What do people go on to do after their degree?
How are the courses structured?
Courses run by the Mathematics Department will usually consist of two hour-long lectures and one hour-long class per week during the two main teaching terms. Lectures and classes are spread over the week.
Timetabling of courses run by other departments is not under our control, and it is possible that some teaching clashes may occur.
Students on the MSc in Financial Mathematics are required to take courses to the value of 4 full units.
Where can I get more detailed information on each course?
Further information on each module is available at:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/maths/Degrees/MSc_Financial_Mathematics.aspx
How and when do I choose my options?
Students have until the end of the third week of the first term (Michaelmas Term) to finalise their options. Courses are selected online using the LSEforYou system. All new students receive a user name and password when they register, giving them access to their student profile online in order to choose courses. Instructions are provided online but the process will also be explained at induction. Each student's Tutor and the Programme Director will then access these initial course choices to approve them (or not, if they are not felt to be suitable to the requirements of the degree). When a student would like to take a course option outside the Mathematics Department they need to ask the permission of the lecturer on that course as certain restrictions may apply. Students also need the approval of the Programme Director if these outside options are not explicitly stated in our programme regulations.
Do I need to submit a dissertation or project?
On one of the compulsory courses, Computational Methods in Finance, students will be required to submit a project based on independent study. The project is a written report, normally between 15 and 20 pages long and it is submitted in June.
How much does the course cost?
The fee for a September 2013 start is: £22,176
For up-to-date information on fees and further details, see the Graduate Prospectus and the School's Fees pages at the following link:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/feesAndFinancialSupport/home.aspx
What funding is available?
LSE makes funding available via a range of scholarships, bursaries and award schemes, details of which can be found on the Financial Support Office website at the following link:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/students/moneyMatters/financialSupport/ScholarshipsLSE/scholarshipsForStudyatLSE.aspx
Do I need to submit a GRE/GMAT score?
No, this is not required for the MSc Financial Mathematics. However, you might need to check whether your second choice degree, if you have selected one, requires GRE/GMAT.
What if English is not my first language?
If your first language is not English or if the language of instruction of your first or second degree was/is not English, we ask you to provide evidence of your command of English. Please check here for further information.
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/enquirer/entryRequirements/englishLanguage.aspx
I am an overseas Student, but have studied previously in the UK – do I still need to submit IELTS scores?
If you have successfully completed a degree taught in English then you are not required to submit an IELTS or TOEFL score.
Do you interview students?
We do not interview for places on the degree. However, the LSE does arrange Graduate Open Evenings each year, which give you an opportunity to visit the School and meet some staff and students from the Mathematics Department. This usually takes place in November each year, at the beginning of the application cycle, and more information can be found here: We can also discuss the course, by email or in person, with individual applicants who cannot attend the Open Evenings:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/openDaysAndEvents/graduateOpenEvening.aspx
Is there any reading I can do in advance?
The department sends out course packs to all successful applicants in late July/ early August each year.
Keen students might want to familiarise themselves with basic elements of programming with the C language. The textbook we use is "Introducing C++ for Scientists, Engineers and Mathematicians" by Derek Capper. For those with prior programming experience, a standard reference book recommended on the C++ programming language is "The C++ ProgrammingLanguage" by Bjarne Stroustrup.
Do you arrange internships?
The LSE Careers Office can provide details and support to students seeking an internship. Further details can be found on the Careers website at the following link:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/intranet/CareersAndVacancies/careersService/Internships/Home.aspx
What do people go on to do after their degree?
A number of graduates have gone on to good jobs, particularly in the banking and finance sector. We also believe our MSc programmes are good preparation for a PhD in our Department, or indeed for a PhD in many other Mathematics Departments.
Some specific companies that students from the MSc Financial Mathematics programme have found employment with are: RBS; Markit; Bank of Montreal (Canada); Elara Capital; Goldman Sachs; BBVA Group (Spain); Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi; BNP Paribas (London).