Setting the right hurdle: progression to the final year of an MMath programme

Abstract

It is now almost 20 years since the advent of Integrated Masters programmes in mathematics (referred to typically as MMath or MSci programmes). Essentially arising out of a report made by a working group supported by the London Mathematical Society [1], MMath programmes (as we shall refer to them here) were the sector’s response to the recommendation in that report that a choice of three or four year Honours degrees be offered in UK higher education institutions (four or five years in Scotland). The aim was, and still is, to provide appropriate training to those who wish to go on to a career as a professional mathematician, since more in-depth and advanced training is needed for such individuals beyond the sound education that a traditional BSc course provides.