Part III is a 9 month taught masters course in mathematics. It is an excellent preparation for mathematical research and it is also a valuable course in mathematics and in its applications for those who want further training before taking posts in industry, teaching, or research establishments.
Students admitted from outside Cambridge to Part III study towards the Master of Advanced Study (MASt). Students continuing from the Cambridge Tripos for a fourth year, study towards the Master of Mathematics (MMath). The requirements and course structure for Part III are the same for all students irrespective of whether they are studying for the MASt or MMath degree.
There are over 250 Part III (MASt and MMath) students each year; almost all are in their fourth or fifth year of university studies. There are normally about 75 courses, covering an extensive range of pure mathematics, probability, statistics, applied mathematics and theoretical physics. They are designed to cover those advanced parts of the subjects that are not normally covered in a first-degree course, but which are an indispensable preliminary to independent study and research. Students have a wide choice of the combination of courses that they offer, though naturally they tend to select groups of cognate courses. Example classes and associated marking of (unassessed) example sheets are provided as complementary support to lectures.
As a taught masters programme, learning in Part III takes place primarily via lecture courses, with assessment by means of examination papers taken at the end of the academic year (starting in late May or early June). In addition, students work during the year on an extended essay, on an approved topic, which is submitted for examination credit about a month before the written exam papers are taken. The standard graduation dates for successful candidates are in June and July.
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The Faculty would particularly welcome applications from women, since women are, and have historically been, underrepresented in our student cohorts.
Is Part III the right course for you?
- General information
- Course structure
- Postgraduate open day
- Virtual tour of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences
How to prepare for Part III
Progression from Part II to Part III
MASt Admissions
- Academic entrance requirements
- Application procedure
- Funding
- Course costs
- FAQs: Pre-offer
- FAQs: Post-offer
- Contact
Beyond Part III
- Cambridge Summer Research in Mathematics Programme
- Research Groups in Cambridge
- Research in the UK
- London School of Geometry and Number Theory Deferred Entry Scheme
- Postgraduate Open Day