Master of Science [M.Sc] [Quantitative Finance] From Queen's University Belfast

Studying quantitative finance looks at how mathematical, programming and statistical tools are used in the real world for the analysis and modelling of financial data.

The programme will equip students with the cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques and strategies utilised by leading financial firms and will prepare students for future careers in a quantitative finance, trading or more general finance environment. The course aims to bridge the gap between quantitative models and financial decision making. Many modules focus on learning through simulation based teaching.

Quantitative Finance Highlights

Professional Accreditations

• The programme has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program. It aligns with the Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) - the core knowledge, skills, and abilities that are generally accepted and applied by investment professionals throughout the world.

Industry Links

• The top students at the end of the second semester will have the option of choosing an industry focused dissertation in partnership with a local employer. This is a unique opportunity to engage with a financial firm and work with them to investigate a current empirical problem. Also those students who have been managing real money in the SMF will have the opportunity to develop their experience into an industry focused dissertation.

World Class Facilities

• Many classes are held in the Trading Room. Students have access to Bloomberg software, a market leader in financial news, data and analytics, which is used by many financial institutions. Students also learn through using UpTick and Oxyor simulations and through programming and modelling using Python, Matlab and R. The Trading Room allows for an interactive and exciting learning environment which brings textbook theory to life.

Student Experience

• Students are expected to join the Student Managed Fund where they will have a unique opportunity to manage real money. QueenÕs Management School is one of only a handful of universities in the UK and Ireland to offer this experience which is a game changer when it comes to graduate employability.

Career Prospects

This MSc will equip students with the cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques and strategies used by leading financial firms. Today, all full-service institutional finance firms employ quantitative finance professionals in their operations as well as other boutique firms, such as hedge funds, ranging from 20 or fewer employees to several thousand, which specialise in quantitative trading alone.

Many IT software organisations also specialise in the interface between computing and finance and would be very attracted to graduates from this programme. After completion of this MSc there is a wide variety of roles available for graduates, some of which will suit those with strong mathematical skills who wish to use cutting-edge quantitative modelling techniques and work in collaboration with traders to develop bespoke financial products. Other roles will involve becoming part of a trading team to buy, sell and manage financial assets. The skills developed in this programme will also provide an excellent grounding for those wishing to pursue more general careers in finance, such as portfolio management. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

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