MSc in Operational Research and Management Science

Why apply for the Masters in Operational Research and Management Science?

The Lancaster Masters in Operational Research and Management Science (OR & MS) is ideal if you wish to work in business analytics, decision support, industrial engineering, operational research and management science. It has run at Lancaster for over 40 years. The employment record of the programme is excellent, with our graduates in demand from business and the public sector for their analytical skills. There is an active alumni network. 

Who is it for?

You should have, or be expecting, a first degree that includes some mathematics and statistics; for example, science, engineering, business studies or economics, as well as mathematics or statistics. Under the EPSRC Master’s Training Grant scheme we offer funding to well-qualified applicants.

What will I study?

The MSc in OR & MS is a flexible degree scheme in which you choose subjects that interest you and also attend compulsory core modules. The programme prepares you to use your analytical skills in decision support and planning. In today’s fast moving world, customers and citizens expect high-quality services and products that are appropriate to their needs; therefore organisations must think through their decisions before acting. You will study methods of proven value for decision support.

SAP and SAS logos

You will get the chance to learn and use industry leading software applications that are in high demand from employers. These include SAP, for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and SAS, an analytical tool for business intelligence.

Will it prepare me for work?

The taught element of the programme includes modules that help you to improve your professional skills as well as your analytical abilities. The taught modules end in May and are followed by a significant real-life project that runs until mid-September. In this, you will develop professional skills by working for 16 weeks as a consultant to one of our client companies, while being supervised by a member of staff. This is excellent preparation for the world of work.

What about further study?

The MSc in OR & MS can also serve as a springboard for further study for a PhD.

Are there any scholarships and other funding?

Highly qualified UK and EU students are eligible for funding of up to £12000 (plus fees) under the EPSRC Master’s Training Grant scheme. Substantial scholarships are also available for students from 'New Europe'. If you are from a developing country you may qualify for the Robinson Scholarship that reduces significantly the gap between home and overseas fees. >> More information

Key Facts

Duration: 12 months, full-time

Starts: October

Designed for: students interested in careers in operations research, business analysis, problem solving, data mining, strategic planning and supply chain management

Intake: 30 students

Entry requirements: at least upper second class honours degree or equivalent; IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100 if first language is not English. >> more information

Work experience: not essential

Fees: £8,400 UK/EU;
£14,000 Overseas

Graduate Profiles

I frequently use the skills provided by the MSc's statistics, stochastic and forecasting courses in my job with Ernst & Young.

Renaud Million
MSc Operational Research, 2010
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