3. Introduction

This handbook contains important information about the MSc in Mathematics and Computational Finance. It is intended as a guide and reference for you throughout the course. There are a number of other sources of information that you will need to refer to during your course and links to these are given below, together with a list of key contacts.

3.1 Key Sources of Information

Course website: Mathematical Institute website:
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/msc-mathematical-and- computational-finance. This handbook can be found on the course website along with other useful information such as course timetables and the annual course calendar.

Examination Regulations: https://examregs.admin.ox.ac.uk/
The University’s examination regulations govern all academic matters within the University and contain the general regulations for the conduct of University examinations, as well as specific regulations for each degree programme offered by the University.

Examination Conventions: Examination Conventions are the formal record of the specific assessment standards for the course or courses to which they apply. They set out how your examined work will be marked and how the resulting marks will be used to arrive at a final result and classification of your award. They include information on: marking scales, marking classification and criteria, scaling of marks, resits, penalties for late submission and penalties for over-length of work. The examination conventions can be found in Section 5.3 of this handbook and may be revised prior to examination. Students will be informed of any revisions to the conventions via email.

Oxford Student website: http://www.ox.ac.uk/students. This website provides access to information, services and resources.

Oxford Student Handbook: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/student-handbook
This contains general information and guidance about studying at the University of Oxford, and gives you formal notification and explanation of the University’s codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

College Handbook: The handbook for your college will be available on the college website.

3.2 Key Contacts

Course Director: Prof. Justin Sirignano, Email: justin.sirignano@maths.ox.ac.uk
Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Prof. Sam Cohen, Email: cohens@maths.ox.ac.uk
Head of Academic Administration: Charlotte Turner-Smith, Email: charlotte.turner- smith@maths.ox.ac.uk
MCF Course Administrator: Helena Gardner: Email: mathcompfin@maths.ox.ac.uk
MCF Exams Administrator: Laura Auger: Email: mathcompfin@maths.ox.ac.uk
Student Representative: You will be informed of the student representative during induction week. Mathematical Institute Reception: (tel: (2)73525)

3.3 The Academic Year

The course lasts almost 10 months, from the beginning of October to the middle of the following July. Some work is carried out in the vacations.
For the academic year 2025-2026, the course begins with an induction week starting on Monday 29 September 2025. The dates of the University Full Terms for the Academic Year 2025/2026 are:

MT = Michaelmas Term 2024: 12 October - 6 December
HT = Hilary Term 2025: 18 January - 14 March
TT = Trinity Term 2025: 26 April - 20 June

A calendar of important dates can be found at:
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/students/postgraduate-courses/msc-mcf/course-calendar

3.4 Finding Your Way Round

A searchable, interactive map of all college, department and libraries can be found at https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/map

3.5 The Mathematical Institute

Teaching for the course will take place in the Mathematical Institute (https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/about-
us/travel-maps). An entry card system controls access to the building. Your University card, which you collect from your college at the beginning of term will gain you access to the building, and will operate internal doors where they have security control. Instructions on how to activate your card will be made available to you at the Graduate Induction. If your card fails to allow you access, please contact door- entry@maths.ox.ac.uk giving your name, card number and expiry date.

Rules governing access to the Mathematical Institute are as follows:

1. Cards are issued on a personal basis and must not be loaned or passed on to another person. 

2. No-one should allow access to another person.

3. When a card is used to gain access to the building, the system keeps a record of that use for a period of approximately six months.

The Mathematical Institute houses lecture theatres and class rooms in which most of the university lectures in Mathematics take place. There are also a number of offices, most of which are occupied by academic staff, support staff and research students

Opening Hours
The Andrew Wiles Building is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, except closed periods such as Bank Holidays out of term time. Reception is manned from 8am to 5.30pm. Outside these hours, access to the building is by University card and a personal pin code. Instructions on how to set your personal pin code will be made available to you at the Graduate Induction or can be found via the following link:
https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/members/building-information.

Social area
The department has a Common Room which is located on the first floor. There are tea/coffee making facilities on all floors. A cafeteria serving food and drinks can be found in the mezzanine.