This programme will show students how to use mathematical techniques to tackle real-life problems ranging from scheduling flights and routing mobile phone calls, over optimizing power systems and logistic networks, to managing investments and minimizing risks. Operational Research (OR) is an important skill that is in high demand. University of Edinburgh's intensive programme allows students to specialize in an area that best suits their career goals.

The School of Mathematics has connections with a wide number of industrial partners, organizations, charities and government departments. As an MSc student in the School students will have opportunities to engage with these external organizations through regular employability events, careers workshops, and the annual analytics challenge (whose recent partners have included Edinburgh Airport and the Data and Marketing Association). There is also the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project with an external partner.