This one-year master's course provides training in the application of mathematics to a wide range of problems in science and technology. Emphasis is placed on the formulation of problems, on the analytical and numerical techniques for a solution and the computation of useful results.
By the end of the course students should be able to formulate a well posed problem in mathematical terms from a possibly sketchy verbal description, carry out appropriate mathematical analysis, select or develop an appropriate numerical method, write a computer program which gives sensible answers to the problem, and present and interpret these results for a possible client. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for all these parts in the problem solving process, and on the fact that they frequently interact and cannot be carried out sequentially.
The course consists of both taught courses and a dissertation. To complete the course you must complete 13 units.
There are four core courses which you must complete (one unit each), which each usually consist of 24 lectures, classes and an examination. There is one course on mathematical methods and one on numerical analysis in both Michaelmas term and Hilary term. Each course is assessed by written examination in Week 0 of the following term.
Additionally, you must choose at least least one special topic in the area of modelling and one in computation (one unit each). There are around twenty special topics to choose from, spread over all three academic terms, each usually consisting for 12 to 16 lectures and a mini project, which culminates in a written report of around 20 pages. Topics covered include mathematical biology, fluid mechanics, perturbation methods, numerical solution of differential equations and scientific programming.
You must also undertake at least one case study in modelling and one in scientific computing (one unit each), normally consisting of four weeks of group work, an oral presentation and a report delivered in Hilary term.
There is also a dissertation (four units) of around 50 pages, which does not necessarily need to represent original ideas. Since there is another MSc focussed on mathematical finance specifically, the MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance, you are not permitted to undertake a dissertation in this field.
You will normally accumulate four units in core courses, three units in special topics, two units in case studies and four units in the dissertation. In addition, you will usually attend classes in mathematical modelling, practical numerical analysis and additional skills during Michaelmas term.
In the first term, students should expect their weekly schedule to consist of around seven hours of core course lectures and seven hours of modelling, practical numerical analysis and additional skills classes, then a further two hours of lectures for each special topic course followed. In addition there are about three hours of problem solving classes to go through core course exercises and students should expect to spend time working through the exercises then submitting them for marking prior to the class. There are slightly fewer contact hours in the second term, but students will spend more time working in groups on the case studies.
In the third term there are some special topic courses, including one week intensive computing courses, but the expectation is that students will spend most of the third term and long vacation working on their dissertations. During this time, students should expect to work hours that are equivalent to full-time working hours, although extra hours may occasionally be needed. Students are expected to write special topic and case study reports during the Christmas and Easter vacations, as well as revising for the core course written examinations.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Mathematics and Computing for Finance at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc Mathematics and Computing for Finance course has been designed to meet the growing demand for specially trained mathematicians to work in the world’s financial markets and insurance.
Despite the current volatile nature of the banking industry, many banks still have a pressing need for employees with advanced mathematical skills who can further their understanding of turbulence in financial markets.
On the Mathematics and Computing for Finance course you will study different elements of both mathematics and computing in addition to developing your communication and presentational skills through a project you will undertake. As a student of the MSc in Mathematics and Computing for Finance programme you will be fully supported to ensure that your project is best suited to support your future career plans.
Have in depth knowledge in stochastic analysis and parts of advanced real analysis. (Fourier analysis and Partial Differential Equations) as well as parts of numerical analysis which are central for applications to finance.
Have developed advanced computing skills being essential for handling problems relevant for a job on the finance markets.
Have, as a mathematician, a good understanding of finance markets.
Have developed skills needed to work in a highly inter-disciplinary profession, including advanced programming techniques and communication skills across the borders.
Please visit our website for a full description of modules for the MSc Mathematics and Computing for Finance.
The ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately are highly valued by employers. Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular areas are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistically analysis, marketing and sales.
Some of our students have been employed by AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Health Authorities and Local Government. Teaching is another area where maths graduates will find plenty of career opportunities.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that our research environment (how the Department supports research staff and students) and the impact of our research (its value to society) were both judged to be 100% world leading or internationally excellent.
All academic staff in Mathematics are active researchers and the department has a thriving research culture.
"Further to my studies at Swansea University as a Master of Science graduate in Financial Mathematics, I am currently working at Deutsche Bank in London as part of the Structured Financial Services team providing client services for corporate lending and debt portfolios. The complex nature of the course has helped me become a logical decision maker and a highly skilled problem solver. These transferable skills are very useful in the world of Finance since the role is highly challenging working towards deadlines and structured transaction targets. My studies at Swansea University have also enriched me with leadership, motivational skills and have enhanced my communication skills. I work in a close team of 10 people within a large department which encourages a culture that strives towards learning and effective teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Swansea University and cherish the many fond memories. I am so pleased to be expanding my horizon within a major financial centre."
Rhian Ivey, BSc Mathematics, MSc Mathematics and Computing for Finance
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Mathematics at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc Mathematics course has been designed for students who wish to build on their BSc, extending their range of mathematics expertise across a broader spread of topics, and demonstrating their literature research skills through an extended dissertation.
Such a qualification will mark graduates out as having a broader and deeper understanding of mathematics, and the skills required to pursue a significant project with a high level of independence, presenting their results in a written report. This will give MSc Mathematics graduates an edge in the ever more competitive jobs market.
On the Mathematics course you will study different elements of mathematics in a broad sense - including mathematical elements of computing if desired - in addition to developing your research, project management, and written communication skills through a project you will undertake. As a student of MSc in Mathematics, you will be fully supported to ensure that your project further develops an excellent foundation for your future career plans.
Modules on the MSc Mathematics include:
• Algebraic coding theory
• Biomathematics
• Black-Scholes theory
• Data science
• Differential geometry
• Fourier analysis
• Ito calculus
• Lie theory
• Numerical analysis
• Partial differential equations
• Stochastic processes
• Statistical mechanics
• Topology
Please visit our website for a full description of modules for the MSc Mathematics.
On top of the Mathematics modules you study, you will also complete a dissertation as part of your studies.
The Aubrey Truman Reading Room, located in the centre of the Department of Mathematics, houses the departmental library and computers for student use. It is a popular venue for students to work independently on the regular example sheets set by their lecturers, and to discuss Mathematics together.
Our main university library, Information Services and Systems (ISS), contains a notably extensive collection of Mathematics books.
Mathematics students will benefit from the £31m Computational Foundry for computer and mathematical sciences which will provide the most up-to-date and high quality teaching facilities featuring world-leading experimental set-ups, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation and ensure students will be ready for exciting and successful careers. (From September 2018)
The ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately are highly valued by employers. Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular areas are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistically analysis, marketing and sales.
Some of our Mathematics students have been employed by AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Health Authorities and Local Government. Teaching is another area where Mathematics graduates will find plenty of career opportunities.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that our research environment (how the Department supports research staff and students) and the impact of our research (its value to society) were both judged to be 100% world leading or internationally excellent.
All academic staff in Mathematics are active researchers and the department has a thriving research culture.
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/science/mscmathematics/
"Further to my studies at Swansea University as a Master of Science graduate in Financial Mathematics, I am currently working at Deutsche Bank in London as part of the Structured Financial Services team providing client services for corporate lending and debt portfolios. The complex nature of the Mathematics course has helped me become a logical decision maker and a highly skilled problem solver. These transferable skills are very useful in the world of Finance since the role is highly challenging working towards deadlines and structured transaction targets. My studies at Swansea University have also enriched me with leadership, motivational skills and have enhanced my communication skills. I work in a close team of 10 people within a large department which encourages a culture that strives towards learning and effective teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Swansea University and cherish the many fond memories. I am so pleased to be expanding my horizon within a major financial centre."
Rhian Ivey, BSc Mathematics, MSc Mathematics and Computing for Finance
This programme reflects and benefits from the strong research activities of the Department of Mathematics.
The taught modules and dissertation topics are closely aligned with the interests of the Department’s four research groups:
During the first two semesters you will take a range of taught modules from an extensive list of options, followed by an extended research project conducted over the summer under the supervision of a member of the department, culminating in the writing of a dissertation.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Mathematics is not only central to science, technology and finance-related fields, but the logical insight, analytical skills and intellectual discipline gained from a mathematical education are highly sought after in a broad range of other areas such as law, business and management.
There is also a strong demand for new mathematics teachers to meet the ongoing shortage in schools.
As well as being designed to meet the needs of future employers, our MSc programme also provides a solid foundation from which to pursue further research in mathematics or one of the many areas to which mathematical ideas and techniques are applied.
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
