Overview

The Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory master's specialisation spans both theory and the world of algorithms and applications. The courses are directly related to our research.

The Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory master's specialisation focuses on geometry and number theory, a very large area ranging from discrete dynamical systems and analytic number theory to arithmetic and algebraic geometry. There is a strong emphasis on algebraic methods and a direct interest in the computational aspects of the theory. The programme also has a cryptology component. Leiden offers courses at an advanced level ranging over topics such as algebraic number theory, algebraic geometry and cryptology.

The research specialisation is aimed at students who wish to acquire a profound knowledge of one of the areas within pure mathematics. There is a strong theme dealing with algebra and number theory as well as a strong theme dealing with topology and geometry. The master's specialisation Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory is an ideal basis for a career in academia, starting for example with one of our PhD programmes.

What you will learn

The Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory specialisation offers you the opportunity to spend two full years on training in research to develop a thorough theoretical basis and become an independent scientist.
We offer a wide range of courses, in combination with the national master's courses. For example, every year we offer three courses in algebraic geometry (on varieties, on schemes, and on advanced topics), as well as courses on elliptic curves, algebraic number theory, commutative algebra, algebraic topology, cryptology, Diophantine approximation, modular forms, and more. This is in addition to courses that are not offered every year, but in response to requests from the students. Ultimately, if you are interested in a topic that lies somewhere within Algebra, Geometry and Number theory, then it is pretty certain you will find at least one course on it.

It is compulsory that at least 30 EC are obtained from courses from the national master programme in mathematics (Mastermath).

Career prospects

The Master's specialisation Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory is an ideal basis for a career in academia, starting for example with one of our PhD programmes. Also for those students switching to business there are many possibilities: our graduates find jobs in banks, insurance and option trading companies, communication and information technology, industry, and logistics.

Examples of jobs

• Data science consultant
• High school teacher
• Software developer
• University professor
• Senior advisor actuarial services
• Cyber security advisor
• Other

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.