Are you interested in studying one of our Quants courses, but not sure which one to apply for? There is increasing demand from employers for recruits with strong quantitative skills, so earning a Masters in one of our quantitative courses could be your key to success if you have the right background. Read on, as we focus on our quantitative courses, and what we are looking for in successful candidates.

The three quantitative programmes (MSc Financial Mathematics, MSc Quantitative Finance and MSc Mathematical Trading and Finance) share many similarities. To be specific, they share some of the same modules in Term one and Term two, such as ‘Asset Pricing’ ‘Derivatives’, ‘Fixed Income’, ‘Stochastic Modelling in Finance’ and ‘Risk Analysis.’ All programmes enable students to acquire the sophisticated mathematics and computer-modelling skills required to employ newly developed investment products and financial strategies for pricing, hedging, trading and portfolio management decisions.

Each programme has its own specialism and career prospects associated with it. These differences are summarised below, in brief, along with the academic entry requirements:

MSc Financial Mathematics has a unique focus on financial stochastic modelling and risk management. The programme draws on tools from applied mathematics, computer science, statistics and economic theory to prepare you for roles in which you will combine in-depth knowledge of financial products and risk with sophisticated technical and programming skills. It is the most quantitative of all three programmes, and most suited to those with a mathematics or engineering degree. This programme is suitable for those wanting to enter highly quantitative roles, such as quantitative analyst.

To be accepted on to the MSc Financial Mathematics, you would need a strong quantitative background. Most students on this programme have completed a bachelors degree in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering, and have achieved a minimum of a second class honours (upper division).

The admissions panel may consider applications from students who have studied another quantitative subject, but there must be significant evidence of having studied mathematics as part of the degree. The admissions tutor would be looking for evidence of previous study in calculus, algebra, probability and statistics.

Graduates from the MSc Financial Mathematics enter a variety of financial sector roles, including roles as quantitative analysts, model validation experts, business consultants or asset managers. The rigorous nature of the programme also prepares candidates for further study at PhD level, whether at Cass Business School, or another institution.

 

MSc Quantitative Finance is a highly quantitative programme that has a unique focus on financial econometrics and risk management. The programme will develop your understanding of forecasting in pricing securities, as well as numerical methods and computer programming. This prepares students to work in highly quantitative roles, as well as mid office roles as analysts and risk managers.

The programme encourages learners to apply quantitative analysis to empirical, real-life data, from day one. This empirical focus is facilitated through hands-on methods of teaching, such as the use of technical case studies, and in-class exercises.

To be accepted on to the MSc Quantitative Finance, you would need a strong quantitative background. Most students on this programme have completed a bachelors degree in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering, and have achieved a minimum of a second class honours (upper division).

The admissions panel can also consider applications from those who have studied a degree in Computer Science, Economics or Finance, but the degree must have included a significant focus on areas such as micro and macroeconomics, econometrics and statistics based modules.

Graduates from the MSc Quantitative Finance enter a variety of financial sector roles, including roles as quantitative analysts, risk analysts and consultants, traders, hedge fund managers and investment managers. The rigorous nature of the programme also prepares candidates for further study at PhD level, whether at Cass Business School, or another institution.

 

MSc Mathematical Trading and Finance is another highly quantitative programme that focuses on derivatives. Its graduates are most likely to work as derivatives traders, but it is also suitable for those looking to work as quantitative analysts, financial engineers, treasurers, fund managers and risk managers.

Thanks to the excellent reputation of the course, and our site in the heart of the City of London, the course complements theory with current market practice; leading practitioners from quantitative and trading departments of financial institutions teach regularly on the course. Moreover, our Bloomberg, Reuters and TraderMate facilities provide trading applications using real-time data.

To be accepted on to the MSc Mathematical Trading and Finance, you would need a strong quantitative background. Most students on this programme have completed a bachelors degree in Mathematics, Physics or Engineering, Economics or Finance, and have achieved a minimum of a second class honours (upper division).

The admissions panel may consider applications from students who have studied another quantitative subject, but there must be significant evidence of having studied some of the following modules as part of your degree – econometrics, calculus, algebra, differential equations, and statistics.

Graduates from the MSc Mathematical Trading and Finance (Full Time) programme enter a variety of financial services roles. Graduates have taken on roles as derivatives traders, brokers, quantitative analysts, financial engineers, treasurers, fund managers and risk managers.

 

We hope this information is useful and helps you to determine if our quants courses are right for you. More details on each course, including module lists and how to apply, can be found on our website. Please contact the Admissions Officer if you have any queries, and don’t forget that we hold regular information sessions on campus where you can meet staff and lecturers. We look forward to hearing from you!