MSc in Mathematical Finance - Alumni profiles

Lydia Shamrakov

'The MSc in Mathematical Finance at Oxford University provided the perfect fit for what I was looking for in a degree. The course enabled me to study the specific area of finance that I am interested in at one of the world's leading universities and to continue to work full time. At the same time I still had the opportunity to sample some student life during the residential modules.
I found the course content interesting, motivating and challenging and it certainly advanced my technical knowledge in the area of mathematical finance. The course had an impressive panel of tutors, enabling us to learn first-hand from some of those driving the academic and practical advancements in mathematical finance. The module-based nature of the course allowed to plan my time for studying and assignments well in advance which proved very helpful whilst working full-time. And last but not the least, the course gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of bright, interesting and very intelligent people from all over the world, my fellow MSc Maths Finance students. Since finishing the course 
I have reconsidered my career path and have moved to work in an investment bank.'

Dr Christopher M. Cormack

'On starting the course I was a relative novice in the area of finance after leaving academia. Through the 2 years of the Masters program not only has my knowledge of the mathematical theory developed but I have gained an understanding of the more practical issues of mathematical finance. With world renowned academics and importantly practitioners the Oxford course has arguably the best combination both.
The course is residential in nature and brings back the feel of student days, which helps focus learning without the distraction of your daily job and brings together the young generation of future achievers in a friendly atmosphere of stimulating discussion, which doesn't have to be all maths!
Personally I regard my choice of attending the Oxford course as one of the best I have ever taken - I am now working in a Hedge Fund in the area of mathematical finance.'

Edgardo Palombini

'I applied to this program because I was looking for a mathematical finance course offered by a top university, standing out in its faculty, with a part-time schedule suitable for students coming from outside the UK. I have an economics background and I have worked as an economist at the Bank of Italy and at the Italian Deposit Insurance Institution, so the course was quite challenging because most topics are highly mathematically oriented. Nonetheless the program turned out to be very enjoyable and successful in giving me a good mathematical understanding of financial derivatives and knowledge of many numerical and modelling techniques. Furthermore, it was extremely pleasant to be in Oxford on a regular basis, enjoying the college life almost as a residential student and meeting people with so different experiences and backgrounds.'

Vaughan Robinson

'After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I found I had a significant amount of free time on my hands, no longer having to study for professional exams. I had studied Maths at university and felt that now was a good time to renew that interest. However, I wanted a course that was practical. The MSc has fitted the criteria perfectly. The demands on my time have not been too onerous and I feel I have learnt a significant amount and improved my skill base. I have also recently left the accounting practice to work for an investment bank.'

Bruce Cordingley

  'I am President and CEO of the Pedrox Companies which develops, finances and owns apartment communities in several streets in the U.S.I am pursuing the MSc degree to learn the financial tools that are now used in the traded equity and bond markets to gain insights into how they can be applied to new real estate finance.'

Synopses of books published by former students are also available.