Course description
The MSc Operational Research course lasts twelve months (full-time) starting each year at the end of September. There are a number of EPSRC scholarships (approx. £9000 stipend plus fees) available to UK students for entry each September.
Lecture Topics
The taught part of the course is divided into seven core units:
1. 48905 Statistics
2. Simulation and System Dynamics
1. 48906 Discrete-Event Simulation
2. 48906 System Dynamics
3. Operations
1. 48907 Operations Management
2. 48907 Operations Strategy
3. 48907 Forecasting
4. Mathematical Modelling
1. 48908 Optimization
2. 48908 Stochastic Models
5. Working within Organisations
1. 48910 Accounting
2. 48910 Information Systems in Organisations
3. 48910 Performance Measurement
4. 48910 Project Risk
6. Decision Support
1. 48909 Decision Analysis
2. 48909 Problem Structuring Methods
7. Supporting Skills
1. 48911 Spreadsheet Modelling
2. 48911 Methodology
3. 48911 Consulting Skills
4. 48911 Computer Programming
In addition there is one other unit of assessment: an Unstructured Problem paper, which aims to examine learning on the course as a whole.
There is a strong emphasis on using computer software to analyse the types of problem met in real life. Lectures and seminars also introduce aspects of decision-making behaviour in groups and organisations. Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and written examination, depending on the topic being taught. Exams take place in January and May.
Experiential Learning
Working with decision-makers on real issues presents a variety of challenges. For example, data may well be inadequate, it may not be obvious what sort of model to use, and the most "rational" proposal can fall foul of organisational politics. While traditional teaching can alert students to such issues, understanding needs to be reinforced by experience. The experiential learning stream consists of exercises designed to provide this. It also helps develop essential skills such as interviewing, report-writing and presentations, working effectively in a group and, on occasion, producing results under time pressure.
Some workshops are guided by senior Operational Research practitioners as guests of the Department. Students are presented with a real (current or recent) problem. They then form into small groups to tackle the issue, and each group presents its findings and suggestions at a later class session - typically, the following week. There is then a discussion on how the approaches taken compare, both with each other and with the practitioners' experiences. Other exercises help develop an understanding of decision processes through role play, sometimes making use of closed circuit video.
DSTL Prize: There is an award of £100, provided by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, for the best full-time MSc mark in Experiential Learning.
"Apprenticeship" Period
As part of the course, students spend a short period working within an established Operational Research (or related) group, so gaining a preliminary experience of how analysis is carried out in an organisational setting. This "apprenticeship period" lasts for three weeks, starting in mid-January. Many major groups collaborate in accepting students, singly or in pairs. The students work as members of the host group, while also being briefed to act as observers of how the group functions. While three weeks is a short time, the class gains collective experience of life in a wide range of organisations, reflected in discussion and comparison when the class reassembles. This has proved to be a particularly valuable aspect of the Apprenticeship scheme, which is unique to the Strathclyde course.
MSc Projects
The MSc project is usually carried out for an outside organisation. Students spend the three months from July to September working on a project of importance to the clients. 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. Project clients include many major concerns, in fields ranging from aerospace to whisky distilling!
A wide variety of organisations have hosted recent projects and/or apprenticeship placements.
Course Entry and Duration
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. However we also encourage applications from those with social science or business- related degrees who have demonstrated a grasp of mathematics/statistics. An explanation of how much mathematical knowledge is required for the course is available.
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.
Study for the Postgraduate Diploma degree lasts nine months, following the same core topics and experiential learning activities as for the MSc (though to a less demanding standard). 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.
Applicants for the diploma course should normally expect at least a pass degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject, but other forms of qualification or experience will also be considered.
Sources of Funding
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Student Awards Agency for Scotland both allocate awards to the postgraduate course. In each case, students are nominated for an award by the department, rather than applications being made by individual students. When applying for a place on the course, the wish to be considered for an award should be indicated on the application form: no other action need be taken at that stage.
EPSRC Studentships: These are for the MSc version of the course only and are funded through the Strathclyde University Collaborative Training Account. The minimum qualification is a (lower) second class honours degree. However, competition for the fixed number of awards is quite fierce, and in practice most nominees have (or expect) a 1st or "good" 2(1).
Candidates must have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years. For EU students this can include residency for study purposes. The studentship covers course fees and provides a 12 month maintenance allowance. Residents of EU countries for whom the above residency rule does not apply may be eligible for fees-only studentship.
SASS Bursaries: These are assigned to the Diploma version of the course. However, regulations permit transfer in-course from Diploma to MSc registration (subject to satisfactory performance) and many students registered initially he Diploma in fact graduate with an MSc. The minimum qualification for a Bursary is an Ordinary degree.
Candidates must have been "ordinarily resident" in the UK for at least 3 years and "ordinarily resident" in Scotland on 30 June preceding the start of the course. Residents of other EU countries may be eligible for fees-only awards.
The bursary covers course fees and a 9 month maintenance grant. The fees are the same as for the MSc: however no extra funding is provided for Diploma students who stay on the further 3 months to complete an MSc.
For both the EPSRC and SAAS awards the department operates a reserve list for nomination and applicants are informed when offers are made whether they are on the quota or reserve list for either award. The position can, of course, also be discussed at interview.
"Ordinarily resident" is generally taken to imply a family home or similar. It specifically excludes residence for the sole purpose of education.
Self-funding: Usually a number of students each year cover the course fees and their expenses from their own funds.
