University of Essex
Mathematics and Finance MSc
University of Essex

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

One of our most popular courses, MSc Mathematics and Finance allows those with a background in mathematics to study finance. Since finance routinely involves modelling and evaluating risk, asset pricing and price forecasting, mathematics has become an indispensable tool for this study.

You explore topics including:

  • Models and mathematics in portfolio management
  • Risk management in modern banking
  • Financial modelling
  • Actuarial modelling
  • Applied statistics

In recent years, finance has been one of the areas where high-calibre mathematicians have been in great demand. With the advent of powerful and yet economically accessible computing, online trading has become a common activity, but many have realised that a certain amount of mathematics is necessary to be successful in such fields.

Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines.

Our Department of Mathematical Sciences has an international reputation in many areas including semi-group theory, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology.

We are genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples:

  • Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.
  • We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.

- We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.

  • Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.
  • Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.
  • We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees

Research councils and some University of Essex studentships available.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Mathematics and Finance, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Mathematics and Finance MSc

England UK £8000 year 1
Northern Ireland £8000 year 1
Scotland £8000 year 1
Wales £8000 year 1
Channel Islands £8000 year 1
Ireland £8000 year 1
EU £17360 year 1
International £17360 year 1

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for 2024-25 entry. Fees for part-time courses are calculated pro-rata to the relevant full-time fee.

Tuition fees may be subject to annual increases in each year of study in line with inflation.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Essex in top UK and global rankings.

See all 27 university rankings of University of Essex

About University of Essex

The University of Essex, is a public, research university where curiosity prevails and thinking outside the box isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected. Based in the county of the same name, Essex, the main campus is located in Wivenhoe Park, near Colchester. It is home to the university’s three faculties, Humanities, Science & Health and Social Sciences, as well as a very large community of local rabbits, and other small fauna typical of the English countryside.

List of 921 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Essex - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Essex

undergraduates:
12070
postgraduates:
3690
Total:
15760
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Where is this programme taught

Colchester Campus
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