Mandatory core courses, at least 10 cr
MAST31701 Probability theory I (5 cr)
MAST31702 Probability theory II (5 cr)
Specialization courses, at least 10 cr
MAST31911 Life insurance mathematics I (5 cr)
MAST31912 Life insurance mathematics II (5 cr)
MAST31801 Mathematical finance I (5 cr)
MAST31805 Mathematical finance II (5 cr)
MAST31802 Risk theory (10 cr)
MAST31804 Tariff theory (5 cr)
MAST30001 Master's thesis seminar (5 cr)
MAST31000 Master's thesis (30 cr) (the link includes grading scale and criteria)
Other advanced courses from the list of core courses, mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics courses and/or courses from other programmes as approved in personal study plan.
Other requirements, such as possibly required bachelor's level mathematics and statistics courses (the module 0-35 cr other studies) are explained here:
The studies begin by contacting one of the directors of the specialization in order to form a personal study plan. The plan works as a guide for the student when choosing courses and timing the studies.
Apart from the required core and specialization courses, the student can choose any advanced courses from all other specializations in mathematics and statistics. It is possible to include courses from different master’s programs such as economics or computer science if they have sufficient mathematical content.
Some of the courses in insurance mathematics are required for the Finnish actuarial qualification degree. Students who aim for this additional degree after the master’s studies may need to fulfil additional requirements. Requirements for the actuarial qualification degree can be found (in Finnish) from the webpage of The Actuarial Association of Finland. You can also find more information about the degree here.
It is recommended to include courses MAT22001 Todennäköisyyslaskenta IIa and MAT22002 Todennäköisyyslaskenta IIb, MAT22013 Tilastollinen päättely IIa, MAT22014 Tilastollinen päättely IIb and MAT22004 Lineaariset mallit I to bachelor’s studies. These courses are also suitable as other studies in the master’s degree. In addition, it is recommended to take a course on stochastic processes such as Stochastic methods I (the first 5 cr part of the course) or MAT22015 Stokastiset prosessit during the last year of bachelor’s studies or at the beginning of master’s studies.
Statistics courses support the learning of financial and insurance mathematics. In particular, courses on generalized linear models, time series analysis, econometrics and computational statistics are suitable for a mathematician working in the field of insurance and finance.
Theoretical studies can be complemented by more practical studies. Case studies in insurance mathematics MAST30155 introduces basic concepts of an insurance company by examples. Excel is used to solve problems. Career seminar in insurance mathematics MAST30154 is even closer to insurance business. For example, the students can hear career paths of insurance mathematicians, visit insurance companies and meet interesting persons around the industry. These practical courses are arranged once a year by professor of practice Mikko Kuusela during 2022-2024.
There is a mailing list for students who wish to receive news concerning courses of insurance and financial mathematics. The list also has occasional job announcements. The name of the list is:
finins-students
You can find the instructions on subscribing and unsubscribing a mailing list from Helpdesk.
Most of the courses in insurance and financial mathematics make extensive use of probability theory. This is why the courses on probability theory should be at the beginning of the studies. The mandatory core courses in probability theory are available during the fall semester every year. Students, who begin their master’s studies at a time when probability theory is not available, can start their studies, for example, by completing courses in the other studies module.
The courses in insurance mathematics follow approximately a two-year cycle. All courses are not lectured every year. The courses can be completed in any order after, or at the same time with, probability theory. Courses on mathematical finance and stochastic analysis are lectured every year.
The following schedules give two possible examples for timing the core and specialization courses. The remaining courses needed to fulfil the degree requirements are specified in the personal study plan.
Year 1, Fall semester
Probability Theory I + II 5+5 cr
Risk Theory 10 cr
Stochastic methods I 5 cr
Year 1, Spring semester
Advanced Risk Theory 5 cr
Tariff theory 5 cr
Year 2, Fall semester
Master’s thesis seminar begins
Financial Economics 10 cr
Year 2, Spring semester
Master’s thesis seminar is completed 5 cr
Life insurance mathematics I + II 5+5 cr
Thesis completed 30 cr
Year 1, Fall semester
Probability Theory I + II 5+5 cr
Stochastic analysis I + II 5+5 cr
Year 1, Spring semester
Mathematical Finance I + II 5+5 cr
Year 2, Fall semester
Master’s thesis seminar begins
Malliavin calculus 10 cr
Year 2, Spring semester
Master’s thesis seminar is completed 5 cr
Thesis completed 30 cr
(courses in alphabetical order)
MAST31913 Advanced life insurance mathematics (5 cr)
MAST31806 Advanced risk theory (5 cr)
MAST31910 Financial economics (10 cr)
MAST31911 Life insurance mathematics I (5 cr)
MAST31912 Life insurance mathematics II (5 cr)
MAST31707 Malliavin calculus (10 cr)
MAST31801 Mathematical finance I (5 cr)
MAST31805 Mathematical finance II (5 cr)
MAST31802 Risk theory (10 cr)
MAST31706 Stochastic analysis I (5 cr)
MAST31710 Stochastic analysis II (5 cr)
MAST31804 Tariff theory (5 cr)