MSc Quantitative Finance

Course description

The course is particularly suitable for students with a degree in Finance, Financial Economics, Actuarial Science, Engineering, and Mathematics as well as relevant work experience (non-compulsory). It is also suited to those wishing to gain salary enhancements, or students wishing to pursue advanced studies in quantitative finance.

• Learn how to forecast and manage risk and return
• Gain the skills to price any financial instrument
• Learn how to engineer new methods and financial products
• Build advanced knowledge of the main theoretical and applied concepts in quantitative finance, financial engineering and risk management, using current issues to stimulate your thinking
• Prepare for careers involving the design and management of new financial instruments, the development of innovative methods for measuring, or predicting and managing risk.

Coursework and assessment

The course teaching is shared by Alliance Manchester Business School and the Department of Mathematics, and delivered through lectures, case studies, seminars and group project-based work. Assessment varies depending on course units taken. It may include a combination of course work and examination. A dissertation of around 8,000 words is normally undertaken.

Career opportunities

This course provides ideal preparation for a career in the finance industry specialising in designing and trading financial instruments. These financial engineers are expected to be proficient in computer programming and strong in financial mathematics. They have to be at ease with complex derivatives and creative enough to find solutions for pricing and hedging. The course also provides research skills for those who wish to pursue an academic career by studying at doctoral level.

We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent. You ideally need a a degree in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, actuarial or decision sciences and have taken or be taking a significant number of modules in quantitative subjects, such as differential equations, econometrics or mathematical statistics in the final year of your degree, with excellent results; We highly recommend GMAT or GRE and anticipate a well-balanced score with a strong performance in the quantitative sections; When assessing your academic record, we take into account your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.