The aim is to gain direct experience in applying the concepts and theories studied on the course. Projects may be carried out individually, or in small teams of two or three students. A few projects based abroad are generally made available each year, to those students of sufficient ability and self-reliance to undertake them. The full-time MSc course lasts twelve months, starting at the end of September. Applicants should normally expect to have at least a second class honours degree.
Most students have first degrees in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.
Subject to demand, the MSc can also be obtained part-time , over two or three years. The same topics are studied, normally one day per week. Most students are already in employment and sponsored by their employers, and carry out their project work within their own organisations. As well as allowing students to complete a recognised course in a shorter time, the Diploma provides the opportunity for a wider range of applicants to enter the Operational Research world. Students demonstrating sufficient ability may be allowed to transfer in-course to study for the MSc.