(MSc) Master of Science
Mathematics and Finance
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Part-time
None
MSC GN1324
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
We will consider applicants with a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
- Mathematics,
- Statistics
- Operational research
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
- Biostatistics
- Economic Statistics
- Statistics
- Economics
OR
A 2.1 degree in any subject which includes:
One module in:
- Calculus
- Maths
- Engineering Maths
- Advanced Maths
And one module in
- Statistics or Probability
- Maths
- Engineering Maths
- Advanced Maths
And one additional relevant module, from
- Algebra
- Analysis
- Programming language (R, Matlab or Python)
- A second module in Probability or Statistics
- Numerical Methods
- Complex Numbers
- Differential Equations
- Optimisation (Linear Programming)
- Regression
- Stochastic Process
- Maths
- Engineering Maths
- Advanced Maths
Applicants with a degree below 2:1 or equivalent will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience and previous modules studied.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Please refer to the full time version of this course for information on Core and Compulsory modules.
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To offer students the opportunity to study mathematics and finance to an advanced level within an environment informed by current research.
- To provide students with advanced training that will be of use in a career as a mathematician or finance agent.
- To provide students with training in the preparation of reports involving mathematical material, including correct referencing, appropriate layout and style.
- To enhance the transferable skills of students (including IT, presentation skills, problem solving abilities, numeracy and their ability to efficiently retrieve information and use it in an effective manner).
- To provide students with information that will help them to make an informed judgement as to the appropriate methods to employ when analysing a mathematics or finance problem.
- To provide students with a research-type experience that will aid them in their approach to further research activity.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: A range of ideas concerning Mathematics and Finance, including methods appropriate in specialized applications and some knowledge of relevant probabilistic/statistical/computing ideas.
A2: How to formulate algorithms to solve problems.
A101: Some of the ways in which apparently disparate parts of the subject may interconnect.
A102: Analyse a given problem and select the most appropriate methods for its solution.
Learning methods
A1-A2 and A101 are principally acquired through the coherent programmes of lectures, exercises and problem classes.
These are supplemented, where appropriate, by the use of computers, computer packages, textbooks, handouts and on-line material.
In most modules there is regular set work.
This work is marked and this process informs the course teacher of common difficulties that require extra attention during the subsequent problem classes.
A102 is principally acquired through the preparation of an essay and a thesis on specialized topics. During the production of their written work, students are expected to extend and enhance the basic module material concerning internet searching and the production of mathematical texts. The research guidance during the summer is a critical aspect of this training.
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through coursework, examinations and essays.
They are also assessed through the dissertation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a mass of information and carry out an appropriate analysis of the problem material.
B2: Express a problem in mathematical terms and carry out an appropriate analysis.
B3: Reason critically and interpret information in a manner that can be communicated effectively.
B101: Integrate and link information across course components.
B102: Under guidance of a supervisor, plan and carry out a piece of research and present the results in a coherent fashion.
Learning methods
B1-B3 These skills are developed through the regular coursework exercises.
In seeking to answer these exercises students become accustomed to identifying key facts in a body of information.
The problems classes provide back-up as required.
B101 and B102 These skills are initiated during the course of the preparation of the essay and are further developed during the course of the dissertation.
Assessment methods
The level of attainment of these skills is assessed through coursework and the summer examinations.
It is also assessed through examination of the dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Model problems in Finance using relevant mathematical tools.
C2: Construct and use algorithms.
C101: Use a mathematical word-processing package.
C102: Make an effective literature search.
C103: Prepare a technical report.
Learning methods
C1-C2 are developed through the programme of lectures, regular exercises and computer work.
C101-C103 are developed during the course of the preparation of the essay and the thesis.
C103 is developed in MA981.
Assessment methods
C1-C2 are assessed by regular coursework and examinations.
C101 is assessed in this way and also by any computer output that forms part of the dissertation.
C102-C103 are assessed through the MA981 essay and summer dissertation.
D: Key skills
D1: Write clearly and effectively
D2: Enhance existing numerical ability
D3: Choose the appropriate method of inquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems.
D4: Learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance
D5: Work pragmatically to meet deadlines.
Learning methods
D1 is promoted by the supervisor of the essay and thesis work and by class teachers’ feedback on written solutions to problems.
D2 is a natural consequence of courses with high numeric content.
D3 is a consequence of the coursework, problems classes, lectures and laboratory work.
D4-D5 result from a tightly timetabled course of lectures and submission dates that require the student to effectively organise time to meet deadlines.
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed throughout the degree via coursework, examinations, the essay and the summer project.