Structured Master’s in Mathematical Sciences

AIMS South Africa offers an intensive one-year Structured Master’s in Mathematical Sciences, accredited by the Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape. Delivered in collaboration with world-leading academics from Cambridge, Oxford, and Paris-Sud XI, the programme provides an exceptional and immersive learning experience.

Students can choose between two streams:

  • Mathematical Sciences - Builds a strong foundation in advanced mathematical sciences, computing, and research, developing versatile scientists ready for careers in academia, industry, or education.

  • AI for Science - Introduced in 2023 through a partnership with Google DeepMind, this stream applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to cutting-edge scientific challenges.

The AIMS Experience

The AIMS experience is highly intensive and fully residential, fostering close interaction between students and lecturers. You’ll study two subjects every three weeks, combining lectures, problem-solving, and computing sessions with tutorials, guest lectures, and collaborative projects. Both streams emphasize end-to-end scientific training—from advanced content and computation to effective research communication—preparing well-rounded scientists ready to innovate and lead. Students are registered at one of the partner universities (UCT, Stellenbosch, or UWC) and learn from a dynamic network of local and international faculty supported by dedicated tutors and alumni.

The AIMS academic programme combines skills training, review courses, and a research project to provide a strong foundation in artificial intelligence or the mathematical sciences. The programme includes compulsory, outcomes-driven courses covering mathematics, physics, and interdisciplinary fields such as computer science, mathematical biology, finance and artificial intelligence. In each three-week block, students complete two of three available review courses (a total of 12), alongside ongoing communication and computing classes. The programme concludes with a three-month research project under the guidance of an expert supervisor. While original research is not required to pass, exceptional projects may reach publication standard or serve as a foundation for further postgraduate study.

Research Masters or PhD

We have a number of research students (MSc and Phd) based at the Research Centre, aligned with the various research groups. These students are registered at one of our partner universities. They actively participate in research meetings and seminars and often serve as Teaching Assistants to support the resident academic programmes.

Teach, Supervise or Tutor

AIMS South Africa invites scientists and academics to contribute to our Master’s programme by proposing review courses in their field of expertise or by supervising student research projects. Review courses run over three weeks, with two hours of teaching per day, and give students the chance to engage directly with experts across diverse areas of the mathematical sciences. The research project, equivalent to three months of full-time work, is a capstone component that bridges theory and practice, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scientific challenges. Projects run from January to June 2025, with remote supervision encouraged to connect students with researchers nationally and internationally. Join our network of global scientists and help shape the next generation of African researchers and innovators.

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AIMS Library Series

Eight books in the AIMS Library Series have been published. The books, which each focus on a particular field in pure or applied mathematics, aim to introduce the field, as well as to inspire with more detailed and advanced material. The series seeks to address the shortage of affordable mathematics textbooks in Africa and was edited by Prof Alan Beardon. The books are published by Cambridge University Press. They can be bought at AIMS Research Centre or through Cambridge University Press. Prices range from R90 to R100.