Stochastics and Financial Mathematics

Students in the Master's programme in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics become experts in terms of both theory and areas of application. They study the whole depth and breadth of the field.

Stochastics examines phenomena in which chance plays a central role. Examples of such phenomena include election results, fluctuations in stock prices and molecular interaction in a living cell. Stochastics is usually subdivided into three areas: Statistics, Probability Theory and Stochastic Operations Research. Financial mathematics is an important field in terms of the application of Stochastics. Applying a mathematical perspective to questions of finance offers fascinating research possibilities. The programme is offered in collaboration with the VU University Amsterdam, Utrecht University and Leiden University. Together with the National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science both the UvA and the VU University Amsterdam contribute to the city's reputation as being at the forefront of mathematics. In addition, 9 Dutch universities offering a Master's programme in Mathematics and Engineering Mathematics offer joint courses. The UvA works with the VU University Amsterdam. The programme also includes collaboration with Leiden University and Utrecht University. Students profit from the expertise of four universities.

The Master's programme in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics is a two-year programme, divided into four semesters. The majority of the required courses cover core areas of financial mathematics and stochastics. Important subjects include:

• Mathematical Statistics, including Nonparametric, Semiparametric and Bayesian Statistics
• Measure Theoretic Probability
• Stochastic Processes, including Time Series, Lévy Processes and Stochastic Integration
• Financial Stochastics
• Industrial Statistics

Students may also choose subjects from other fields, including Mathematics, Econometrics and Bioinformatics.

The only core course in mathematics is offered during the first semester: Measure Theoretic Probability. This course forms the foundation for more advanced subjects to come. Each semester you will select four or five subjects from the list of recommended courses. In certain cases, and in consultation with staff, you may also be able to substitute some of these courses with other relevant mathematical modules, such as Partial Differential Equations or Functional Analysis. Six credits of Academic Skills training are also compulsory.

The Master's programme concludes with either a research project carried out under the guidance of a professor from one of the four universities, or with an external project carried out at a business or research facility outside the Department of Mathematics. Your mentor can help you to find a suitable project. This project culminates in a written Master's thesis and an oral presentation of the results.

Degree requirements

A Master of Science in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics is awarded upon successful completion of all the core courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis based on an independent research project. This translates into a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Research training

Research training takes place in the context of a major research project conducted either within one of the participating groups in the programme, or in industry, a financial institution or an institute where Stochastics forms an important research tool. Throughout the course of the research project, the student is supervised by a university staff member or, in the case of an external project, by an individual from a relevant institution. The research project is concluded with a Master's thesis in which the project is described and the results are presented. Students present their completed projects in a colloquium.

Students in the Master in Stochastics and Financial Mathematics programme can choose to complete the programme with an emphasis on research, communication and education skills or society-oriented skills.

Grade average: Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalant to at least: 3.0 (American system) 2.1 (a second class upper/division one degree in the British system) C (ECTS-system) Admission, however, will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average alone. Additional language requirements:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: B1Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: B1IELTS overall band: 6.5IELTS listening: 6IELTS reading: 6IELTS writing: 6IELTS speaking: 6TOEFL paper based: 580TOEFL computer based: 235TOEFL internet based: 90 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Scholarships / Grants:

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
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Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands