In this blog post, we’ve spoken with Dalal Almudhaf, MSc Financial Mathematics at Queen Mary University of London. She discussed her interest in mathematics and its real-life applications, as well as her favourite modules and her plans for the future.
What made you choose to study MSc Financial Mathematics at Queen Mary?
I have always been interested in numbers: from simple mathematics to problem-solving and analytical thinking, the beauty of mathematics stems from its applicability to our daily life. Being a logical thinker myself, I use my mathematical sense to better land on rational decisions, whether it is designing construction structures or gift shopping. During my days as an engineering student, I was specifically attracted to mathematics-related courses. I had an experience as a part-time instructor at the College of Technological Studies, at PAAET KUWAIT, where I was responsible for teaching “Mathematics 1” during the Spring 2018/2019 semester. This experience has had a key role in my decision to continue my studies in the mathematics field. After a long search, I decided to pursue my MSc Financial Mathematics. I believe this programme is challenging since it combines two different fields but I love challenges. Moreover, it will give me the opportunity to diverse my knowledge and specialise in new fields. Queen Mary is one of the top graduate schools in mathematics and a leader in the field of financial mathematics.
What do you enjoy the most about your degree? What are your favourite modules?
The MSc Financial Mathematics is very interesting, as it combines both finance and maths modules. It illustrates how mathematicians can play a significant role in financial industries, as maths can stimulate numerical models that would explain the behaviour of financial instruments, which is really interesting. Also, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge in probabilities and stochastic processes in my elective module. This module gave me the knowledge that can be applied to different aspects, not only finance. Some of my favourite modules are also Probabilities and Stochastic Processes and Advance Derivative Pricing and Risk Management. Some believe that random processes cannot be predicted nor studied, but surprisingly they can be measured by a set of observations. Personally, I had no idea that studying Random Processes could solve financial problems and be helpful in actual life scenarios.
What are your plans for the future?
A long-standing ambition of mine is to work towards a doctorate and recently this ambition has been directed towards the field of financial mathematics, a long-term goal that I am now determined to achieve. I am taking the first step towards fulfilling this career goal by completing my MSc in Financial Mathematics.
Interested in MSc Financial Mathematics? Find out more info on how to apply.