MSc Operational Research

World Top 40 and 7th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).

Develop the analytical skills for success in business and industry on this Operational Research MSc at the University of Southampton. You’ll work with multinational organisations on real-life case studies as you develop the knowledge to solve complex challenges. Prepare for a rewarding career in industry or research.

Operational Research is the application of scientific methods to the study of complex organisational problems.

As an operational researcher, you’ll play an important role in business and industry, providing analytics and guidance to management teams. If you’re good at maths, enjoy problem-solving and have strong communication skills, this could be a rewarding area for you.

On this UK master’s course you’ll learn the key skills and knowledge to provide effective solutions to organisational issues.

You’ll study topics such as revenue management and forecasting, and learn techniques to improve organisational efficiency and productivity.

You’ll work closely with industry throughout, and have the chance to develop your research skills in a commercial setting as you work on your dissertation over the summer. Our industrial liaison team will help you find a project that suits your skills and career plans.

On this course you’ll learn:

You’ll also benefit from regular seminars featuring guest speakers from a wide range of organisations.

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Your course leader is Dr Hou-Duo Qi, Professor of Optimization within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on matrix optimisation with applications in finance and statistics. Read Dr Qi’s staff profile to find out more about his work.