MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance - Alumni Profiles

  Ambroise Desplechin

Quantitative Analyst at Nomura International

MSc MCF 2009

"When I joined the MSc MCF at Oxford, I had already worked two years as a Quant. This MSc was an unique opportunity to strengthen and broaden my knowledge in mathematical finance.

This programme indeed provides a strong background in all the core areas of mathematical finance, taught by leading researchers in the field, and gives the chance to attend regular seminar series with distinguished speakers from both academia and industry.

This MSc definitely had a significant contribution to get a job quickly after graduation despite a tough environment."

  Cheng Zhu

PhD student at McGill University, formerly Quantitative Credit Risk Analyst at EDF Trading

MSc MCF 2011

"The MSc MCF is perfectly structured in three main aspects: mathematical essentials; financial markets; and numerical methods.

These materials and topics covered in lectures, seminars and mini projects consolidate my technical abilities as well as bridge the gap between industries and academia, letting me adjust well to the challenging investment banking role.

Besides, I am also very grateful to the responsive and dedicated professors, lecturers and faculties. I got a lot of support and advise from our course staff. This unforgettable experience arose my research interest with relevant skills developed as well."

  Claire Qin

FX Desk Quant at Morgan Stanley

MSc MCF 2010

"The Oxford brand gives people a sense of trust that you can take on whatever is put in front of you. The program's rigorous approach to mathematical finance problem not only help me get through bank interviews but aslo make my day-to-day job much easier."

  Sylvestre Burgos

DPhil student at the University of Oxford

MSc MCF 2009

"I graduated from the MScMCF class of 2009. The courses were well structured with extensive homework and gave me essential technical skills that helped me secure an offer for a quant associate summer internship at Barclays Capital.

Attending the many practitioner lectures and meeting the faculty (not to mention Oxford's setting and its dynamic social life) were inspirational and convinced me to further my knowledge of financial mathematics and to continue my studies with a DPhil within Oxford's Mathematical Institute and the Oxford-Man Institute of Quantitative Finance.

On a personal level, I've also loved the atmosphere and made very good friends I am still in touch with."

  Jason Zhao

Associate at J.P. Morgan

MSc MCF 2010

"The MSCMCF is successful in terms of both depth and width: all components of the course are very demanding -- they dig deep enough to let you digest the concepts and techniques thoroughly; there are various optional components to choose from, and that gives you the flexibility upon graduation to take up either a classic role as a derivative quant/trader or some other roles like an algorithmic trading quant, which is what I finally turned into.

The course is theoretical enough to be an ideal preparation for a PhD programme in quantitative finance and meanwhile it is also very practical, which is reflected by the top practitioners that the course invite to give lecturers -- many of them are globally well-known figures in industry. There is also an intensive C++ module that prepares you to code professionally."

  Juraj Špilda

PhD Student at Cass Business School, City University London

MSc MCF 2010

"In many ways, the curriculum of the MScMCF takes you to the cutting edge of modern financial research. When writing your dissertation, you will be working on small pieces of original research under the supervision of world-leading experts. The exposure to the open issues in the field motivated me to pursue further independent study and research as a PhD student.

The program is intense and you are going to spend many late nights sitting over coursework. However, the unique support environment of Oxford colleges, the wide network of university societies and a constant stream of engaging events within the University will ensure that you can always make the best of the little free time you have."

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