MSc Statistics (Financial Statistics)

About the MSc programme

This programme is based in the Department of Statistics. It provides high-level training in statistics with applications in finance and econometrics. Students learn to analyse and critically interpret data, build statistical models of real situations, and use statistical software packages.

You should have or expect to gain an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, which includes a substantial amount of statistics and mathematics. Well-qualified applicants who do not meet this requirement will be considered on merit.

Applications need to be submitted as early as possible and must include a personal statement outlining your reasons for wanting to study statistics and why you are particularly interested in its financial applications. This should be no longer than 500 words and you are advised to be concise and clear in your statement.

Please note that the Department of Statistics requires references to be submitted with your application form from at least one person who is familiar with your academic achievements. Normally, this will be a tutor from your previous institution.

Programme details

Each MSc student has an academic adviser who is available for guidance and advice on academic or personal concerns. The compulsory courses consolidate students' understanding of fundamental ideas in probability and statistics and introduce advanced topics. Students can choose options to focus on statistics with applications in social science or in finance and econometrics.

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• Statistical Inference: Principles, Methods and Computation provides a comprehensive coverage on some fundamental aspects of probability and statistics methods and principles.
• Financial Statistics* covers key statistical methods and data analytic techniques most relevant to finance.
• Time Series* gives a broad introduction to statistical time series analysis.
• Dissertation (research option only).

Students will be expected to choose courses to the value of two units (one for the research option) from a range of options.

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc Statistics (Financial Statistics) in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

MSc Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research)

Students have the option to register for the MSc Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research) branch of the programme towards the end of the Michaelmas term. This branch is similar to the MSc Statistics (Financial Statistics) nine month programme but involves a compulsory dissertation which replaces one unit's worth of optional courses and makes the research track a 12 month programme.

Graduate destinations

The programme provides excellent opportunities for employment and further study.  The programme is also conditionally accredited by the Royal Statistical Society. This means that although an accreditation is given, it will only lead to the award of ‘Graduate Statistician’ when students have taken a specific combination of modules.