MSc Applied Mathematics at Imperial

I have just been offered a place at Imperial to do MSc Applied Mathematics...anyone in the same boat so i know what to expect? Also, another general question, I have taken this MSc in the hope of increasing my chances of working in investment banking.
Good idea or bad?
Thanks guys!!!

Reply 1

lorrybeep

13

I think it's a very good (high level of maths oriented) course and a very good uni. Provided that you do well, getting into IB I personally think shouldn't be a problem.

Reply 2

freemyice

cant_think_of_a_username

I have just been offered a place at Imperial to do MSc Applied Mathematics...anyone in the same boat so i know what to expect? Also, another general question, I have taken this MSc in the hope of increasing my chances of working in investment banking.
Good idea or bad?
Thanks guys!!!

There is a MSc in Mathematics and Finance, why not do this one instead?

Reply 3

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

I was thinking about the MSc in Mathematics and Finance but I have been advised to do this by a very reliable source in Goldman Sachs HR dept. IB's like people with a high mathematical content from their studies and given the choice, the MSc in Mathematics and Finance and applied mathematics are equally favorable providing that you take a few finance modules in the MSc applied mathematics. The major difference is that the MSc Applied Mathematics is around £3000 and the MSc in Mathematics and Finance is around £17000, need I say more.

Reply 4

freemyice

cant_think_of_a_username

I was thinking about the MSc in Mathematics and Finance but I have been advised to do this by a very reliable source in Goldman Sachs HR dept. IB's like people with a high mathematical content from their studies and given the choice, the MSc in Mathematics and Finance and applied mathematics are equally favorable providing that you take a few finance modules in the MSc applied mathematics. The major difference is that the MSc Applied Mathematics is around £3000 and the MSc in Mathematics and Finance is around £17000, need I say more.

You probably know this site:
http://www.wilmott.com/categories.cfm?catid=16
There are some people who could give you very good suggestions.

Reply 5

Da_Head

Hi can_think_of_a_username,
I'm thinking of taking that exact same course, however I will be applying later this year (Oct) I'd be interested to know your background? Like your degree field and such as I'm a little aprehensive about my current degree not having enough mathematical content. Congrats on the offer :biggrin:

Reply 6

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

Well I have a slightly unusual background...
I have a 1st in BSc mathematics with computer Science. Did one year at UCL but transferred to Brunel Uni for my 2nd and 3rd year as it was closer to home…biggest mistake ever, didn’t realise how crap the uni is! I’m thinking of working in quantitative finance and you NEED postgraduate qualifications but also to redeem myself my adding a better uni to my CV.
I think it may interest you that you are allowed to take up modules from most universities of London for credit. So in my MSc applied mathematics, I am doing several Mathematical finance modules taught at KCL in substitute for other modules. That is, I am doing the core modules of an MSc mathematical finance but in an MSc Applied Mathematics at Imperial for around £3000, you cant go wrong!
But I must say, the mathematics in the MSc seems like a lot of work so you will need to be up to scratch.

Reply 7

Da_Head

Yes it seems very intensive, I do straight computer science, I did Maths and Computer Science first year but switched... Worst mistake ever. However I'm doing two more modules in third year, deffs and stats etc. I hope this is enough maths... Did you have an interview? Were there any other places you applied?

Edit: Swtiched to straight Comp Sci.

Reply 8

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

Coming from straight computer science to MSc Applied Mathematics at Imperial is a BIG step…and their website says that the applications must have a sufficient knowledge of mathematics gained from their first degree so I’m not sure if you will satisfy their prerequisites but I think you should contact them asap to avoid any confusion.
No interview, I guess my application from was sufficient.
I Applied to

Oxford - MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
LSE - Applicable Mathematics
KCL - Financial Mathematics
Imperial - Applied Mathematics

Got accepted to all but I am confident I will chose Imperial after much research.

Reply 9

sab23

Hi can't - congrats on the offers. Imperial has an excellent math program. I'm curious why you chose it over LSE as I'm applying to those two. At LSE, applied math seems more finance oriented and flexible, whereas IC's program seems more science based. Also, can you take finance electives @ IC's math prog?

Reply 10

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

hi sab.Dont be fooled by what their website tells you...LSE is flexible but Imperial is too. As Imperial is a college of London, you can take up modules from different Unis of London for credit. Consequently, I will be doing two modules of my choice from KCL’s financial mathematics program. So after graduation, I will have imperial on my CV which I believe is better than LSE plus an MSc Applied Mathematics along with some finance modules.
As you know, i have some good offers above but after a lot of research, I am certain this is the right choice and I'd advise others to do the same if in my position.

Reply 11

Scuttle

I'd be interested in getting onto a course like Applied Mathematics after graduating from my first degree. What are my chances having studied Aeronautical Engineering? It is the most mathematical of the engineering discliplines, but is it too far removed to even be considered?

Reply 12

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

hey scuttle...dont take my word for it but i think you should be fine. Just take a look a their website to see if you satisfy their prerequisites. You will need one or two pure maths modules behind you though like partial differential equatons, linear algebra...etc

Reply 13

Scuttle

cant_think_of_a_username

hey scuttle...dont take my word for it but i think you should be fine. Just take a look a their website to see if you satisfy their prerequisites. You will need one or two pure maths modules behind you though like partial differential equatons, linear algebra...etc

Well I take maths modules anyway, and yes they cover partial differntial equations, laplace transforms - obviously Calculus is incredibly well trodden ground for Aero Engineers.

It seems to me like most courses are willing to take a look at people from most backgrounds, but will want proof of knowledge/passion in the subject area if it differs much from their first degree. Am I wrong in thinking this? I know an English student might not get looked at for a Maths MSc, but if it is even slightly related they give you the benefit of the doubt?

Thanks for the info!

Reply 14

shiny

12

The gulf between engineering and applied mathematics is often bigger than what people think. Don't underestimate how relatively little mathematical education you have in comparison to a mathematics graduate. At the same time, there are plenty of engineers who have successfully done further study in applied mathematics (myself being one of them!), so I wouldn't be totally discouraged. You just have to pick your course carefully.

Reply 15

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

I agree with shiny, I have heard the same thing from a friend but applied mathematics is in some ways similar to Aeronautical Engineering so I think you have a good chance, I think its the top unis that you need to be careful with.

Reply 16

Scuttle

Oh do not worry I fully appreciate the massive gulf between engineering and pure maths - I just wanted to know if the option to advance my mathematics was there or not. It appears it is if I prove I have the ability, so thanks for all the advice!

Reply 17

shiny

12

if you have spare time, do some extra reading. some introductory books on analysis and stuff will help a lot.

Reply 18

aaaaz

10

cant_think_of_a_username: Did you chose Imperial over Oxford for the London factor? How much are the course fees at Ox?

Reply 19

cant_think_of_a_username

OP

2

The fee at OX was £3240, approx same as Imperial and yes, because its in London and also I have heard that as Imperial is better than OX in maths, you will be better of when it comes to applying for jobs.

MSc Applied Mathematics at Imperial

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