About this course
World Top 40 and 7th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
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 ...
The module provides an introduction to the use of spreadsheets, databases and R for modelling in Operational Research.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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:
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...
The module will start by defining the concept of data analytics and demonstrating the processes in three steps: data pre-processing, data mining and post-processing. Next, we will zoom into the data mining step and distinguish three types of data mining:...
Welcome to the Data Visualisation module! In this course, you would learn about the terminology, concepts and techniques behind visualising data, and will get to use a range of tools to get experience of creating visual representations of data. You will g...
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...
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...
The module will introduce students to time series models and associated forecasting methods.
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...
This module addresses the inter-related activities of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured organisational problems. Such activities are often classed as problem structuring activities, and they can be contrasted with activities...
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...
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 £21,000.
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
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, 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.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
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