Mathematical Finance

The MSc Mathematical Finance offers a solid foundation to the tools, theory and practice required for a career in finance or related professions.  The heart of the programme is our case studies module, structured around current and practical issues within the mathematical finance industry.  This is complemented by modules teaching the essential concepts and techniques in mathematics and finance.  A capstone project gives you the opportunity to extend your expertise into a specialist area of your choice.  This programme is offered as a conversion course and does not require a prior specialist mathematics or finance education.  We offer a “with Professional Placement” variant if you would like to complement your year of study with a placement year to round out your experience in this field.

To provide you with a broad and balanced body of the quantitative and economical theories that underpin modern financial models and strategies.

To generate in you an enthusiasm for the subject of mathematical finance and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and scholarship.

To generate in you the ability to understand, evaluate and construct quantitative models of various financial phenomena.

To prepare you for further research and for employment in the area of mathematical finance.

The Mathematical Finance programme is a 1-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 1 stage. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.

Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook. 

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University’s TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University’s campus network.

Additionally, the Faculty has its own dedicated computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Faculty and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building opening hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with separate breakout rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the “Academic Honesty and Plagiarism” module are also available through the student portal (http://ele.exeter.ac.uk)

The Student Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).