Quantitative Finance with Data Science
Entry requirements
The normal entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2) or above from a UK university, or overseas equivalent, in a quantitative subject such as mathematics, physics, statistics, economics or engineering. Graduates from other disciplines such as computer science will be accepted if their degree contains a major quantitative element.
In some circumstances, we are able to admit students with an undergraduate degree that is less than the 2:2 standard, provided that your subsequent work experience and/or education and training is considered to have brought you to an equivalent standard.
Alternatively, a merit or higher in a Graduate Diploma in economics, mathematics or statistics would be suitable.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
October
Course content
The range of topics covered includes:
- statistical analysis
- numerical mathematics
- machine learning
- computer programming with applications of focused on real world problems in finance.
This Master's degree provides you with substantial knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques that are commonly used in the finance industry including derivative pricing, risk quantification and portfolio management, as well as the statistical tools that are commonly used, such as forecasting, hypothesis testing, volatility models and financial time series.
You will acquire expertise in the areas of option pricing, risk management, numerical implementation, applications of machine learning and coding skills in Python, R, Matlab and C++.
Highlights
- Many of our students work in the finance industry, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience.
- Our teaching is informed by the latest research and by the needs of employers, so you'll be taught by academics who are professional practitioners involved in the world of economics and international finance.
- Our teaching is renowned for its high quality and we provide in-house training for government departments and City firms and banks, including the Treasury and the Bank of England.
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Economics and Econometrics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- We bring together research and teaching across economics and finance, mathematics and statistics in a single department, which creates significant interdisciplinary synergies.
- We offer a range of postgraduate courses in finance. Read an overview of each course to find the right one for you.
You will find quantitative finance and data science graduates in the following quantitative analyst/developer roles across a range of financial institutions including investment banks, hedge funds and insurance firms:
- Analyst/adviser in the risk management sector
- Portfolio management
- Financial data scientist
- Machine learning engineer
- Analyst within the Bank of England and Treasury
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700