Masters in Financial Engineering
The ICMA Centre’s financial engineering Masters degree is highly respected by quant analysts and departments.
At a glance
- A highly technical programme designed for candidates with strong mathematical skills
- Gain knowledge of derivatives pricing tools and methods, as well as the use of programming languages such as C++, VBA and Python
- Benefit from the combined expertiseof both the ICMA Centre and the Department of Mathematics
- Be taught in a small-classroom setting for the specialist modules of the programme
- Enhance your employability skills with our practice-oriented learning approach including the latest technology and financial software
- Level
- Masters
- Subject area(s)
- Finance (ICMA Centre)
- Award
- MSc
- Duration
- 9 months / 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Locations
- Whiteknights campus (Reading)
- Programme Director
-
Dr Emese Lazar
Overview
The quantitative finance skills that you will develop in the MSc Financial Engineering programme are sought after by major employers in the sector. The need to develop more effective pricing and hedging models for complex financial products is more important than ever following the most recent global financial crisis. Our compulsory modules provide a firm grounding in probability theory, stochastic calculus, derivatives pricing, quantitative and numerical methods, structuring products, volatility analysis, and the modelling of credit, equity, foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives. We also provide a thorough training in C++ and other programming tools.
Optional modules will allow you to focus on risk analysis, portfolio management, designing trading strategies or econometric analysis. A good background in mathematics is required for acceptance to this programme (see entry requirements).
COVID-19 update
Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.
Part 1 Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Quantitative Methods for Finance (ICM103)The module covers the building blocks of econometrics and analytical techniques used in finance. Via case studies and computer modelling exercises, students learn how to apply these techniques to real data. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of the techniques in the global financial markets. |
20 |
Securities, Futures and Options (ICM107)This module provides an overview of the key building blocks in modern finance theory and introduces techniques for analysing and valuing different classes of risky assets such as equities and derivatives contracts. It also develops ways of optimally selecting portfolios of such assets and develops models of how these portfolios can be priced in financial markets. The techniques introduced in this module are widely applied in other elements of the programme. The module includes simulated trading sessions in our state of the art dealing rooms, where participants are introduced to real world pricing and trading strategies (INVEST sessions). Academic authors
Dr Konstantina Kappou
|
20 |
Fixed Income and Equity Investments (ICM108)Fixed Income and Equity Investments deals with the valuation of fixed income and equity securities. The module focuses on the basic characteristics of these securities and the strategies used for estimating their fundamental value and assessing their risk. Its primary aim is to discuss how certain characteristics and relationships can affect the value of fixed income and equity securities and how can they be exploited to form optimal investment strategies or for the purpose of conducting financial analysis. The analytical techniques introduced in this module are widely applied in other elements of the programme. Academic authors
Dr Miriam Marra
Christos Mavis
|
20 |
Stochastic Calculus and Probability (ICM127)This module introduces to students the mathematical tools of probability, calculus and stochastic calculus needed for the valuation of financial derivatives. The course covers the basic concepts and methods of selected areas of modern probability, calculus and stochastic analysis placing emphasis on the possible applications in finance. Academic authors
Stochastic Calculus and Probability
|
20 |
Part 2 Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Programming for Financial Engineering (ICM177)The objective is to introduce the students to the C++ language and its usage for financial models implementation. The aim is to quickly reach a stage where students can produce a working and efficient code at the expense of a detailed presentation of the language. The focus is on using the more straightforward and most widely used features of C++. Special emphasis is placed on coding style and some essential software engineering principles are introduced. To achieve good productivity, the following topics are covered: development, building, debugging, testing, and optimising code in the Visual Studio environment. Other tools used are Excel interfacing and source control with Subversion (svn). Some facilities from the standard template library (STL) and Boost library are also used. Academic authors
Naoufel El Bachir
|
10 |
Advanced Derivatives Modelling (ICM286)This module aims to introduce the models and pricing methodologies characteristic for three markets, namely equity and foreign exchange, interest rate and credit derivatives markets. For the equity and FX derivatives markets it aims to introduce models beyond Black-Scholes to price non-vanilla instruments. For interest rate derivatives markets arbitrage-free term structure models are considered. For credit derivatives we introduce the default intensity approach for the valuation of single name default swaps and the pricing of OTC derivatives in the presence of counterparty risk. Academic authors
Naoufel El Bachir
|
20 |
Derivatives Modelling (ICM292)The module is designed to provide an introduction to the models and pricing of interest rates and credit derivatives. It conveys the basic concepts and analytical methodology for the valuation of derivatives in the standard Black-Scholes framework. It also builds awareness of the mathematical foundation for working in the area of financial derivatives’ pricing. Academic authors
Dr Emese Lazar
|
20 |
Numerical Methods for Financial Engineering (ICM299)This course introduces the major numerical methods required for quantitative work in finance, with a particular emphasis on the tools required for the implementation of the major derivative pricing models. Read moreThis course aims to introduce the major numerical methods required for quantitative work in finance, with a particular emphasis on the tools required for the implementation of the major derivative pricing models, including an introduction to coding in VBA. Academic authors
Dr Peter Sweby
|
20 |
Students on the 9-month (12-month) programme can select 30 (10) credits from the following modules:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Financial Econometrics (ICM204)Building on the material introduced in Quantitative Methods for Finance, this module covers a number of more advanced techniques that are relevant for financial applications, and in particular for modelling and forecasting financial time series. These include an introduction to maximum likelihood estimation and two-stage least squares, models of volatility, simulation techniques, and multivariate models. Case studies from the academic finance literature are employed to demonstrate potential uses of each approach. Extensive use is also made of financial econometrics software to demonstrate how the techniques are applied in practice. Academic authors
Professor Michael Clements
|
20 |
Market Risk (ICM207)The purpose of the module is to provide an understanding of the latest developments in banking regulations that are the main driving force behind changes in our approaches to risk measurement. It focuses on the foundations of market risk analysis and the basic models for assessing market risk. Participants utilise market risk measurement techniques that are used daily in the front and middle offices of banks; particular emphasis is placed on the appraisal of the covariance matrices that are used to measure the market risk of portfolios. They also learn to build various Value-at-Risk (VaR) models for market risk for international portfolios of equities, FX, interest rate products, commodities, derivatives etc. The module has a significant practical component with computer-based workshops that are designed to support the lecture material. Academic authors
Dr Emese Lazar
|
20 |
Derivatives Securities: Pricing, Hedging and Trading (ICM211)The module objective is to give students a practical working knowledge of the pricing, hedging and trading of derivative securities, in particular options, via the use of trading simulations and pricing case studies/software. The emphasis of the module is on practical application and it is expected that by the end of the module students will understand and be able to analyse the time/risk dynamics of derivatives in a trading environment. Trading sessions are delivered in our state-of-the-art dealing rooms and utilising our bespoke trading simulation software ICTrader, offering exposure into real trading environment and the price formation process. Students will learn how to “think on their feet”, an essential skill in the investment banking industry. Academic authors
Dr Michael Smith
|
20 |
Research Project (ICM218)The aim of the research project is to allow students to define and execute a piece of research in finance on a topic of their choice, with direction from an academic supervisor and with assistance from a doctoral student support supervisor. Read moreThe self-directed nature of study for this model should encourage students to be resourceful in their search for relevant literature and data, and to manage the various stages involved effectively, leading to timely submission of the finished piece. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 |
Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets (ICM306)Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets applies more advanced valuation and risk assessment methods that build on the knowledge introduced in the fixed income component of the first term Fixed Income and Equity Investments module: It describes the basic characteristics of fixed income derivatives, structured products and credit sensitive securities and develops practical strategies for valuation and risk assessment. It also considers how the markets for these securities are related and begins the task of showing how these relationships can be exploited for trading or investment. The module is designed not only for students wanting a more advanced knowledge of the fixed income markets, but also for students wishing to take the exam for the ICMA Fixed Income Certificate (ICMA FIC) Academic authors
Gail Rolland
|
20 |
Machine Learning in Finance (ICM322)In this module you will learn how machine learning techniques borrowed from artificial intelligence can be used to solve common problems in finance. With the use of Python, we will explore ways in which a computer can be trained to recognise patterns in data. The focus will be on finance applications including stock price forecasting, default prediction and market sentiment analysis. Read moreThe course focuses on common machine learning techniques including (1) logistic regression, (2) decision trees, (3) K-nearest neighbours, (4) K-means clustering, (5) principal component analysis and (6) deep learning tools like neural networks. The emphasis will be on the use of machine learning techniques for finance applications. Academic authors
Mr Mininder Sethi
|
10 |
Big Data in Finance (ICM323)In this course you will learn how big data techniques can be used to solve problems in finance. We will first explore issues related to the collection, organisation and visualisation of large sets of structured and unstructured data. We will then look at methods for storage and computation of big data sets by distributed computing (Hadoop). The module will also explore the use of cloud computing platforms with a focus on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Read moreThe course focuses on (1) issues facing big data handling (2) retrieval, organisation and cleaning of structured and unstructured data (3) a high level description of a system for the distributed storage and processing of big data (Hadoop) (4) cloud computing with a focus on the Google Cloud Platform (5) finance applications. Academic authors
Mr Mininder Sethi
|
10 |
Part 3 Modules (12-month only)
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications (ICM289)This module is designed for advanced Master’s students and doctoral students. It has a very high technical content. It aims to equip the students with the foundations of theoretical asset pricing and with the relevant skills for performing empirical tests. Additionally, a few important corporate finance topics will be covered in the format of student presentations. The objective of the module is to prepare students to become independent and quality researchers. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
20 |
Energy Finance (ICM301)This course aims to provide students with an understanding of financial decision making in the context of the energy industry. The course will combine theoretical models with practical applications. It focuses on energy markets (products, companies, production and consumption), capital budgeting in energy companies, financing of energy companies, energy derivatives and trading in energy markets. A number of case studies in energy finances are utilised. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
20 |
Stock Index Futures (ICM308)The module is less quantitative option open to all MSc students that builds on the coverage of futures contracts from term 1. By the end of the module it is expected that students will be aware of the different ways of constructing stock market indices and the implications of these differences, how futures contracts are traded and the identity of some of the close substitutes for trading index futures, how futures can be priced using an arbitrage relationship, how futures can be used for hedging the price risk of the underlying, and the various uses that fund managers make of these instruments. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 |
Work Placement and Project (ICM309)This module gives students the opportunity to pursue a work placement with an external organisation broadly related to the general sphere of their degree studies. The aim of the module is to allow participants to gain work experience in a career path of interest, develop a wide range of employability skills, build their network and enhance market awareness. The maximum duration of the placement is 3 months and it takes place during the summer vacation period (June-August). Placements should be secured by students independently. The Centre’s career development office can support students in their search and application process. Placements secured by students are subject to the approval of the module convenor. The module is assessed by a 3,000-word project based on the work experience gained. Academic authors
Dr Michael Smith
|
20 |
The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change.
Our master's in finance courses are available only on a full-time basis with the option of studying for 9 or 12 months.
Learning options
Full-time: 9 months
Full-time: 12 months
Students will be resident and undertake full-time study in the UK. Under both, the 9 and 12-month programmes students take compulsory and/or elective modules in Part 2.
The 12 month option involves taking an elective 20 credit module between July and August, which would also mean a 20 credit reduction in the number of taught modules taken in the spring term.
Course structure
October – December:Part 1 Autumn Term
January:Part 1 Exams. Please note that the January Exams will start 1 week before the official start of the Spring Term.
January-April:Part 2 Spring Term
May – June:Part 2 Exams
June – August (12 month programme only):Part 3
August/Sep (12 month programme only):Part 3 Coursework deadlines
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| 2021 entry | £17,300 |
Living expenses are in addition to the above fees. Overseas full-time participants can expect to spend approximately £9,400 on additional living expenses during the course of their studies. UK/Home full-time participants can expect to spend approximately £8,000 on additional living expenses during the course of their studies.
UK/Home Postgraduate Loans
Loans of up to £11,222 are available to eligible students studying for postgraduate Masters courses from the 2021-22 Academic year. In general, students need to be domiciled in England.
You can apply for a loan through the UK Government website. You can read more about the scheme on the Student Loans Company website or on these two UK Government sites: Introduction of loans for postgraduate students and Government response to the Consultation on Support for Postgraduate Study.
Scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships for UK/Home and International applicants.
For a full list of scholarships, visit our scholarships webpage.
Current scholarships
- Undergraduate Degree – Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an overseas institution*
- Degree Discipline – Quantitative discipline – must have a very good existing level of numeracy. Mathematical and engineering degrees are preferred
- GMAT – We may ask you to submit a GMAT score if we think it appropriate in your individual case. For example, if you have been out of education for more than a few years or have little evidence of any numerical ability.For information on the GMAT and the location of test centres worldwide, please visit www.mba.com
* Please note that due to increasing competition for places on our Masters programmes our entry requirements may change.
We operate a rolling admissions system and you are therefore advised to apply early in order to be sure of your place on our programmes. We experience high levels of demand, and it is possible we might have to close applications to some programmes once places are filled.
English requirements
Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 with no component below 6.0 in any sub-skills |
| IELTS with pre-sessional English | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 in each of the four sub-skills |
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.
If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by e-mail or telephone on +44 118-378-5289.
UK visa requirements
If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions: intoff@reading.ac.uk.
New Graduate Route
From the summer of 2021, the UK's new Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.
How can Henley Careers work with you?
Here at Henley we have an award-winning careers team here to support you through your time here and four years after graduating from us.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments - Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s advice on your CV, practicing for an interview, looking at possible reasons why applications aren't being successful or support planning your career goals, we’re here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events - Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support - You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources for up to four years after you graduate to get help and support in your career.
- Career Smart - Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK, where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different types of roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
Many of our financial engineering graduates are now working as Quants in large London banks and other financial institutions. Others have pursued PhDs and have successful academic careers. Financial instruments are becoming ever more sophisticated, so graduates that understand complex modelling techniques are always in great demand. The high quantitative content of this programme opens many doors to a wide range of careers. You could structure and develop new debt or equity solutions to meet clients funding and hedging needs, or you could become a proprietary trader in exotic derivatives, or a software specialist or a quantitative analyst supporting the traders.
There are excellent opportunities on the buy-side, with hedge funds and investment institutions, as well as in investment banking and in software analytics. Opportunities in quantitative research, or with a rating agency, are among the many other attractive alternatives. Outside of mainstream banking and investment, you might also consider firms involved in commodity and energy trading, or the treasury divisions of leading multinationals and management consultancies.
Professional accreditation
Apply for 2021 entry now
Apply online now through the University of Reading’s online application service.
The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.
When to apply
We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:
| UK/Home applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|
| 1 August | 1 June |
After you apply
You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.
If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.
Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.
Find us on Facebook and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.
The ICMA Centre is among the pioneers in finance education and renowned for its strong links with the financial services industry. The Centre was ranked in 2020 among the UK’s top 5 for its Masters programmes (Financial Times Masters in Finance Ranking). It is also part of Henley Business School – among an elite group of 75 business schools in the world to hold triple-accredited status from the leading UK, European and US accrediting bodies: AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
The Centre’s unique practice centred approach includes a number of finance education innovations. These will provide you with a solid grounding for a career in the industry. The approach aims to equip you with a skill set that sets you apart from graduates of other finance programmes. Your employability track record is also bolstered by an in-house comprehensive career development programme.
Reading has proximity to the world’s top financial centre (25 mins from London Paddington). Several leading professional bodies including the CFA, CISI, GARP and ICS validate our programmes and offer exam exemptions to our students.
Joining one of the top schools of finance in Europe, you will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. You will have access to the latest technology and will be taught by world-renowned faculty and industry experts. Our innovative teaching and learning environment includes trading and financial analysis simulations. We also have the latest financial data and programming software. Our three dealing rooms are one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. They provide an ideal setting for understanding how businesses and markets function in practice.
Our students’ learning experience is a top priority for academic faculty and administrative staff at the ICMA Centre. This is reflected in the latest student satisfaction rates in the PTES and NSS student surveys.
“When I joined I was immediately impressed by the high-end facilities and the fact that that renowned practitioners and academics in the sector are involved from day one in the teaching as well as our career development.”Elena-Anna Gkermpesioti, MSc International Shipping & Finance
Speak to a current student
Contact us
For any questions of academic nature about this programme you are welcome to directly contact the Programme Director, Dr Emese Lazar at e.lazar@icmacentre.ac.uk
Admissions
If you have any questions about admissions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Email: admissions@icmacentre.ac.ukTelephone: +44 (0)118 378 6497
Henley provides students with professional tutoring in the programme, but also many opportunities combining theory and practice. They are very concerned with career planning and I am very grateful to the school for helping me transition from student to professional.
This is a very practical programme that taught me a lot. The greatest gain is studying the field in depth. The more I learn, the more confident I am and I am very happy that I chose Financial Engineering.
Besides the career support provided by both the ICMA Centre and Henley Business School, I also enjoyed the networking events that provided opportunities to meet interesting people and connect with people from the other side of the world.
The global reputation and trading facilities allow students to use their academic knowledge in practical settings (e.g. trading simulations). Also, many lecturers have many years of financial industry experience meaning classes include a good balance of academic knowledge and industry practice.
The opportunity to learn from experts along with meeting and networking with a diverse group of students from all over the world has been an amazing experience!