Quantitative financial methods are one of the fastest growing areas of the present day banking and corporate environments. The solution by Black, Scholes and Merton of the option pricing problem set off a revolution in finance resulting in the introduction of sophisticated mathematical techniques in the financial markets and corporate planning.
To understand, apply and develop these sophisticated methods requires a good understanding of both advanced mathematics and advanced financial theory. By combining the financial expertise in the
University of Exeter Business School with expertise in the Mathematical Research Institute of the Mathematics Department at the University, this intensive MSc programme, available over 9 or 12 months, will prepare you for careers in areas such as international banking or international business. For those with a strong mathematical background, and a wish to pursue a finance career, this programme is the ideal introduction to this exciting field.
Programme structure
The taught element of the programme takes place between October and May and is arranged into two 12-week teaching semesters.
Compulsory modules
The compulsory modules can include; Methods for Stochastics and Finance; Analysis and Computation for Finance; Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing; Fundamentals of Financial Management; Research Methodology and Advanced Mathematics Project;
Optional modules
Some examples of the optional modules are as follows; Topics in Financial Economics; Investment Analysis; Banking and Financial Services; Derivatives Pricing; Domestic and International Portfolio Management; Investment Analysis; Financial Modelling; Advanced Corporate Finance; Alternative Investments; Quantitative and Research Techniques; Advanced Econometrics; Dynamical Systems and Chaos; Pattern Recognition; Introduction to C++ and Level 3 Mathematics Modules.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Learning and teaching
Teaching is by lectures, example classes, computer classes, tutorials, set work, project work, reading and self-study. The exact form and number of the lectures and tutorials varies from module to module and is chosen according to the material to be covered.
You will use the computer programming language Matlab and online financial databases such as Bloomberg and Datastream.
Normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a mathematics, science or engineering subject, with significant maths content.
