How the MSc programme is assessed
There are two components to the MSc programme: lecture courses, and the project.
- Lecture courses: We offer nine courses and your choices must include the seven core courses, together with a selection from a range of elective courses.
- The project: In addition, candidates must submit a satisfactory project thesis. The project is started during the summer term and is submitted in September.
How to qualify for the MSc degree
In greater detail, to qualify for the MSc degree in Mathematics and Finance, you must:
- Take examinations in at least 9, and at most 10, subjects, including the required core courses.
- Achieve an overall average of at least 50% in the course exams.
- Pass at least 7 courses out of the 9 offered for examination. The pass mark is 50%.
- Submit an acceptable thesis.
All courses except the C++ course have a maximum mark of 100. The maximum mark for C++ is 50.
If you take 10 exams, the maximum number allowed, the above criteria apply to your best 9 results which satisfying the programme requirements. In general, we do not encourage you to take more than 9 examinations.
Typically only the top few students in any one year will be awarded a distinction. To achieve a distinction, you must pass, at the first attempt, all 9 examinations offered, with an overall average of 70% or more, and be awarded a mark of at least 70% for the thesis.
NOTES:
You are entitled to attend any course, whether or not you plan to take the examination. You must take the examinations in the seven core courses and in at least two, and at most three elective courses. Before the end of each term you will be asked to complete a form stating what examinations you plan to take.
The mode of assessment varies from course to course. Most will be assessed by a 3 hour written examination in Week 1 of the term following the course. For some course, a component of assessed coursework, or a small project to be completed in a limited time, will be included. Each lecturer will advise you early in the course what the examination arrangements will be. Previous examination papers are usually available.