Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Propel your career in the financial sector to new heights. With a blend of finance, mathematics, statistics and data science, you’ll gain practical experience in harnessing data to inform decisions.
With a focus on practical skills, industry engagement, and experiential learning, you’ll be equipped to succeed in today's competitive job market. Open up a world of opportunities from quantitative analysis and data science, to financial engineering and risk analysis.
Course Structure
Join us on this 1 year full-time programme comprising of taught modules during terms 1 and 2 followed by a Summer Dissertation. The taught modules are assessed using a combination of coursework and end of year examinations.
You'll take a combination of 60 credits of compulsory/optional modules across various areas of Financial Data Science. All examinations will take place during the May/June Main Examination Period.
You'll attend 2 weekly lectures and 1 fortnightly guided study session for each 10 credit module equivalent. There are also regular MSc group tutorial meetings.
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Course highlights
Study advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms tailored specifically for the financial services industry. We blend foundational knowledge with hands-on projects. You'll cover essential topics including statistical inference and deep learning, time series analysis, and algorithmic trading. With lots of module choice, you can also specialise in areas that really interest you.
- Benefit from guest lectures and seminars delivered by leading industry and subject experts, providing valuable insights into current trends and practices in the financial sector.
- Immerse yourself in a collaborative learning environment through group projects, seminars, and networking events.
- Engage with peers and industry professionals to build valuable connections and enhance your teamwork and communication skills.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Take advantage of our comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to financial education.
Course delivery
Our world-class research and a vibrant, global student community are at the heart of our School of Mathematics. You'll take part in tutorials and projects to consolidate your learning. In the third term, you'll work with your personal supervisor to conduct a research project.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material.
- Participate in projects that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts.
- Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through practical assignments that will challenge you to tackle real-life issues independently.
Lecture
Tutorial
Projects
Practical assignments
Module information
This programme is a 1 year full time taught masters degree (180 credits) consisting of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit research project. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which will give you the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2025/26
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithmic and High Frequency Trading | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Deep Learning 1 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Financial Data Science Project | 60 | - |
| Foundations of Statistical Inference | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Time Series and Prediction | 10 | Semester 2 |
Optional modules
Select 70 credits of options. Examples of optional modules below:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Bayesian Inference and Computation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Advanced Mathematical Finance | 20 | |
| Computational Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Data Visualisation | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Deep Learning 2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Mathematics | 20 | Full Term |
| Interest Rate and Credit Risk Modelling | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Largescale Optimization for Machine Learning | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Mathematical Finance | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Mathematical Securitisation | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Quantitative Funds Management | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Statistical Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Statistical Modelling | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Stochastic Processes | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Ding Chen
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Ding Chen, School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
In Mathematics and/or Statistics or a programme with advanced mathematical and/or statistical components.
This programme is aimed at students who have previously completed an undergraduate degree with significant mathematical or statistical content and who wish to pursue postgraduate studies to a master level.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £14,250
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
You'll be well equipped with a versatile skill set that will open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the financial industry and beyond. Some potential career paths include Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial Engineer, Risk Analyst, Investment Analyst, Financial Technology (FinTech) Specialist or Consultant. Whatever you choose to do, you'll be sure to leave us with the knowledge you need in this field.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.