Overview
Financial mathematics builds on the application of advanced concepts in modern probability theory to enable market professionals to tackle and systematically resolve a huge range of issues in the areas of pricing, hedging, risk management, and market regulation.
On this course you’ll put theory into practice by developing your numerical and computational skills to implement financial models. These are the skills you’ll need to work for a financial institution.
The course has an emphasis on:
- the modelling of the dynamics of financial assets, both in equity markets and in fixed-income markets
- the pricing and hedging of options and other derivatives
- the quantification and management of financial risk.
The course will give you a balanced mixture of advanced mathematics (including modern probability theory and stochastic calculus), modern finance theory (including models for derivatives, interest rates, foreign exchange, equities, commodities, and credit), and computational technique (GPU-based high-performance computing).
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The programme offers six compulsory modules, taken by all, along with three elective modules from which you choose two modules. There are lectures, examinations and coursework in eight modules altogether, including the six compulsory modules. Additionally, all students complete an individual research project on a selected topic in financial mathematics, leading to the submission of a dissertation.
We aim to teach the key ideas in financial asset pricing theory from a modern perspective, using concepts and methods such as pricing kernels, market information filtrations, and martingale techniques. This replaces the more traditional but old-fashioned approach based on the historical development of the subject. At each stage of the course you’ll undertake a critical re-examination of the hypotheses implicit in any financial model, with a view to gaining a clear grasp of both its strengths and its limitations. You’ll learn high-performance computing and the techniques to implement financial models.
Compulsory modules
- Computer Intensive Statistical Methods
- Financial Markets
- Interest Rate Theory
- Option Pricing Theory
- Probability and Stochastics
- Research Methods and Case Studies
- Quantitative Data Analytics
- Dissertation
Optional modules
- Fundamentals of Machine Learning
- Time Series Modelling
Compulsory
- Probability and StochasticsThis module aims to equip students with the basic measure-theoretic and probabilistic concepts and techniques needed for them to be able to apply the modern mathematical theory of finance, and to enable students to use methods of stochastic calculus based on Brownian motion in such a way that they are able to carry out the necessary mathematical manipulations and calculations required for use and critical assessment of the various financial models introduced in other modules of the programme.
- Financial MarketsThis module aims to equip students with the basic concepts of financial markets, including market terminology and conventions, required for other modules of the programme, and to enable candidates to perform calculations to obtain solutions to basic portfolio optimisation problems using a range of models and techniques.
- Option Pricing TheoryThis module aims to equip students with the notion of risk-neutral valuation and the relation between physical and risk-neutral probability measures in the Brownian context, and to enable students to price vanilla options and basic barrier options in the geometric Brownian motion model.
- Interest Rate TheoryThis module aims to equip students with a basic familiarity with fixed-income securities markets and, in particular, with the structures of key financial products traded in such markets, and to enable candidates to value derivatives in a number of basic models for interest rates and discount bonds.
- Research Methods and Case StudiesThe aims of this module are to develop students’ knowledge and critical awareness of a variety of research methods, to encourage students to develop critical thinking skills and transferable skills appropriate to their discipline, to enable students to develop an understanding of the current needs of industry and commerce, and to prepare students for their dissertation.
- Computer Intensive Statistical MethodsThis module aims to introduce the students to a range of computational intensive statistical methods, to further develop their skills in correct interpretation and clear reporting of results, and to enable the students to create algorithms for regression models (parametric regression and nonparametric regression) to cope with massive data.
- Financial Mathematics DissertationThe dissertation aims to enable students to develop a robust understanding of more advanced and practical issues in risk quantification or risk management, or other areas in financial engineering, and to enable students to stimulate independent learning and critical thinking, both as a means for studying the chosen project and for approaching other real-life applications.
- Quantitative Data AnalysisThe aim of this module is to develop knowledge and skills of the quantitative data analysis methods that underpin data science. Content covers a practical understanding of core methods in data science application and research, such as bivariate and multivariate methods, regression and graphical models. A focus is also placed on learning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of methods alongside an understanding of how and when to use or combine methods.
Optional
- Time Series ModellingThis module aims to equip students with the ability to employ different methods for modelling and forecasting time series data, in particular in the context of financial data and forecasting financial risk, and to enable students to apply a range of models and tools to make financial decisions such as risk assessment.
- Fundamentals of Machine LearningThis module aims to equip students with the knowledge and ability to use modern regression and classification methods with different types of data, to enable students to apply a range of models and tools to variable selection and model selection.
This course can be studied 1 year full-time, starting in September.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
You’ll be qualified to pursue a job in a number of different areas of financial modelling and risk management in the financial services industry, with employment prospects in banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, pension funds, insurance and re-insurance companies, exchanges, corporate and sovereign treasuries, financial consultants, financial software developers, financial regulators, financial publishing houses, and companies specialising in the analysis and distribution of financial information and data. There is also a demand in financial institutions for well qualified mathematically literate graduates with higher degrees for positions in the trading, structuring and marketing of financial products.
UK entry requirements
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in Mathematics.
Applications from candidates with degrees in Engineering, Economics, Mathematical Biology with Maths, Calculus and Algebra modules with B Grade or above in the modules overall.
Other qualifications with relevant work experience may also be considered.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£13,750 full-time
International
£25,000 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Lectures will primarily be delivered in-person on-campus, though some may be delivered online either as pre-recorded or live sessions. The expectation is that students will attend all timetabled on-campus lectures, and that online lectures will be viewed by students in advance of related on-campus activities.
Tutorials & discussion-based sessions will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. The expectation is that students will attend all timetabled on-campus or online tutorials.
Computing Labs will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. The expectation is that students will attend all timetabled on-campus or online computing labs. Students will be provided with access to the specialised software required.
Support/resources: Learning materials for every module will be made available online, through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Brightspace.
Assessments will be varied, and may include: CAA (computer aided assessment) tests, written coursework assessments (including software tasks), presentations (in-person or video presentations) and written examinations. Students will be expected to attend assessments in-person on campus.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Mathematics at Brunel has an active and dynamic research centre and many of our lecturers are widely published and highly recognised in their fields. Their work is frequently supported by external grants and contracts with leading industry and government establishments. Lecturers are consequently at the frontier of the subject and in active contact with modern users of mathematics. This means that you can be assured that our academics are teaching you truly up-to-date methods and you’ll benefit from a wide range of expertise across the different areas of mathematics.
The Department of Mathematics, home to its acclaimed research centre CARISMA, has a long tradition of research and software development, in collaboration with various industry partners, in the general area of risk management.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Assessment is by a combination of coursework, examination, and dissertation. Examinations are held in May. The MSc degree is awarded if you reach the necessary overall standard on the taught part of the course and submit a dissertation that is judged to be of the required standard. Specifically, to qualify for the MSc degree, you need to: (a) take examinations in eight modules including the four compulsory modules, (b) attain the minimum grade profile (or better) required for a master’s degree and (c) submit a dissertation of the required standard. However, if you don’t achieve these requirements, you may be eligible to be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.