Financial Analytics, MSc

Develop the technical skills to examine and uncover patterns in data and address critical business challenges impacting the finance industry today. The MSc Financial Analytics at Swansea University is a specialised, technical-driven and practically oriented programme. It is designed for those wanting to accelerate into a dynamic career in the finance and investments industry, in roles such as Data Specialist, Consultant or Portfolio Manager, as well for as those wanting to undertake further research in finance through a PhD. Though applicants should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent in a quantitative field, no computer science or programming is required. You will explore key topics, including big data in finance, programming for financial applications, econometrics, financial risk forecasting and advanced data analytics. You will also develop the skills to utilise big data and data analytics, programming languages (e.g. Python, R), and visualisation tools so you can apply appropriate financial analytics models and effectively inform investment decisions. Experience our research-led approach to teaching and benefit from the cutting edge work being undertaken by our Hawkes Centre for Empirical Finance research centre, which undertakes pioneering research in advancing the understanding, development and application of tools and techniques relevant to the analysis of financial and macroeconomics data. This advanced programme is ideal for students with an economics, science, maths, accounting or finance background wishing to further their studies, as well as working professionals looking to consolidate their knowledge or upskill in their field.

Students must attain a 2:2 (or overseas equivalent) in an undergraduate degree that has included a range of modules in accounting/finance or quantitative/statistical methods. This need not necessarily be a degree with accounting or finance in the title. We would also be willing to consider those with other backgrounds and work experience in the sector.

We consider all applications on their merits and will look at each individual case before making an offer so students who fall slightly short of the entry criteria should still apply to the School of Management.

Non-native English speakers must achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no component less than 5.5. A list of equivalent tests is provided here. If you have studied an undergraduate degree taught through the medium of English, you may be exempt from this requirement – click here for further information.

For students who fall short of only the English language requirement, we offer a range of Pre-Master's training programmes that you may take before starting your Master's qualification.

All students must demonstrate that they have achieved a certain level of English before starting their programme. You will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification before you can be accepted to Swansea University

Specific English requirements are listed on each course page under the 'entry requirements' section. Our English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we accept the wide range of other English language tests shown below.

Please note that some research scholarship, funded positions, may require a higher English Language test score than standard to be obtained prior to enrolment or held at the point of application. Details of possible bespoke English Language entry requirements are listed on each separate scholarship advert. Our current active research scholarships can be found here.

If your English scores do not exactly meet our requirements, you could still be accepted if you successfully complete an English Language Pre-sessional Programme at Swansea’s English Language Training Services (ELTS) at the required level before starting your academic programme.

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