Mathematical and Computational Finance (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance is a taught course combining core training in stochastic calculus, numerical methods, and financial computing with a research dissertation.

The MSc in Mathematical & Computational Finance provides graduates with the foundations in applied mathematics, machine learning, and computer science necessary for a successful career in modern finance. The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on the mathematical and computational skills needed to develop, calibrate, and numerically evaluate models for financial data.

The course is taught by the Mathematical Institute, which has one of the largest mathematical finance research groups in the world. Graduates are well-prepared for careers at banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions.

Course structure
You will take five introductory courses in the first week.

The first term will then focus on compulsory core material, offering 64 hours of lectures and 24 hours of classes, plus one compulsory computing course offering 16 hours of lectures and 8 hours of classes.

The second term will be a combination of core material, offering 48 hours of core lectures (18 hours of classes) and 48 hours of lectures on elective topics. A number of elective courses will be offered, of which you will choose four options. It will also include one compulsory computing course offering 24 hours of lectures and classes.

The third term is mainly dedicated to a dissertation project which is to be written on a topic chosen in consultation with your supervisor. This may be prepared in conjunction with an industry internship.