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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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Algorithmic and High Frequency Trading | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Deep Learning 1 | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Financial Data Science Project | 60 | - |
LM Foundations of Statistical Inference | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Time Series and Prediction | 10 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 70 credits from the optional modules below:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Bayesian Inference and Computation | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Advanced Mathematical Finance | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Computational Statistics | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Data Visualisation | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Deep Learning 2 | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Financial Mathematics | 20 | Full Term |
LM Interest Rate and Credit Risk Modelling | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Largescale Optimization for Machine Learning | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Mathematical Finance | 20 | Full Term |
LM Mathematical Securitisation | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Quantitative Funds Management | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Statistical Machine Learning | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Statistical Modelling | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Stochastic Processes | 20 | Semester 1 |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.
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.
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.