Overview

Who is it for?

Would you like to learn about forecasting returns or financial prices? Choose the MSc in Quantitative Finance if you are fascinated by quantitative aspects of financial markets, even if you don’t have a background in finance.

In the MSc Quantitative Finance, you will focus on the tools that allow you to analyse the relevant information for making investment decisions and strategize the best response to market changes. This will open the door to a career for example in asset management, or as a quantitative financial analyst.

Consequently, emphasis is given to explore econometrics and forecasting models. You will also acquire a sound knowledge of asset pricing, risk management, stochastic modelling and key financial securities such as equities, fixed income products and derivatives. Finally, you will master advance programming skills in Python and Matlab.

Ahmed Kagigi The Quantitative Finance programme at Bayes Business School offered an equal blend of the theoretical and the practical part, which was the right balance for me to fuel my knowledge. The MSc has provided me with a critical understanding of the world of Quantitative Finance and aided me to develop my technical and soft skills, such as identifying, forecasting and managing risk and discovering the importance and the thought-provoking nature of the financial industry.

Ahmed Kagigi

Objectives

In the master’s in Quantitative Finance, you’ll explore the quantitative aspects of finance from a practical and mathematical point of view, and learn to use financial econometrics forecasting models to make informed decisions on future investments.

Study core modules in risk management, asset pricing and introductions to key financial securities such as equities, fixed income securities and derivatives. Learn essential programming languages, Python and Matlab, in the first two terms, with a third term opportunity to learn other programming languages, such as VBA or C. Then progress to more specialist learning, covering basic and advanced topics in econometrics, stochastic modelling and numerical methods.

In term three you have flexibility to adapt your master’s to your career goals with the choice of undertaking a research project or focusing on electives.

The difference between the MSc Quantitative Finance to MSc Financial Mathematics and Mathematical Trading and Finance, are core modules which focus on financial econometrics and forecasting.

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Structure

Induction weeks

All of our MSc courses start with two compulsory induction weeks which include relevant refresher courses in mathematics and statistics, and an introduction to the careers services and the annual careers fair.

Assessment methods

We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.

To satisfy the requirements of the degree course students must complete:

  • nine core courses (Eight at 15 credits each, one at 10 credits)

and either

  • five electives (10 credits each)
  • three electives (10 credits each) and an Applied Research Project (20 credits)
  • one elective (10 credits) and a Business Research Project (40 credits)

Assessment of modules on the MSc in Quantitative Finance programme, in most cases, is by means of coursework and unseen examination.

Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual and group presentations, group reports, classwork, unseen tests and problem sets. Please note that any group work may include an element of peer assessment.

Term dates

Term dates 2023/24

  • Induction: 11th September 2023 - 22nd September 2023
  • Term one: 25th September 2023 - 8th December 2023
  • Term one exams: 8th January 2024 - 19th January 2024
  • Term two: 22nd January 2024 - 5th April 2024
  • Term two exams: 22nd April 2024 - 3rd May 2024
  • Term three - international electives: 6th May 2024 - 17th May 2024
  • Term three: 20th May 2024 - 5th July 2024
  • Term three exams: 8th July 2024 - 19th July 2024
  • Resits: 12th August 2024 - 23rd August 2024
  • Additional resit week - tests only: 26th August 2024 - 30th August 2024.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.

View academic timetables (add timetable and search for your programme)

Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.

Teaching staff

Course Director

Course director profile

Dr Dirk Nitzsche

Academic expert working at Bayes Business School

The teaching staff on the MSc in Quantitative Finance have many years of practical experience working in the financial services sector and are also active researchers in their fields

This knowledge and experience inform the highly interactive lectures that make up the MSc in Quantitative Finance.

Module Leaders include:

Application

How to apply

We only accept online applications.

Apply for MSc Quantitative Finance

Documents required for decision-making

  • Transcript/interim transcript
  • Grading system used by your university
  • Current module list if still studying
  • CV
  • Personal statement - this should be 500-600 words in length and answer the following:
    • Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
    • What are your areas of interest within the course?
    • What contributions do you feel you can make to the course?
    • How do you see the course affecting your career plans?

Documents which may follow at a later date

  • English language test result if applicable
  • Confirmation of professional qualification examinations/exemptions/passes, if applicable
  • Two references
  • For a successful application to receive an unconditional status, all award documents must be verified, and should be provided to the relevant Admissions Officer via one of the methods stated in your offer.

We cannot comment on individual eligibility before you apply and we can only process your application once it is fully complete, with all requested information received.

Individual Appointments

If you would like to arrange an individual appointment to discuss the application process and be given a tour of the facilities, please complete this form.

Please note - these are subject to availability.

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Terms and conditions

Students applying to study at Bayes Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.

Entry requirements

  • A UK upper second class degree or above, or the equivalent from an overseas institution, in a highly quantitative programme such as finance, economics, statistics, mathematics, physics, engineering, finance, economics or computer science.
  • Your academic background should be in a highly quantitative subject such as mathematics, physics, engineering, economics or computer science and having covered areas such as statistics, linear algebra and calculus
  • Work experience is not a requirement for this course.

Course Syllabus

You may be requested to provide a syllabus of specific modules undertaken during your studies as part of the assessment process. This is not required at the point of submitting an application and will be requested directly by the admissions team only if required as part of the assessment.

English language requirements

If you have been studying in the UK for the last three years it is unlikely that you will have to take an English language test.

If you have studied in the UK at degree level for less than three years (e.g. 3+1, 2+1, 2+2, etc.) you will be required to provide the results of an approved English language test and possibly resit the test to meet our academic entry requirements.

Full list of approved English language tests/qualifications and minimum requirements.

Fees

UK/EU/International £30,000 Tuition fees are subject to annual change

Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of 2%. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study (where applicable).

Deposit: £2,000 (usually paid within 1 month of receiving offer and non-refundable unless conditions of offer are not met)

First installment: Half fees less deposit (payable during on-line registration which should be completed at least 5 days before the start of the Induction period)
Second installment: Half fees (paid in January following start of course)

Information about Scholarships

Career pathways

With your MSc in Quantitative Finance you’re ready for a career in the finance industry, or to pursue an academic path with a PhD. Recent graduates are employed by large investment banks, financial consultancies, boutique financial firms or specialist firms. They work in hedge fund management, asset management, risk management and technical analysis, on fixed income security desks and as actuarial consultants.

Our careers team will support you in as you decide on your career path, and help you to benefit from our excellent connections with major players in the finance industry.

Hear from our Quantitative Finance Alumni.

Class profile

Recent companies graduates from the MSc in Quantative Finance degree secured positions in companies including:

  • ESG Associate
  • Graduate - Modelling Department
  • Financial Analyst - Strategy & Investments - Grant Thornton
  • Model Risk Manager - Revolut
  • Fixed Income Analyst - Index & Smart Beta - Legal & General Investment Management
  • Actuarial Consultant - Risk - 4most Europe.

Previous graduates have gone on to work in financial services in asset management, investment banking and insurance and across the UK, EU and Asia.

(Data provided from alumni who completed the annual destination data survey for 2020/21 and 2019/20).

Course information and statistics (2022/23 cohort)

Graduation hat
26
average age of student body
Learn
unique programming languages such as Python
Globe
6
nationalities
Flexibility
in the third term to tailor your degree