Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Complex Systems Modelling MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Our Complex Systems Modelling – from Biomedical & Natural to Economic & Social Sciences MSc course will teach you to apply mathematical techniques in the rapidly developing and exciting interdisciplinary field of complex systems and examine how they apply to a variety of areas including biomedicine, nature, economics and social sciences. This research-led course is suitable for graduates who wish to work in research and development in an academic or industrial environment.
Key benefits
- Top 10 in the UK for Mathematics (QS World Rankings by subject 2024).
- You will be studying innovative modules covering modern theories of complex systems modelling.
- Research-led study course taught by staff who are recognised leaders in their field.
- The Department of Mathematics is a leading centre of research, with 100 percent of research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
- Located in the heart of London, giving unparalleled access to research facilities.
“I wanted to learn how to apply mathematics to some of the characteristic problems of the 21st century, and the course didn't disappoint.”
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours degree in Applied Mathematics or Physics. Applications from candidates with a solid background in pure mathematics and a fervent interest in applications are strongly encouraged. Outstanding candidates from other degrees in quantitative subjects may be considered, provided they have had sufficient exposure to mathematical or physical sciences. A sound background in mathematics, in particular a familiarity with standard concepts of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and elementary probability theory, will be assumed. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or international equivalent. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
A 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) may be acceptable depending on the candidate's academic background.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Please note you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you submit your application after the first application deadline and we are unable to process any further offers in the event the programme becomes full.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:
|
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Group Tutorials
Independent Study
We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.
During your work on the MSc Project you will have regular meetings with your project supervisor, but you are expected to spend the majority of your time in self-study to complete the project.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the Strand Campus, with occasional lectures and practical sessions taking place at the Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Class tests
- Unseen written examinations
- Quizzes
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include unseen written exams, class tests, online quizzes and coursework submission.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. For the part-time MSc, students should aim to take four modules in each year. The project is taken in the second year.
Required modules
The part-time MSc students will take the required modules as follows: Year 1: Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits) Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits) Year 2: Individual Research Project (60 credits) Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits) Full time students will take:
Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits)
Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits)
Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits)
Individual Research Project (60 credits)
Optional modules
Part-time students typically complete between 15 and 45 credits of optional modules during each year of study, such that their total credits amount to 180. You are required to take at least two of the following modules :
Stochastic Processes and Applications (15 credits)
Mathematical Biology (15 credits)
Elements of Statistical Learning (15 credits)
Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems (15 credits)
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)
And at most 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Bio & Nanomaterials in the Virtual Lab (15 credits)
Modelling Quantum Many-body Systems (15 credits)
Probability Theory (15 credits)
Risk Neutral Valuation (15 credits)
Financial Markets (15 credits)
Stochastic Analysis (15 credits)
Statistics in Finance (15 credits)
Numerical and Computational Methods in Finance (15 credits)
Interest Rates and Credit Risk (15 credits)
C++ for Financial Mathematics (15 credits)
Machine Learning (15 credits)
Econophysics (15 credits)
Pattern Recognition, Neural Networks & Deep Learning (15 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Graduates from this course go on to work in areas including:
- Management consultancy
- Biotechnology
- Machine learning and data science
- Financial and re-insurance sectors
- Smart cities and Urban policy
- Energy and environment
- Science of materials and engineering
- Software development
- Internet of Things
- Cybersecurity and Defence
- Entertainment and Serious Gaming
- Research
Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
- Risk Analyst, Renaissance
- Manager, HSBC
- Decision Scientist, Cabot Financial
- Principal Engineer, Opsbase
- CEO and Founder, Incotrade
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Graduation costs
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours degree in Applied Mathematics or Physics. Applications from candidates with a solid background in pure mathematics and a fervent interest in applications are strongly encouraged. Outstanding candidates from other degrees in quantitative subjects may be considered, provided they have had sufficient exposure to mathematical or physical sciences. A sound background in mathematics, in particular a familiarity with standard concepts of multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and elementary probability theory, will be assumed. In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or international equivalent. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
A 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) may be acceptable depending on the candidate's academic background.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Please note you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you submit your application after the first application deadline and we are unable to process any further offers in the event the programme becomes full.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:
|
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Group Tutorials
Independent Study
We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.
During your work on the MSc Project you will have regular meetings with your project supervisor, but you are expected to spend the majority of your time in self-study to complete the project.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the Strand Campus, with occasional lectures and practical sessions taking place at the Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Class tests
- Unseen written examinations
- Quizzes
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include unseen written exams, class tests, online quizzes and coursework submission.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. For the part-time MSc, students should aim to take four modules in each year. The project is taken in the second year.
Required modules
The part-time MSc students will take the required modules as follows: Year 1: Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits) Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits) Year 2: Individual Research Project (60 credits) Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits) Full time students will take:
Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits)
Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits)
Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits)
Individual Research Project (60 credits)
Optional modules
Part-time students typically complete between 15 and 45 credits of optional modules during each year of study, such that their total credits amount to 180. You are required to take at least two of the following modules :
Stochastic Processes and Applications (15 credits)
Mathematical Biology (15 credits)
Elements of Statistical Learning (15 credits)
Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems (15 credits)
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)
And at most 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:
Bio & Nanomaterials in the Virtual Lab (15 credits)
Modelling Quantum Many-body Systems (15 credits)
Probability Theory (15 credits)
Risk Neutral Valuation (15 credits)
Financial Markets (15 credits)
Stochastic Analysis (15 credits)
Statistics in Finance (15 credits)
Numerical and Computational Methods in Finance (15 credits)
Interest Rates and Credit Risk (15 credits)
C++ for Financial Mathematics (15 credits)
Machine Learning (15 credits)
Econophysics (15 credits)
Pattern Recognition, Neural Networks & Deep Learning (15 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Graduates from this course go on to work in areas including:
- Management consultancy
- Biotechnology
- Machine learning and data science
- Financial and re-insurance sectors
- Smart cities and Urban policy
- Energy and environment
- Science of materials and engineering
- Software development
- Internet of Things
- Cybersecurity and Defence
- Entertainment and Serious Gaming
- Research
Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
- Risk Analyst, Renaissance
- Manager, HSBC
- Decision Scientist, Cabot Financial
- Principal Engineer, Opsbase
- CEO and Founder, Incotrade
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £31,600 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,800 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Graduation costs
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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