Mathematical Finance

Entry requirements

Formal entry requirements are listed here but since applicants come from many different backgrounds, it will be useful to consider yourself whether you feel as if you have the right background for the course. Some general expectations are listed below, with references to existing courses on that material in Manchester. It should hopefully give you a feel for the course and what is expected of the incoming student. We would only consider a few of these courses as absolutely essential, but some additional background is desirable and will certainly assist you greatly for course preparation. If in doubt then please contact us.

• A good background in Probability Theory is essential; for example two courses in Probability, Probability 1 and Probability 2.
• Knowledge of Statistics is highly desirable, for example Introduction to Statistics. More advanced courses in Probability are highly desirable, for example Foundations of Modern Probability.
• Knowledge of measure-theoretical Probability and/or measure theory is desirable as well. An introduction to Markov processes is desirable but not essential, for example Random models or Markov processes, but not essential.
• Knowledge of real analysis is essential and of complex analysis is desirable, for example Real and Complex Analysis.
• Knowledge of basic calculus, for example Calculus and Vectors A, and ordinary differential equations is essential, Calculus and Applications A.
• Knowledge of partial differential equations is highly desirable, for example Partial Differential Equations and Vector Calculus A.
• Knowledge of solving partial differential equations numerically is desirable but not essential.
• Although there is no formal requirement for previous programming experience, a familiarity with writing computer programs (for example, in Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or Java) is desirable.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Department of Mathematics and Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester have combined their academic strength and practical expertise to deliver the MSc in Mathematical Finance (UK 1 year), ensuring that students can experience both the mathematical and economic perspective of the subject.

The course provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical and applied concepts in Mathematical Finance delivered from a genuinely international and multi-cultural perspective with a current issues approach to teaching. The focus is on mathematical theory and modelling, drawing from the disciplines of probability theory, scientific computing and partial differential equations to derive relations between asset prices and interest rates, and to develop models for pricing, risk management and financial product development.

The finance industry demands recruits with strong quantitative skills and the course is intended to prepare students for careers in this area. The course provides training for those who seek a career in the finance industry specialising in derivative securities, investment, risk management and hedge funds. It also provides research skills for those who subsequently wish to pursue research and/or an academic career (e.g. university lecturer) or continue the study at doctoral level, particularly those wishing to pursue further/advanced studies in Mathematical Finance.