Use applied mathematics to analyse complex economic issues and financial markets
Year of entry: 2020
1 year full-time
September 2020 (term dates)
Take advantage of expertise from two leading departments as you combine applied and computational mathematics with econometrics and quantitative finance.
We'll train you in core skills for financial engineering and you'll learn to use the key mathematical models that are fundamental to analysing financial issues. Our option modules will allow you to explore the topics in finance that you are particularly interested in.
Our expert tutors will help you to lay the foundations for a career as a quantitative analyst in top financial institutions, as well as opening opportunities in other careers involving financial management or analysis.
This intensive course is featured on RiskNet and jointly delivered by the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Economics and Related Studies.
The Department of Economics and Related Studies was top 10 in the UK for 'research impact' in Times Higher Education's ranking of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework assessment, 80% of research activity in the Department of Mathematics was designated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.
You'll develop your skills and knowledge in econometrics and quantitative finance alongside applied and computational mathematics, guided by experienced and enthusiastic lecturers from the Departments of Mathematics and Economics.
Both departments host lively calendars of seminars and lectures, allowing you to expand your learning through visits from distinguished scholars and practitioners.
Through core modules totalling 100 credits, you'll build a firm understanding of the mathematical tools and theories used in financial engineering. You'll also choose 20 credits of option modules, allowing you to explore in detail the subjects you're most interested in.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
You'll complete a piece of independent research carried out over three months in the summer, supported by regular meetings with a dedicated supervisor. Your dissertation offers you the chance to examine a topic in depth, often based on recent developments in mathematical finance, and to develop your academic research skills.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
| Study mode | UK/EU | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,060 | £24,620 |
Students on a Tier 4 Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK/EU or international student.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
Our teaching is informed by the latest research, meaning you can focus on the latest ideas and models.
We use a wide range of teaching methods including:
For some modules you may also attend practical classes, computer laboratories or workshops.
Lectures describe new concepts you will have to learn, and in problems classes you'll put them into practice. Seminars are small, interactive sessions which allow us to focus on your individual needs. You'll be able to use our Virtual Learning Environment to supplement lectures and seminars.
While you're working on your project and your dissertation you'll have regular meetings with your academic supervisor who will offer advice and support. We aim to give you a supervisor with specialist knowledge of the area you're investigating.
You will be based in the Department of Mathematics in James College on Campus West. Most of your small group teaching will take place in the Department's dedicated MSc seminar room, with larger classes taking place close by in James College, Derwent College and elsewhere on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Taught modules are assessed by a combination of the following types of assessment:
The closed book written exam assesses your subject-specific knowledge through theoretical and practical questions, in an array of targeted and broad, open-ended problems. These require topic knowledge and the ability to recognise, compare and critically evaluate different knowledge areas.
The coursework and projects consist of problems and practical tasks that might require the use of software. You'll develop your subject knowledge and analytical skills as well as your ability to apply, implement and interpret theory.
Presentations are specifically designed to enhance your communication skills for a range of audiences, from subject experts to the general public.
In the independent study module, you'll conduct a piece of applied research. You'll continue to develop your critical reasoning and digital literacy skills, including programming. As this module is assessed with a dissertation, your training is rounded off by consistently working on your written communication skills.
This course will build the foundations necessary for a successful career as a quantitative analyst in top financial institutions worldwide. It is also an ideal basis for progression to a PhD.
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent in a discipline with sufficient background in mathematical sciences, economics and finance. In certain cases we may also consider a 2:2, which would usually come with the condition that you complete the online pre-sessional course in Mathematical Foundations of Quantitative Finance with a final grade of at least 60%. |
| Other qualifications and experience | Professional experience in quantitative finance will be an advantage, but not a prerequisite, and can compensate to some extent for limited formal training. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) | C or above |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 169, minimum 162 in each component |
| TOEFL | 79, minimum 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing |
| Trinity ISE III | Pass in each component |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
We recognise the difficulties in taking English language tests due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have taken the decision to relax the English language requirements published above by 0.5 IELTS (or equivalent).
We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves and are considering further options to support offer-holders in meeting their English language conditions. Further information about our responses to COVID-19.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current IELTS scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start it, save it and finish it later.
Get in touch if you have any questions
Department of Economics and Related Studies, Department of Mathematics
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
