MSc Financial Data Science at University of Surrey

Programme overview

Our Financial Data Science MSc degree is a comprehensive course which covers the fundamentals of financial markets, modelling, and applying AI for market analysis. Data science has become essential in managing many day-to-day aspects of financial markets over the past two decades. Using data sets, banks and financial institutions can unravel all kinds of facts, trends, anomalies and patterns – but only with the right technical skills and understanding.

Department: School of Mathematics and Physics | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time; 2 years full-time (with placement) | Study mode: full-time; part-time; full-time (with placement) | Intake: February 2027, September 2027 | Location: Guildford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

On our MSc in Financial Data Science, you’ll learn how to implement cutting-edge data science methods and develop a solid understanding of the mathematical foundations of machine learning tools. You’ll also dive into the dynamics of financial markets – exploring asset pricing, risk management and portfolio theory. You will master advanced modelling techniques and quantitative methods to analyse real-world financial data, and you’ll discover the transformative power of AI and machine learning in deciphering market behaviours and making data-driven predictions. Core modules include Artificial Intelligence and Financial Informatics, Financial Markets and Derivative Pricing, Essential Mathematics for Data Science, Programming Foundations, Principles of Data Science, Dissertation, Machine Learning for Data Science, Mathematics of Data Science with Advanced Topics.

Career pathways

Both data science and mathematics are of paramount importance to all aspects of science, technology and – particularly – modern finance. The logical insights, analytical skills and intellectual discipline gained from this course are highly sought after in each of these areas, as well as in a broad range of other disciplines such as law, business, management, e-commerce and the creative arts.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant UK honours degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. Your qualification should demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding in calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Specifically, you are suited to this course if your qualification has a reasonable level of mathematical contents in subjects such as mathematics, finance, economics, business, science, engineering, or computing. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualification or experience of equivalent standing. IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,300 a year (2027/28). Annual tuition fee, full-time route, February 2027 start Source

International applicants: GBP 21,300 a year (2027/28). Annual tuition fee, full-time route, February 2027 start Source

Intake: February 2027, September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time; 2 years full-time (with placement)

Apply through the official page: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/apply/postgraduate

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