Statistics with Applications to Finance MSc

Course overview

Data is integral to our society and there’s an ongoing demand for numerate specialists in a broad range of industries. From finance to governmental departments, the emergency services to gaming – the career opportunities that’ll open up to you with a Statistics MSc could be far-reaching.

Our Statistics with Applications to Finance MSc is a focused degree programme which enables you to broaden and deepen your understanding of statistics and financial applications. It combines in-depth training in mainstream advanced statistical modelling with a specialisation in financial mathematics.

As well as the statistics expertise from within the School of Mathematics, the MSc also draws on experience in financial mathematics from Leeds University Business School.

Both the School of Mathematics and the Leeds University Business School are home to specialist facilities and passionate academics who are experts in their fields. These Schools are also responsible for delivering internationally excellent research and have strong links with industry and a whole range of research institutions.

This means, once you’ve graduated, you’ll be fully equipped with the most up-to-date practices and techniques, alongside the technical skill set you’ll need to pursue an exciting career in a variety of job roles.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a subject containing a substantial mathematical and statistical component.

You’ll have a foundation in statistics including strong grades in statistical modules (no key marks below 2:2). We may ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript.

We do not normally accept degrees in Accountancy or Finance.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

There is a shortage of well-qualified statisticians globally. Numeracy, in general, is an attribute keenly sought after by employers. The emergence of data mining and analysis means that demand for statisticians is growing across a wide range of sectors, including:

• Actuarial, betting and gaming industries
• Charitable organisations
• Commercial, environmental and financial organisations
• Forensic and police investigation
• Government departments
• Market research
• Medical and pharmaceutical organisations

The course is designed specifically to meet this demand.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

Many statistical careers require people educated to Masters degree level. This course is designed to build on existing mathematical skills and deepen knowledge of statistics in order for you to access a variety of professions or pursue further research as a PhD student.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous statistics graduates have secured:

• Statistical Specialist, Osmunda Group
• Statistical Consultant, University of Sheffield
• Statistician, Unilever
• Statistician, CSS
• Risk Analyst, Albourne Cyprus Limited
• Bio Statistician, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital
• Data Scientist, City Football Group
• Programme Analyst, Journey Further
• Actuary, Xafinity Consulting Ltd
• Data Scientist, IBM
• Assistant Professor-Biostatistics, University of South Florida
• Chief Planning Officer, Health Department-KP