Mathematical Finance (MSc) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Mathematical Finance taught Master's degree.
Join our challenging MSc Mathematical Finance taught by three of Warwick's top departments; Mathematics, Statistics and Warwick Business School. With expert supervision, this mathematically rigorous course will develop and apply the quantitative skills in machine learning, computational statistics and mathematical finance used in the financial markets and the finance industry.
Course overview
This unique course provides training from three top departments at the University of Warwick: Mathematics, Statistics and Warwick Business School. Building on your strong mathematical background, you will develop and apply the quantitative skills in machine learning, computational statistics and mathematical finance that are used within the financial markets and finance industry.
Our core modules focus on the four elements of the core skill set needed for careers in finance: Financial Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Asset Pricing and Risk, and Simulation and Machine Learning for Finance. In line with these modules, you will also learn programming for Quantitative Finance, focusing on C++, Python, and R.
Skills from this degree
- Teaching by three world-leading academic departments helps you to gain a deep insight into mathematical finance
- Uncover the newest quantitative theory and practice through specialist modules
- Develop your industry acumen by accessing our CareersPlus service with specialist careers coaches.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
A high 2:1 or First (or equivalent) in a Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or another relevant quantitatively-focused undergraduate degree. You will need strong ability in mathematics and finance, and some experience in statistics or econometrics.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
We accept a range of language tests. Please refer to our website for more details.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Programming for Quantitative Finance
Develop and support the skills required for practical applications of theoretical concepts in the MSc Mathematical Finance course.
Stochastic Calculus for Finance
Get a thorough introduction into discrete-time martingale theory, Brownian motion, and stochastic calculus, illustrated by examples from Mathematical Finance.
Financial Statistics
Discover the main approaches to statistical inference and financial time series.
Simulation & Machine Learning for Finance
Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of numerical methods in finance.
Asset Pricing & Risk
An introduction to modern theories of Asset Pricing and Portfolio Theory in both static and dynamic settings.
Financial Econometrics
Get an introduction to the main tools and approaches to estimation and inference of financial and economic models.
Applications of Stochastic Calculus in Finance
Gain a thorough understanding of how stochastic calculus is used in continuous time finance. You will also develop an in-depth understanding of models used for various asset classes.
Dissertation
The 10,000 word dissertation allows you to synthesise, apply and extend the knowledge you have gained in the taught component of the programme, and to demonstrate mastery of some elements of financial mathematics.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
Statistical Learning & Big Data
Cover a range of theories in statistical learning and big data and big model related issues and solutions.
Advanced Trading Strategies
Get an introduction to three advanced topics in Mathematical Finance, computing and explaining key variables, applying appropriate techniques, and analysing and comparing different modelling approaches between the three.
Partial Differential Equations in Finance
Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of partial differential equations.
Brownian Motion
Learn how to construct Brownian motion and study its path properties, how to use stochastic calculus for manipulations, and about differential equations.
Read the module descriptions for this course on the Warwick Business School website.
Teaching
Modules are taught by staff from WBS, Statistics, and Mathematics, through a combination of lectures, classes, and computer lab sessions.
Seven core modules cover the four key pillars of the core skill set you will need for a career in the finance industry: Financial Statistics, Financial Mathematics, Asset Pricing and Risk, and Simulation and Machine Learning for Finance.
Our optional modules help you to personalise the course to focus in on your own interests and future career path.
Class sizes
The typical class size for this course is around 20 students.
Typical contact hours
Students on this MSc will typically receive between 26 and 30 contact hours per module.
Assessment
Assessment is a mix of exams and coursework with your dissertation bringing all of your learning together at the end.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, core and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your core modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
There may be events taking place in the evenings. Classes may run up to 7pm and other events, such as careers presentations may take place later or on Saturdays. Occasionally, classes and exams may be held on Saturdays. We will notify you in advance if this is the case.
This is a full-time course, so there are no holidays as such. However, the two weeks covering Christmas and New Year are guaranteed to be free from lectures. There may also be weeks free over the Easter period (check with your programme team). Resit exams may take place outside of standard teaching periods.
Your career
We have our own dedicated careers team at Warwick Business School called WBS CareersPlus. You will have access to one-to-one career guidance appointments, CV checks and tailored mock interviews.
Personalised support
The WBS CareersPlus team will support you and help you to understand yourself and your strengths. They can help you to identify possible career paths, and to set and achieve your career ambitions. This helps to boost your employability and helps you prepare for your career.
You can take advantage of personalised careers coaching and advice. Our one to one careers appointments can help you if you have a question about writing applications, wish to explore your career options, or need to prepare for interviews and assessment centres.
Warwick Business School
If you’re interested in the bigger picture, comfortable challenging assumptions and want a degree that will open doors, then WBS is the place for you. We will give you the foundation for change and prepare you for your future career. Are you ready to make your mark in the world of business?
Find out more about us on our website.
The vision of WBS is to be Europe’s leading University-based Business School, developing transformational ideas and people that shape how we do business. We recognise that rankings are one way to profile our progress towards fulfilling this vision, and are proud to participate in the major global business education rankings.
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- 6th in the UK and 19th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024
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- 1st in the UK and 18th in the world - Economist/WhichMBA - 2021 Masters in Management biennial ranking
- 2nd in the UK and 28th in the world - Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2023
- 3rd in the UK and 18th in the world - QS Business Masters Rankings 2024
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Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
How to apply for a postgraduate taught course
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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.Postgraduate Fairs
Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.
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Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.
Warwick Talk and Tours
A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.