Pure Mathematics - Master of Mathematics (MMath)

Mathematics 3 Building

Mathematics 3 (M3) Building on Waterloo's Campus

Are you fascinated by mathematics as both an art and a science? Discover the Master of Mathematics in Pure Mathematics program, where you’ll explore the boundary of mathematics and pure reason.

With over 80 faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in the department, the breadth of research in pure mathematics is huge, granting you the freedom to explore areas of focus that specifically resonate with you. Algebra, analysis, geometry and topology, and number theory make up the core research areas of pure mathematics, but they can easily be applied to the real world in significant ways. Finance and cryptography are current examples of real-life applications of the field.

At the end of the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue further research at the PhD level for a career in the computer industry, teaching at the high school or college level, or in business, particularly finance.

Research areas and degree options:

  • Algebra and Logic
  • Analysis
  • Geometry and Topology
  • Number Theory

Program overview

Department/School: Pure Mathematics
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Research
Length of program: 12 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

  • January 1 (for admission in September)
  • January 1 (for admission in January of the following year)

Key contacts

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics with at least a 78% standing

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references are required, at least two academic
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees