Overview
The Master of Science in Applied Mathematics is a two-year, 120 ECTS program designed to prepare students to become professional applied mathematicians with advanced theoretical, computational, and research skills.

The program combines advanced mathematics with scientific computing, numerical simulation, statistical learning, data analysis, and mathematical modelling, enabling students to apply mathematical methods to complex problems in science, engineering, technology, finance, and other quantitative fields.

Students build a strong foundation through core courses in Measure Theory and Applications, Scientific Computing, Statistical Learning, and Research Seminar, while a broad selection of electives allows them to develop expertise in areas such as optimization, operations research, probability, numerical methods, mathematical biology, stochastic analysis, partial differential equations, and advanced analysis.

The program places a strong emphasis on research. Students develop a thesis proposal, undertake independent research, and complete a 30 ECTS Master's thesis, preparing them for research-intensive careers and further doctoral study.
General information
  • Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
  • Language: English
  • Delivery mode: Full-time, on-campus
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Total ECTS credits: 120
Program Aims
  1. To empower academics, researchers and tertiary sector educators in applied mathematics to be the drivers of industrial and educational reform in Kazakhstan.
  2. To facilitate research activities, increase research productivity and impact, and, hence, promote scholarship of mathematics faculty, with the support from graduate students.
  3. To foster interdisciplinary research within the Mathematics Department, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, and beyond.
  4. To bridge the gaps between mathematical sciences, engineering, and other areas.
  5. To provide instructions on more focused areas required by advanced mathematicians and by non-mathematical graduate programs.
  6. To prepare future academics and researchers for careers in research medical, and governmental research and industrial organizations and agencies in Kazakhstan and other countries.
  7. To prepare researchers capable of conducting high quality research using a wide variety of data and numerical simulation program.
  8. To prepare competent graduate capable of progressing towards PhD in applied mathematics.
Key Advantages
  • Advanced Mathematical Foundation
    Build advanced theoretical knowledge that supports modern applied mathematics, including measure theory, probability, differential equations, functional analysis, complex analysis, and stochastic methods.
    1
  • Scientific Computing & Computational Skills
    Develop practical computational expertise through scientific computing, numerical algorithms, simulation, and programming.
    Students learn to implement numerical methods and use computational tools to solve real-world mathematical problems.

    Scientific Computing includes MATLAB/Octave, preparation for Python-based work, numerical solutions of equations and differential equations, optimization, Monte Carlo simulation, and data analysis.
    2
  • Data, Statistics & Machine Learning
    Gain advanced skills in statistical analysis, statistical learning, data mining, and computational statistics.

    Students explore regression, classification, clustering, neural networks, principal component analysis, optimization, and other methods used to extract insight from complex data.
    3
  • Flexible & Specialized Curriculum
    Shape your studies around your academic interests and career goals through a broad portfolio of advanced electives.

    Students can explore areas including:
    Optimization & Operations Research
    Probability & Stochastic Analysis
    Data Analysis & Statistical Programming
    Scientific Modelling & Simulation
    Numerical Methods & Computational Mechanics
    Partial Differential Equations
    Mathematical Biology
    Complex & Functional Analysis
    Analytic Number Theory

    The curriculum includes 54 ECTS of elective coursework, giving students considerable flexibility to develop an individual academic direction.
    4
  • Mathematics for Real-World Problems
    Learn to translate scientific and engineering challenges into mathematical models and computational solutions.

    Students develop the ability to use mathematical modelling, numerical simulation, statistical techniques, and computing in scientific, engineering, governmental, and commercial applications.
    5
  • Research-Intensive Education
    Develop advanced research skills through the Research Seminar, Thesis Proposal, Thesis Research Preparation, and Master's Thesis.

    Students learn to analyze contemporary research, formulate research questions, select appropriate analytical methods, conduct independent research, and present their findings.

    The MSc research project is expected to demonstrate sufficient creativity or novelty to merit research dissemination at conference-paper level, although publication itself is not a graduation requirement.
    6
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific computing, statistical analysis, and data mining, and software in a synergistic framework.
  2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the contemporary research literature in their field of study.
  3. Apply mathematics in real-life applications.
  4. Take part and initiative in the design of a research project.
  5. Use simulation and computing requirements for scientific, engineering, government, and commercial applications.
  6. Select and provide a rationale for the selection of particular paradigms and specialist analytical techniques.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to explain scientific concepts and research findings, using various modalities of communication, with particular emphasis on tertiary education instruction.
What Will You Learn?
  • Advanced Mathematical Methods
    Develop an advanced understanding of mathematical concepts used in applied research, including measure theory, probability, differential equations, complex analysis, functional analysis, and stochastic methods.

    Learn to select appropriate mathematical and analytical techniques for challenging quantitative problems.
  • Scientific Computing & Numerical Methods
    Learn how to design and implement computational approaches for mathematical problems using numerical algorithms, scientific computing, numerical linear algebra, differential equation solvers, and simulation techniques.

    Students work with computational tools and programming environments such as MATLAB/Octave, with preparation for Python-based scientific computing.
  • Statistical Learning & Data Analysis
    Learn how mathematical and statistical methods can be used to understand complex data.

    Topics include regression, classification, clustering, statistical modelling, neural networks, principal component analysis, model selection, and machine learning algorithms.
  • Mathematical Modelling & Simulation
    Learn to formulate mathematical models of real-world systems in science, engineering, biology, and other fields.

    Use differential equations, numerical analysis, scientific computing, finite element and finite difference methods to analyse models and compute solutions.
  • Optimization & Decision-Making
    Explore mathematical approaches for finding optimal solutions and supporting complex decision-making.

    Depending on elective choices, students can study convex optimization, dynamic programming, stochastic optimization, optimal control, operations research, and applications in engineering, finance, and management.
  • Research & Scientific Communication
    Learn to formulate research questions, review scientific literature, design research projects, analyse results, write scientific papers and reports, and communicate research findings.

    Through research-oriented coursework and the Master's thesis, students develop the skills required for independent research, doctoral study, and research-intensive professional roles.
Shape Your Mathematical Focus
Scientific Computing & Numerical Mathematics
Explore scientific computing, advanced numerical methods, numerical PDEs, finite element analysis, computational mechanics, and simulation.
Data, Statistics & Machine Learning
Develop expertise in statistical learning, data analysis, statistical programming, probability, machine learning, and computational statistics.
Optimization & Operations Research
Study optimization methods, operations research, dynamic programming, stochastic optimization, optimal control, and quantitative decision-making.
Mathematical Modelling & Applied Analysis
Explore mathematical modelling, differential equations, stochastic analysis, mathematical biology, fluid modelling, functional analysis, and advanced applied mathematics.
Build your own academic focus through advanced electives and research in scientific computing, data and statistics, optimization, mathematical modelling, and applied analysis.
Curriculum

Year 1: Fall Semester and Spring Semester (32 ECTS)

Year 1: Summer (0 ECTS)

Year 2: Fall Semester (32 ECTS) and Spring (30 ECTS) Semester

Electives
    • MATH 512 - Optimization Methods and Techniques
    • MATH 514 - Operations Research
    • MATH 515 - Theory of Probability
    • MATH 517 - Scientific Modeling and Simulation with Mathematics
    • MATH 518 - Applied Finite Element Analysis
    • MATH 541 - Data Analysis and Statistical Learning
    • MATH 542 - Statistical Programming
    • MATH 551 - Advanced Numerical Methods
    • MATH 555 - Stochastic Analysis
    • MATH 571 - Advanced Nonlinear Differential Equations
    • MATH 576 - Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
    • MATH 577 - Modeling and Numerical Analysis for Incompressible Fluids
    • MATH 580 - Advanced Complex Analysis
    • MATH 582 - Mathematical Biology
    • MATH 601 - Analytic Number Theory
    • MATH 620 - Asymptotic Analysis
    • MATH 676 - Advanced Partial Differential Equations with Applications
    • MATH 677 - Introduction to Nonlinear Dispersive and Wave Equations
    • MATH 680 - Potential Theory and Polynomial Approximation
    • MATH 682 - Applied Functional Analysis
Core modules
The list of core modules
Research and Thesis Component
Elective Courses
Where do our graduates work?
  • Career opportunities
    • Applied Mathematician
    • Data Scientist
    • Data / Statistical Analyst
    • Quantitative Analyst
    • Operations Research / Optimization Specialist
    • Mathematical Modelling Specialist
    • Scientific Computing Specialist
    • Computational / Research Scientist
    • Financial / Risk Analyst
    • Quantitative Researcher
    • Numerical Simulation Specialist
    • Academic Researcher / University Lecturer
  • Industries & Sectors
    • Technology, Data & Analytics
    • Research & Development
    • Universities & Research Institutions
    • Engineering & Scientific Computing
    • Banking, Finance & Insurance
    • Government & Public Sector
    • Healthcare & Biomedical Research
    • Industry & Manufacturing
    • Education
    • Quantitative & Analytical Consulting
Admissions & Apply now

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53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave
Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan