I already have a good job in the city, but wonder whether my career would be enhanced
by the programme?
Many of our former students have been in this situation. Their career was going well, but they found that they were not doing anything exciting. Graduates from the programme have found that it boosted their career, and that it was a good investment. We belief that the only way to obtain the required background is to spend a year in an intensive full-time programme.
Is there funding for the programme?
We encourage students to either take a loan, or to work for a few years before coming to gain some practical experience and be in a better position to afford the programme. The students tell us that normally banks are very happy to give loans to study for this MSc, because our students have extremely good prospects.
Can I earn some additional money during the programme?
All students who have studied on the MSc have found it demanding, as you would expect from a prestigious MSc. It is not a good idea therefore to distract your attention from the programme by working part-time during the year you are doing the MSc.
Why are the fees for the MSc not lower?
This MSc is self-financing. This means that unlike most courses at Warwick, it is not subsidised from external sources. That is also a reason why UK, EU and OS students are charged the same fees for the MSc.
What background do I need for the programme?
You need a mathematical background. You should have (or expect to obtain) a first or good upper second class honours bachelor's degree in a mathematical discipline from a British university (or equivalent from an overseas university). We test your background through a fundamental tools module, and expect you to prepare well before you start the MSc (see below). There are some books suggested here. You should be familiar with questions of the type posed in the sample maths test. So for example, a degree in mathematics, engineering, physics and statistics can provide a suitable background for this MSc. However, often there students have to read-up some material in one particular mathematical area. In particular, probability theory or PDEs are area in which many students do not have enough background. Provided you are willing to study the books suggested in the admissions test, this in itself should not be a serious problem.
When is the application deadline and when will I hear if my application has been accepted?
Applications received after July 15 will be allocated on a space available basis. You should hear whether you are admitted within roughly 3 weeks after we have received your complete application, and your reference letters. For more details on the application process see "how to apply".
Do I need to pass a language test?
Yes. For more information see "how to apply".
Do students from our programme get help getting a job?
Students do not have much difficulty getting good jobs. In addition, the programme organises a day in May where employers and students from the programme meet.
Can I do a dissertation in the City?
In principle the answer is yes. If you do well in the examinations and are interested in doing a dissertation in the city, then we will try to match your interests with those of some firms in the city. This year about 1/3 of the students did their dissertation within the financial industry.
How can I prepare for the MSc?
The MSc is very demanding, so it makes sense to prepare well for it. By doing the sample maths test you can find out whether you have some gaps in your background. If there is any question which you found hard to do, then make sure you read-up about that topic. Some books are suggested at the end of the test. It is very helpful if you read the course notes for the Fundamental Tools module beforehand. If you are admitted to the programme, these notes will be sent to you in the summer before the course begins.
A familiarity with programming is not required, but it is very helpful if you read a book on C or C++ before you start the MSc. (For example, you could use Ortega and Grimshaw, "C++ and Numerical Methods", Oxford Univ. Press.)
Also it would be very helpful if you prepared yourself by reading (in) some books on financial mathematics. You can find a list of books on financial mathematics here.
What is the purpose of the Fundamental Tools module?
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and many have worked in the financial industry for the last few years before doing the MSc. Since the MSc is too demanding to revise a lot of mathematical material during the course, we expect students to do this refreshers module, the week before the other modules start (a week before the start of Term 1). At the end of this module there is a test.
Can I fail the test which is part of the Fundamental Tools module?
If you were able to do the sample maths test without help, then you should not fail the FT test. If you fail the test we will ask you to resit the test within the first two weeks of Term 1, if you do not pass the test and we are worried that your background is not sufficient in some topics, you may not be able to cope with the level the programme is taught at.
I have a conditional offer. Can I make practical arrangements?
Many students hold conditional offers, do not worry about these conditions. Once you have met your conditions the offer will automatically be made unconditional.
