Pre-arrival information for new maths masters students

Congratulations on securing your place to study with us in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences! On this page you’ll find useful information and tasks to help make your transition to university as smooth as possible.

On

Your masters checklist

We know it’s a busy and exciting time for you, and we want to make preparing for starting your degree as straightforward as possible.  This pre-arrival page is just for new maths students. Here you’ll find information and tasks to complete specific to you and your course.


Complete your registration

The first thing you need to do is complete your registration.

Register as a student


Choose your modules

In addition to compulsory core modules, your programme of study may offer optional modules. At the beginning of September, you’ll receive an email notifying you to select your optional modules as part of your pre-registration tasks. A link to the Online Module Choice system will also appear within the pre-registration system.


Welcome Week timetable 

There are lots of events taking place across the University during Welcome Week. Here’s a list of the events that are specifically for maths students. These are compulsory for full-time students and will ensure you get the best start to your time at Sheffield.

Please note that this timetable might change before you arrive, so make sure you keep checking back! 

Wednesday 23 September 2026

Welcome to the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Time: 9am

Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre A

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Introduction to Mathematics

Time: 10am

Location: Hicks, F20

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Mathematics students.

Introduction to Mathematical and Theoretical Physics

Time: 10am

Location: Hicks, F24

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Please note, this session is for students on our MSc Mathematical and Theoretical Physics students.

Mathematics and Statistics Computer Class 1

Time: 12pm

Location: Hicks, G29

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Thursday 24 September 2026

Learning Essentials

Time: 10am

Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 3

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Academic Support Services

Time: 11am

Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 3

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Mathematics and Statistics Computer Class 2

Time: 12pm

Location: Hicks, G29

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

EDI and Wellbeing in Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Time: 2pm

Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 3

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

University of Sheffield Culture Training

Time: 3pm

Location: Hicks, Lecture Theatre 3

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps

Mathematics and Statistics Computer Class 3

Time: 4pm

Location: Hicks, G29

Get directions via Google Maps / Apple Maps


Dissertations

One of the biggest parts of your masters course is your dissertation. Through your dissertation, you’ll blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills and gain experience of completing a larger project. 

You’ll be provided with a list of potential dissertation topics and given two weeks to submit your preferences in February. The allocation of projects and supervisors are then confirmed in late March. 

In all programmes, you may also propose your own project, with permission of the Course Director.


Useful information

Student handbook 

Our School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences student handbook has all the information you'll need to guide you through your postgraduate studies.

Student societies

Our Students’ Union is home to over 350 societies and sports clubs. Maths students can join SUMS, who organise events from interesting extra lectures to socials, such as bar crawls or treasure hunts!


Virtual tour of the Hicks Building

Mathematics and statistics is based in the Hicks Building, which has classrooms, lecture theatres, computer rooms and social spaces. It's worth noting, that some teaching may take place in other buildings across the University. 

Take a look at our virtual tour of the Hicks Building


Contact us

If you have any problems working through this pre-arrival checklist, or you know that you’ll be arriving late to Sheffield in September, please let us know.

Email:  mps.student@sheffield.ac.uk

Please include your name, programme of study and registration number (if you know it).