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Entry requirements

The normal entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above from a UK university, or overseas equivalent, in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, physics, statistics, economics or engineering.

In some circumstances, we are able to admit students with an undergraduate degree that is less than the 2:2 standard, provided that your subsequent work experience and/or education and training is considered to have brought you to an equivalent standard.

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

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

October

Course content

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 stimulating and challenging; our students have strong intellectual ability and are willing to work hard.

Highlights

Many of our students work in the finance industry, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience.
Our teaching is informed by the latest research and by the needs of employers, so you'll be taught by academics who are professional practitioners involved in the world of economics and international finance.
Our teaching is renowned for its high quality and we provide in-house training for government departments and City firms and banks, including the Treasury and the Bank of England.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), more than half of our research outputs in Economics were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent.
The Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics brings together research and teaching across economics and finance, mathematics and statistics in a single department, which creates significant interdisciplinary synergies. Watch our video of Professor Ron Smith talking about studying in the Department.
We offer a range of postgraduate programmes in finance, read an overview of each programme to find the right one for you.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification