IGNOU's M.Sc. in Mathematics with Applications in Computer Science (MSCMACS) is a programme for mathematics graduates who also want to build computing skills. It combines core postgraduate mathematics with courses on algorithms, cryptography, image processing and soft computing. Graduates often go into teaching, research or technical roles where both kinds of knowledge are useful.
Is this programme right for you?
To be eligible, you need a bachelor's degree with Mathematics as a major or honours subject, or a BA/B.Sc. with Mathematics as one of three main subjects carrying equal weightage. The programme takes a minimum of two years and a maximum of four, and it is taught in English.
Be honest with yourself about one point: this is a proof-based programme. If you enjoyed real analysis and algebra in your undergraduate course, you will feel comfortable. If you only did computational mathematics, expect the first semester to need extra effort.
The courses, grouped by what they teach
IGNOU lists the courses semester by semester. When you are planning your study, however, it helps to see them in three groups.
Pure mathematics
- MMT 002 Linear Algebra and MMT 004 Real Analysis (Semester 1)
- MMT 005 Complex Analysis (Semester 1)
- MMT 003 Algebra and MMT 006 Functional Analysis (Semester 2)
These papers decide most students' overall result. Questions ask you to prove theorems, check whether a statement is true or false with justification, and work through examples. Learn the standard proofs step by step, but also practise the true/false questions, because they test if you really understand the concepts.
Computing and applied mathematics
- MMT 001 Programme and Data Structure and MMT 007 Differential Equations and Numerical Solutions (Semester 1, both with practical components)
- MMT 008 Probability and Statistics (Semester 2, a heavy eight-credit course)
- MMT 009 Mathematics Modelling (Semester 3)
Probability and Statistics deserves special mention. It carries double the credits of a normal paper and covers a large syllabus. Begin it early in the semester and do not leave it for the end.
Applications in computer science
- MMTE 001 Graph Theory, MMTE 002 Design and Analysis of Algorithms, MMTE 003 Pattern Recognition and Image Processing, MMTE 004 Computer Graphics (Semester 3)
- MMTE 005 Coding Theory, MMTE 006 Cryptography, MMTE 007 Soft Computing and Its Applications (Semester 4)
- MMTP 001 Project (Semester 4)
How to prepare
Mathematics papers reward practice more than reading. Solve a few problems every day rather than studying for long hours only at weekends. Keep a notebook of the theorems and definitions you tend to forget, and revise it every week.
Past papers are especially useful in MSCMACS, because the style of questions changes very little from one exam to the next. When you study solved MSCMACS papers, the same types of proofs and numerical problems keep coming back, which tells you clearly where to focus. For the last stage of revision, our TOP 20 important questions give you a short list to work through.
Do not ignore assignments. They count towards your result, and solving them properly is good practice for the exam. Our MSCMACS solved assignment shows the level of working that evaluators expect in mathematical answers.
All MSCMACS material is available in one place on our MSCMACS page. For a free sample, message us on WhatsApp at 8800002552.
Course details follow IGNOU's official MSCMACS programme page. Please confirm the current structure on ignou.ac.in before registration, because IGNOU may revise courses.