Program Overview

---

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics and Finance produces graduates with a sound mathematics and finance background, and with the necessary skills like computing, use of algorithms and analysing data, to be applied to problems arising in finance. Postgraduate Diplomas last for six to nine months (full-time) and include the modules and assessed work of a Masters, without a dissertation. This allows you to proceed to a Masters in mathematics if your undergraduate degree was in a different subject. In recent years, finance has been one of the areas where high-calibre mathematicians have been in great demand. With the advent of powerful and yet economically accessible computing, online trading has become a common activity, but many have realised that a certain amount of mathematics is necessary to be successful in such fields. You explore topics including:

• Models and mathematics in portfolio management
• Risk management in modern banking
• Financial modelling
• Actuarial modelling
• Applied statistics

Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. Our Department of Mathematical Sciences has an international reputation in many areas including semi-group theory, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology. We are genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. Here are a few examples:

• Our data scientists carefully consider how not to lie, and how not to get lied to with data. Interpreting data correctly is especially important because much of our data science research is applied directly or indirectly to social policies, including health, care and education.
• We do practical research with financial data (for example, assessing the risk of collapse of the UK’s banking system) as well as theoretical research in financial instruments such as insurance policies or asset portfolios.
• We also research how physical processes develop in time and space. Applications of this range from modelling epilepsy to modelling electronic cables.
• Our optimisation experts work out how to do the same job with less resource, or how to do more with the same resource.
• Our pure maths group are currently working on two new funded projects entitled ‘Machine learning for recognising tangled 3D objects’ and ‘Searching for gems in the landscape of cyclically presented groups’.
• We also do research into mathematical education and use exciting technologies such as electroencephalography or eye tracking to measure exactly what a learner is feeling. Our research aims to encourage the implementation of ‘the four Cs’ of modern education, which are critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Why we're great.

• Maths has become an indispensable tool for finance – our course allows those with a background in maths to study finance.
• Our students run a renowned Maths Support Centre which offers advice to other departments at Essex and far beyond – we have calls from as far afield as China.
• Gain key employability skills include data analysis, use of algorithms and mathematical modelling.

Our expert staff

Our department is committed to providing you with the academic support you need to succeed. Our flexible policy means some staff are always available, whilst others maintain regular drop-in times. Staff are always happy to arrange appointments for longer discussions, and no issue is too big or too small. Our academics are strongly committed to research and teaching. They have published several well-regarded articles and books and are leaders in their fields, with papers appearing in journals such as Journal of American Statistical Association, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Bernoulli, and Scandinavian Journal of Statistics .

---

Specialist facilities

• Reach your potential and enhance your chances of success with maths and statistics classes, workshops, drop-in clinics and online resources provided by the Skills for Success team
• We have our own computer labs for the exclusive use of students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences – in addition to your core maths modules, you gain computing knowledge of software including Matlab and Maple
• We host events and seminars throughout the year
• Our students run a lively Mathematics Society, an active and social group where you can explore your interest in your subject with other students

---

Your future

There is undoubtedly a shortage of mathematicians in general, and an even greater one of those with knowledge of finance. Our course produces graduates with a sound background in mathematics and finance. Key employability skills include computing, use of algorithms, data analysis, mathematical modelling and understanding financial statements. Our graduates are highly sought after by a range of employers and find employment in financial services, scientific computation, decision making support and government, risk assessment, statistics, education and other sectors. We also offer supervision for PhD, MPhil and MSc by Dissertation. We have an international reputation in many areas such as semi-group theory, optimisation, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology, and our staff are strongly committed to research and to the promotion of graduate activities. We additionally work with our Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.