Mathematical Finance

The normal entry requirement is a second-class honours degree from a UK university, or overseas equivalent, in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, physics, statistics, economics or engineering.

Alternatively, a merit or higher in a Graduate Diploma in economics, mathematics or statistics would be suitable. Work experience will be taken into account. Graduates from other disciplines such as computer science will be accepted if their degree contains a major quantitative element.

In some circumstances students are admitted with a first degree that is less than the 2:1 standard, provided that their subsequent work experience and/or education and training is deemed to have brought them to an equivalent standard.

The market for postgraduate training in quantitative finance is evolving, with a change in the skillset that employers demand. Birkbeck's MSc Mathematical Finance offers advanced training in quantitative skills used in modern financial institutions, including most notably valuation of securities, and measurement and management of portfolio risks, enabling you to seek employment in financial institutions, including regulator bodies.

You will be trained in programming, numerical methods and statistics, and given a grounding in pricing and risk management techniques. A key feature is the emphasis on computational methods and implementation of the pricing and risk management techniques learnt. You will complete modules in programming, numerical methods and financial statistics, and many topics are illustrated by computer examples.

The programme is demanding and challenging; applicants should have strong intellectual ability and be willing to work hard.

We offer a range of postgraduate programmes in finance, so if you are unsure which is right for you, then read an overview of each programme.