operational Research or Management Sciences group at the University of Southampton.

Statistical Methods for OR Modelling

The main aim of the module is to provide the students with necessary knowledge of statistics and stochastic processes to carry out simple statistical procedures and to be able to develop simulation and other models widely employed in OR. The model is spli...

Stochastic OR Methods

The Stochastic OR Techniques part introduces the concepts and applications of the following four topics: queuing systems, inventory systems, reliability theory and decision theory. Models and examples are also given to demonstrate applications of the topi...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Computer-based statistical modelling

The aim of the course is to provide a modern view of computer-based data analysis, from the statistical point of view. The course is intended for students with a solid basic background in probability, statistical methods, and computing, and who aim to bu...

Credit Scoring and Data Mining

The module will start by defining the concept of Knowledge Discovery in Data (KDD) as consisting of three steps: data pre-processing, data mining and post-processing. Next, we will zoom into the data mining step and distinguish two types of data mining: ...

Financial Portfolio Theory

The module aims to introduce the students to the basics of portfolio theory. Beginning with a summary of the reasons why both private investors and large institutional investors might wish to own share portfolios, the module progresses to consider how ris...

Flexible Regression

This module will introduce and develop flexible statistical modelling methods that allow for general and complex forms of data to be modelled, extending ideas already encountered in earlier modules on linear and/or generalised linear modelling. The two ma...

Forecasting

The module will introduce students to time series models and associated forecasting methods.

Integrated Logistics

Logistics studies the optimal planning and control of materials, information, and cash-flows through the processes of transformation, transportation, and storage within a system. Integrated logistics studies the management of the logistics across multipl...

Nonlinear Optimisation

Nonlinear programming is used in a variety of applications, ranging from machine learning and data science to finance and engineering. This course provides an introduction to nonlinear programming and covers modelling techniques as well as solution algori...

Project Management

The global and rapid growth of managing by projects in every sector, industry, and company type has led to the development of pan-sector theories and bodies of knowledge in project management. This module aims to familiarise you with the specific nature o...

Revenue Management

The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of Revenue Management

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
guest speakers
computer workshops
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

coursework
a dissertation
essays
individual and group projects
written exams

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a dissertation on a topic in operational research, working with an industry partner or a member of academic staff.

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show specialist knowledge of a particular area of operational research.

You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Careers

With this degree you’ll be ready to work as an operational researcher or operational research analyst in a range of organisations.

Industries you could go into include:

government
defence
financial services
health
manufacturing
oil
transport and travel

Throughout the course you’ll have opportunities to network with companies such as:

Shell
British Airways
AA
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
HM Revenue & Customs

You’ll also be in a great position to continue your researches at PhD level.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £19,850.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.

Application deadlines

UK students

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.