MSc Mathematical Finance

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Mathematical Finance at the University of Exeter combines advanced mathematics with modern finance to prepare you for careers in investment banking, asset management, risk management, insurance, and quantitative finance. Whether your background is in mathematics, finance, or a related discipline, you'll develop practical analytical skills through real-world case studies, industry-standard software, and the option to gain valuable professional experience with a placement year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The programme begins by strengthening your understanding of both mathematics and finance through modules such as Fundamentals of Financial Management, Methods for Stochastics and Finance, and Analysis and Computation for Finance. As your studies progress, you'll tackle advanced topics including Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing, apply your knowledge in Case Studies in Mathematical Finance, and complete an Actuarial and Mathematical Finance Project based on an area that interests you. You can also personalise your degree by choosing optional modules such as Financial Instruments, Derivatives Pricing, Investment Analysis, Financial Modelling, or Advanced Corporate Finance.

Professional Placement Year (Optional)

If you choose the Professional Placement pathway, you'll spend 9–12 months working in a finance-related organisation, gaining valuable industry experience before graduating. This opportunity allows you to apply your classroom learning in a professional environment while building practical skills and enhancing your career prospects.

Focus Areas

Quantitative Finance, Financial Mathematics, Stochastic Processes, Option Pricing, Risk Management, Computational Finance, Financial Management, Investment Analysis, Financial Modelling, Actuarial Science, Programming for Finance, Applied Financial Research

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced mathematical and financial modelling skills, analyse financial markets using quantitative methods, apply stochastic models to pricing and risk analysis, solve real-world financial problems with computational techniques, conduct independent research, communicate technical findings effectively, and gain practical experience using MATLAB, C++ or Python alongside professional financial databases.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is jointly delivered by the University of Exeter's Department of Mathematics and Business School, bringing together expertise in mathematics and finance. While the programme does not hold a specific professional accreditation, its research-led teaching, practical case studies, computational focus, and optional professional placement ensure strong alignment with the needs of the financial services industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked among the Top 20 universities in the UK for Mathematics in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2027.
100% of Mathematics research impact was rated internationally excellent or world-leading in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
92% of Mathematics graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey (2021/22).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Mathematical Finance at the University of Exeter is designed to help you develop the practical skills employers look for in today's financial sector. Throughout the programme, you'll combine mathematical theory with real-world applications by working on case studies, computer-based learning, and an independent research project. You'll also gain experience with the same programming languages and financial databases used by professionals in investment banking, risk management, insurance, and quantitative finance. If you choose the Professional Placement pathway, you'll have the opportunity to spend up to a year working in industry, giving you valuable professional experience before you graduate.

This practical learning experience is supported by a range of specialist resources and opportunities:

Build computational finance skills using MATLAB, C++ or Python.
Work with professional financial databases, including Bloomberg and Datastream, to analyse financial markets and investment data.
Apply quantitative techniques to real financial challenges through the Case Studies in Mathematical Finance module.
Complete an Actuarial and Mathematical Finance Project, allowing you to carry out independent research on a specialist topic with academic supervision.
Develop practical problem-solving skills through a combination of computer classes, tutorials, lectures, project work, guided reading, and self-directed study.
Receive personalised academic support from a Personal Tutor, with additional guidance from postgraduate tutors and alumni mentors working in the finance industry.
Enhance your employability by completing an optional 9–12 month Professional Placement with a finance-related organisation.
Learn from researchers whose work is shaping developments in mathematics and finance, bringing current industry knowledge directly into your studies.
Access the University's modern library facilities, offering specialist mathematics and finance resources, academic journals, digital databases, collaborative study spaces, and quiet research areas.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Mathematical Finance at the University of Exeter prepares you for a successful career in the global financial industry by combining advanced mathematical knowledge with practical analytical and computational skills. Whether you want to work in investment banking, quantitative finance, risk management, or insurance, you'll graduate with the expertise employers value and a strong foundation for long-term career growth. Typical career opportunities include Quantitative Analyst, Risk Analyst, Financial Analyst, and Actuarial Analyst.

Your career journey is supported throughout the programme through a range of opportunities and services:

Access the University's dedicated Career Zone, offering personalised career advice, CV and interview support, employer events, networking opportunities, and skills workshops.
Choose the Professional Placement pathway to complete a 9–12 month placement with a finance-related organisation, gaining valuable industry experience before graduation.
Receive guidance from Personal Tutors, Postgraduate Tutors, and graduates working in the finance industry who provide mentoring and career insights.
Develop highly sought-after technical skills through practical experience with MATLAB, C++ or Python, as well as professional financial databases including Bloomberg and Datastream.
92% of Mathematics graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, demonstrating the strong career outcomes of Exeter graduates.
Benefit from a programme jointly delivered by the Department of Mathematics and the University of Exeter Business School, combining academic excellence with industry-focused learning.
Although the programme does not hold a specific professional accreditation, its strong focus on quantitative finance, financial modelling, and computational methods provides excellent preparation for careers across the financial services sector and for future professional qualifications.
Graduates go on to careers with investment banks, insurance companies, asset management firms, hedge funds, pension funds, consulting firms, fintech companies, and other organisations that require advanced quantitative expertise.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc, you can continue your studies with a PhD in Mathematical Finance, Financial Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Actuarial Science, Computational Finance, or another related quantitative field. The independent research project completed during the programme also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research and academic careers.