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 realized that a certain amount of mathematics is necessary to be successful in such fields. One of University of Essex's most popular courses, MSc Mathematics and Finance allows those with a background in mathematics to study finance. Since finance routinely involves modelling and evaluating risk, asset pricing and price forecasting, mathematics has become an indispensable tool for this study. Students explore topics including: models and mathematics in portfolio management, risk management in modern banking, financial modelling, actuarial modelling, and applied statistics.

Essex's interdisciplinary research recognizes that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. The Department of Mathematical Sciences has an international reputation in many areas including semi-group theory, optimization, probability, applied statistics, bioinformatics and mathematical biology.

Essex is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Their research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues.

There is undoubtedly a shortage of mathematicians in general, and an even greater one of those with knowledge of finance.

Essex's 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.

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.