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Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS)
Lancaster University
Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course at Lancaster University.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
A*,A,A
A*AA including A level Mathematics or Further Mathematics OR AAA including A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Most popular A-levels studied
The Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course at Lancaster University features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | A |
| Computer Science | B |
| Physics | B |
| Further Mathematics | A |
| Biology | B |
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | A |
| Computer Science | B |
| Physics | B |
| Further Mathematics | A |
| Biology | A |
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | A |
| Further Mathematics | A |
| Physics | B |
| Chemistry | B |
| Computer Science | A |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: G1I7
Here's what Lancaster University says about its Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course.
Mathematics powers Artificial Intelligence (AI) and underpins the systems that shape our world. From models that predict climate change and track diseases, to social media algorithms and generative AI like ChatGPT, mathematics is at the heart of every major innovation.Graduate talent is needed to drive these advancements, and this degree provides you with the analytical, problem-solving and reasoning skills to make an impact in a wide range of sectors.
You will build a strong mathematical foundation, just as you would in a traditional maths degree, whilst also gaining theoretical understanding and hands-on experience of AI, machine learning and real-world modelling. Working on projects inspired by government and industry, you'll tackle challenges like predicting floods, stopping infection spread and preventing cyber attacks.
With a degree in Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS), you will have the tools to forge a successful career in technologies that will dictate our futures.
What to expect
Our four-year MSci Hons Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Real-world Systems (MARS) degree begins by building upon your understanding of mathematical methods and concepts through a mix of lectures and workshops. You will explore a wide range of topics, from differential equations, multivariate calculus for AI and data science, probability and statistics to logic, proofs and theorems. In addition, you will study mathematical modelling and programming, learning the principles of scientific computing and gaining experience working with the R and Python programming languages. You will also learn to apply one of the most fundamental tools in modern AI research, the deep neural network, to real world datasets.
As you progress into Years 2 and 3, you will delve deeper into a range of specialist optional modules and core concepts in linear algebra and probability. You will learn to translate contemporary issues into mathematical problems, and using multivariate calculus and mathematical analysis, you will gain an understanding of the algorithms that have revolutionised machine learning and AI. These tools, along with statistical methods, will help you investigate more advanced mathematical models and their solutions.
To further develop your skills there is the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world problems through exciting, industry-inspired projects, where you'll work both independently and as part of a team.
Masters-level training In Year 4, you will be able to widen your knowledge and skills by selecting from a pool of Master's-level modules.These advanced modules consolidate knowledge gained throughout the programme while extending your skills to a higher level and introducing you to open problems at the forefront of research and industry.
You will also complete a major industry-linked research project, guided by your interests and supervised by an active researcher. This will cement your learning, provide you with valuable experience and position you for a career in industry or academia.
3 things our students want you to know: Lancaster has received 13 million from Research England to become a leader in the mathematics underpinning AI, so you'll be part of a community delivering solutions to problems in health, engineering, cyber security and the environment. This means that what you learn is always evolving and keeping pace with innovation Our computing and maths societies put on industry talks, guest lectures and career development opportunities Mathematical sciences at Lancaster are incredibly collaborative. You will bounce ideas around with experts, or with students from all years. Our thriving postgraduate research student community has been right where we are, asking the same questions, and there's even opportunities to talk with them and learn from them
Source: Lancaster University
Course details
Qualification
Master of Science (with Honours) - Msci (Hon)
Department
School of Mathematical Sciences
Location
Main Site | Lancaster
Duration
4 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer science
• Mathematics
Start date
21 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
Lancaster University student reviews
Showing 97 reviews
3rd year student
2 years ago
Library is brilliant, cant fault it. rnFirst year accommodation was very good too, well ran and just efficient overall.
3rd year student
2 years ago
My course was okay - I believe the course teaches you all the necessary skills needed to go into business, but I think it does scratch the surface level in quite a lot of topics. In the future, Iu2019d like it to go into further detail on topics such as Economics or Accounting.
3rd year student
2 years ago
Lancaster University has been really helpful in so many ways. Financially, they offered me a grant for travel costs when I embarked on an international internship, but also are greater at settling you into campus life in first year!
1st year student
2 years ago
The bars offered are amazing and low priced. With the choice of multiple games. rnThe campaigns for student officers are very competitive and often do make change
1st year student
2 years ago
Very very communal university as everyone lives on campus. The socials are great and take place multiple times a week. There are multiple club activities with a communal feeling
1st year student
2 years ago
The accomodation is very overpriced for universityu2019s. It is old unfurbished and the bathrooms are very badly designed. They flood when you shower and you have very little space to shower. It is single bed en-suite for 177.89u00a3 and compared to other unis it is very very overpriced, I feel itu2...
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Lancaster University
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
The Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course at Lancaster University features content from more than one subject area. Using the options below, you can see ratings from students who took courses in each of these subject areas at this uni
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
80%
med
Teaching on my course
80%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
83%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
89%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
68%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
82%
med
Learning opportunities
78%
med
Learning opportunities
78%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
74%
low
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
81%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
79%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
81%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
77%
med
Assessment and feedback
64%
low
Assessment and feedback
64%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
81%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
82%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
45%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
51%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
61%
low
Academic support
89%
med
Academic support
89%
med
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
90%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
87%
med
Organisation and management
75%
med
Organisation and management
75%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
77%
med
How well organised is your course?
73%
med
Learning resources
93%
high
Learning resources
93%
high
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
92%
high
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
91%
high
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
95%
high
Student voice
78%
med
Student voice
78%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
70%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
87%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
77%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
63%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
88%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
85%
med
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
89%
med
Teaching on my course
89%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
92%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
99%
high
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
78%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
94%
med
Learning opportunities
87%
med
Learning opportunities
87%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
88%
high
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
94%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
87%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
85%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
81%
med
Assessment and feedback
85%
med
Assessment and feedback
85%
med
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
89%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
93%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
80%
high
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
86%
med
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
77%
med
Academic support
90%
med
Academic support
90%
med
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
93%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
88%
med
Organisation and management
87%
med
Organisation and management
87%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
85%
med
How well organised is your course?
89%
med
Learning resources
87%
low
Learning resources
87%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
87%
med
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
82%
low
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
92%
med
Student voice
80%
med
Student voice
80%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
68%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
88%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
84%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
61%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
94%
high
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
82%
med
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
80%
med
Teaching on my course
80%
med
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
82%
med
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
89%
med
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
68%
med
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
80%
med
Learning opportunities
77%
med
Learning opportunities
77%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
73%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
81%
med
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
77%
med
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
79%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
76%
med
Assessment and feedback
62%
low
Assessment and feedback
62%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
81%
low
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
81%
med
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
42%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
47%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
61%
low
Academic support
89%
med
Academic support
89%
med
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
91%
med
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
87%
med
Organisation and management
74%
med
Organisation and management
74%
med
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
76%
med
How well organised is your course?
71%
med
Learning resources
93%
high
Learning resources
93%
high
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
92%
high
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
92%
high
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
95%
high
Student voice
77%
med
Student voice
77%
med
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
69%
med
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
87%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
75%
med
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
61%
low
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
88%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
85%
med
Student information
The Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course at Lancaster University features content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below to find out about the students taking courses in each of those subject areas at this uni.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
The Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for information about Lancaster University graduates across each of those subject areas.
Graduate statistics
70%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
87%
In work, study or other activity
75%
Say it fits with future plans
50%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
15%
Administrative occupations
15%
Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
15%
Information Technology Professionals
10%
Finance Professionals
Graduate statistics
75%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
89%
In work, study or other activity
75%
Say it fits with future plans
50%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
20%
Administrative occupations
15%
Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
15%
Information Technology Professionals
10%
Business and public service associate professionals
Graduate statistics
92%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
90%
In work, study or other activity
85%
Say it fits with future plans
85%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
79%
Information Technology Professionals
5%
Elementary occupations
3%
Artistic, literary and media occupations
3%
Managers, directors and senior officials
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
The Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS) course includes content from more than one subject area. Choose an option below for Lancaster University graduate earnings across each of those subject areas.
Earnings
£27.7k
First year after graduation
£33.2k
Third year after graduation
£42k
Fifth year after graduation
Earnings
£31.4k
First year after graduation
£38k
Third year after graduation
£52.2k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, and Real-world Systems (MARS).
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree
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Source: Lancaster University
