What can OR do?

Operational Research (OR) uses mathematical techniques to tackle real-life decision problems

  • Schedule planes/crews and decide seat prices
  • Route internet calls and allocate mobile phone frequencies
  • Manage a portfolio of shares and minimize its risk
  • Optimize the development of an oil field
  • Plan the operation of a hospital blood bank

Management Science, Decision Sciences, and Operations Management are all part of Operational Research, which is also known as Operations Research

programme overview

Programme at a glance

Starts: mid-September
Lasts: 12 months full-time
You get: Expert training to become an OR analyst with excellent career opportunities or foundation for PhD study
You need: A degree in an area such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physical or Biological Sciences, Economics or Business Studies
Intake: 45-55 students
Funding: Fees+stipend for 1-2 UK students; Fees for 5-8 EU students
Email: ORMSc@ed.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (131) 650 4883

Chang Liu (2007)

Chang Liu

"I now work as a quantitative analyst at a hedge fund company in London. My mathematics background and study in OR with Finance makes me a very competitive person in this area."

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Chang Liu Chang Liu (2007)

I came to Edinburgh when I had just gained my first degree in Mathematics. I was a little nervous about leaving my own country and starting a new life here. But these kind of feelings disappeared completely when I first met staff in the University: they are friendly and accommodating. And not only in the University: the people in Edinburgh are really nice. The people, the beautiful old city, the high reputation of School of Mathematics create a perfect environment to study and live.

After one year's study, I have to admit that I got very good experience doing the MSc. The two semesters are full of deadlines and lectures, but when I finally reach the end point, I found everything during the year was worth it. This is thanks to the programme director and all teaching staff. Their solid mathematical skills and practice experience made the courses a bridge linking the academic and outside world.

The program also provides a lot of choice for the dissertation. Not just in Mathematics, there are also topics related in business, computer science, banking and so on. I chose a topic in the area of hedge funds and my supervisor was one of our visiting professors who has been working in banks as a risk manager for many years.

I now work as a quantitative analyst at a hedge fund company in London. My mathematics background and study in OR with Finance makes me a very competitive person in this area. I have already started to benefit from this year's study.

My year's study has been very memorable: the city, the school, the teachers and friends from all over the world... I will never forget them.

Other student stories


Operational Research MSc Programmes

Application deadline

Due to high demand for places on these programmes, applications received before 31st March 2013 were given priority.  Given the expected number of students on the programme in 2013-14, offers may now only be made to outstanding applicants.

Why Operational Research MSc?

You will enjoy Operational Research if you like solving practical quantitative problems and seeing the solutions implemented.

By studying Operational Research you will develop a valuable combination of mathematical, modelling, analytical, computing, interpersonal and communication skills.

An Operational Research MSc provides

Our students come from diverse backgrounds such as mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, engineering, economics and other quantitative disciplines.

Financial Aid

The OR MSc Programme has substantial funding from the UK Government (though EPSRC) and the School of Mathematics to encourage the best UK and EU students to study Operational Research. We will offer the best UK applicants a funding package of full fees and a stipend of at least £5,000. In addition, well qualified UK applicants can expect to be offered funding covering their course fees and may be offered some living expenses. Well qualified EU applicants can expect to be offered funding covering some or all of their course fees.

Note that there is no need to apply separately for the above funding. All applicants for the OR MSc Programme are automatically considered for any funding for which they are eligible. This is despite the following statement in the application form: "This does not constitute an application for funding from the University of Edinburgh". Note that all Scottish and non-UK nationals of EU countries are eligible for a £3,400 loan tfrom he Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).

Why Edinburgh?

University of Edinburgh is a top world-class university.

The Edinburgh OR MSc is an intensive one year programme with selected courses delivered by industry professionals.

Our programme is flexible, offering specialization in 

We offer opportunities to pursue an industry or government summer dissertation project.

The city of Edinburgh is 


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