MSc Financial Data Analytics at University of Essex

Programme overview

The MSc Financial Data Analytics (the page calls it MSc Finance and Data Analytics) is a one-year full-time degree that combines financial knowledge with data analysis, preparing students to work with the large and complex datasets used across the financial sector. It develops quantitative, statistical and technical skills for specialist roles in finance, investment and business analytics.

Department: Essex Business School | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Dissertation (40 credits), Research Methods in Finance, Big Data in Finance, Portfolio Management, Financial Time Series: Methods and Applications and Data Analysis: Cross Sectional, Panel and Qualitative Data Methods (20 credits each), plus 40 credits of options. Students also take non-credit Postgraduate Mathematics Preparation and Professional and Academic Development modules.

Career pathways

Graduates can pursue financial analysis, data and business analytics, investment analysis, management, public administration and accountancy; Essex Business School graduates have progressed to organisations including KPMG, Grant Thornton, the European Central Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Natural Science, Data Analysis or Statistics (no module requirements). Any other 2:2 degree is also considered with a pass in one module in banking, economics, finance/investments or quantitative methods. CFA Institute Programme Level One, Two or Three (pass or above) is also considered. Other backgrounds are considered case by case with at least one year of relevant work experience in economics, finance, banking, investment, financial engineering, risk management, entrepreneurship, accounting or quantitative analysis (CV required). English: IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component for applicants whose first language is not English (pre-sessional English pathway available).

Domestic applicants: GBP 16,550 for the whole programme. One-year course; figure shown for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 25,925 for the whole programme. One-year course; figure shown for October 2027 entry Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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