Equip yourself for a career in the finance industry
18 months part-time,
36 months part-time
Join us online or in person to find out more about postgraduate study at York.
Upcoming eventsTaught entirely online, our MSc in Mathematical Finance will give you the skills you need to work in the financial sector and adapt quickly to new developments in the field.
This distance learning programme builds on the strength and success of the campus-based MSc Mathematical Finance. You'll develop your skills and competence in mathematical and quantitative finance in a flexible learning environment, suitable for a diverse range of students from across the world.
Our team of dedicated academic staff are leaders in their field, and you'll work closely with them through regular one-to-one online tutorials and supervisory sessions.
If you'd like to study this course but feel the need to revise and consolidate your mathematics background before starting, we offer an online pre-sessional course: Mathematics for Quantitative Finance.
We offer two starting points per academic year. These begin on 1 September and 1 February.
Learn more about the study of finance at York.
This course has built-in flexibility to meet the needs of distance learners from diverse backgrounds, meaning you can study when it suits you
Excellent textbooks and friendly tutors allowed me to master quite sophisticated mathematics and excel in most subjects. Interactive lectures just a mouse-click away provided me with opportunity to study at home, on the move, everywhere! The course is a great way to master a complex discipline for people who lead busy lives.Valeriy, MSc Mathematical Finance (online)
Fund Management Company, Australia
The online degree is split into three stages:
You'll need to complete all three stages to achieve the MSc, but you can exit earlier with either a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma, depending on your progress.
The induction period introduces you to teaching and learning using the online system.
Core modules:
Core module:
Choose two of the following options:
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
You'll be provided with a list of topics to choose from, or you can propose your own topic (subject to approval). Dissertation topics are unique for each student, and are typically based on recent publications in leading journals or preprints by leading researchers in the field of mathematical/quantitative finance.
Previous topics include:
Throughout the dissertation process you'll submit drafts and received detailed written feedback. You'll have regular one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss the drafts and feedback, review progress and receive advice on any problems you may encounter.
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 (home) / International and EU |
|---|---|
| Part-time, distance learning (18 months) This is the fee per stage (stage 1 - Certificate; stage 2 - Diploma; and stage 3 - Dissertation). Each stage takes six months. |
£8,410 |
| Part-time, distance learning (3 years) This is the fee per stage (stage 1 - Certificate; stage 2 - Diploma; and stage 3 - Dissertation). Each stage takes one year. |
£8,410 |
The fees quoted above are payable for each stage of the course. Each stage of the course (Certificate, Diploma, Dissertation) lasts six months or one year.
I found my experience with the MSc programme to be very rewarding. Taking the course helped me to make the transition into quantitative finance coming from a more natural science (mathematical biology) background. I particularly liked the focus and care with which the course approached the mathematics.Ulrich, MSc Mathematical Finance (online)
Head of Data Analytics at Berenberg Asset Management, Germany
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
There are two four-month teaching periods in each academic year: 1 October to 31 January and 15 March to 15 July. There are two intakes per year, beginning in September and February, when we also run two-week induction periods for new students.
You'll have the option of following the programme either as fast stream or standard stream. Fast stream students complete each of the three stages, Certificate, Diploma and Dissertation within a single four-month teaching period. Standard stream students need two consecutive teaching periods to complete each stage. Therefore the course can take from 18 months (fast stream) to 36 months (standard stream). To allow maximum flexibility, it is possible to transfer between the two streams between stages.
Our teaching is informed by the latest research, meaning you can focus on the latest ideas and models. You'll make use of our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and a range of teaching methods including:
Your regular one-to-one tutorials will make use of screen sharing and handwriting facilities to allow communication in the symbolic language of mathematics. Interactive presentations are used to describe new concepts you will have to learn and problems classes put them into practice. As well as supporting your learning online, the VLE gives you access to the wider community of staff and students in the Department of Mathematics and you'll be able to discuss modules with your peers through discussion forums.
You'll receive free electronic copies of books from the series Mastering Mathematical Finance, which are a fantastic accompaniment to the course. Original lecture notes will also be provided. You will also gain access to our short videos designed to reinforce your knowledge on certain topics, and are accompanied by a set of dedicated study notes.
While you're working on your dissertation you'll have regular online meetings with your academic supervisor who will offer advice and support. We always aim to give you a supervisor with specialist knowledge of the area you're investigating.
No presence on campus is required, but access to suitable hardware, software and a good internet connection are necessary:
Hardware
Software
All of this software is free to download for registered students. We offer a dedicated library service for distance learners and you'll have remote access to all of our relevant electronic library resources.
You'll be assessed by regular coursework assignments throughout each module and a recorded online viva at the end of the Certificate and Diploma stages of the programme. The coursework consists 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.
In the dissertation, 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 a dissertation, your training is rounded off by consistently working on your written communication skills. There is also a recorded online viva at the end of the dissertation stage.
Upon successful completion of this course, you can embark on careers in trading and pricing derivative financial securities (options, futures, forwards, and the like), fund management, risk management, research and development, or pursue further study to PhD level.
The topics studied felt relevant and current, and many of the skills I picked up have become key tools in my professional life. Additionally, the study skills, discipline and time-management capabilities that were crucial to succeeding on the course have also proved invaluable for studies for subsequent professional qualifications.Thomas, MSc Mathematical Finance (online)
Derivatives Trader, London
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in Mathematics or a relevant subject including certain science degrees. In certain cases, you may be required to complete the online pre-sessional course in Mathematics for Quantitative Finance with a final grade of at least 60%. If your undergraduate degree is in business, finance or economics with sufficiently strong mathematics background (equivalent to at least two years of university level mathematics courses), then we encourage you to apply also. We welcome students with recent degrees as well as those with work experience in related disciplines and professions. |
| 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:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 169, with no less than 162 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 6, minimum of 5 in each component |
| Duolingo | 105, minimum 95 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 65 with a minimum of 60 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 426-458, with 396-425 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Pass with Merit overall, with Pass in each component |
| PTE Academic | 55, minimum 51 in each component |
| TOEFL | 79, minimum 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing |
| Trinity ISE III | Pass in all components |
For more information see our English language requirements.
