Financial modelling integrates mathematical and statistical methods with advanced studies in finance. This Masters programme will provide you with an enquiry-led understanding of interconnected subject areas in mathematics, statistics and finance.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;

Teaching is through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The programme consists of nine core courses and one optional course, followed by a dissertation of around 12,000 words. The dissertation, which will have a finance-related theme, offers you the flexibility to specialise based on your chosen area of interest.

Core courses

• International capital markets
• Introduction to R (half credit course)
• Regression modelling (half credit course)
• Statistical inference (half credit course)
• Probability for finance (half credit course)
• Financial statistics (half credit course)
• Time series (half credit course)
• Risk management and derivative Securities
• Research methods and dissertation training

Optional courses

• International banking and financial markets
• Behavioural finance

Career prospects

On this programme, you will get a high-level introduction to the use of mathematics and statistics in finance. By the end of the programme, you will have a critical awareness of evolving and controversial areas of market behaviour. You will develop analytical, computational, evaluative and communication skills that can be applied to a wide range of finance and business contexts.

This programme is designed to prepare you for a role in financial services businesses, particularly when strong numerical skills are required or back-office or mid-office roles in banks.

Graduates from this programme are likely to be employed in key roles in banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.

Student testimonial by Ya from China

Academic entry requirements

You should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent (eg, a GPA of 3.0 or above), in subjects such as mathematics, statistics, engineering or physics.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0, with writing at 6.5
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 115; minimum Listening: 28; Reading: 29; Writing: 30; Speaking:26

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

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Business School deposits

A £2,000 deposit is requested for this programme from International (beyond the EU) applicants who are eligible for an offer to this programme (deposits are specifically requested from international applicants who require a Certificate of Acceptance to Study (CAS) Letter from the University in order that they can apply for visas. The deposit indicates the applicants commitment to study at Glasgow and is a prerequisite to issuing the CAS letters).

The deposit is redeemable against your overall tuition fee, and helps the University ascertain which students are committed to attend the University in September 2013.

Deposits are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and you should note that the courses may close before the deposit deadline if all available places are taken.

Terms and Conditions

The £2,000 deposit may be refunded in certain circumstances, minus a £200 handling fee. Each individual request for repayment will be considered, but the following guidelines will apply:

Deposits WILL be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

1. Where the applicant has personal circumstances such as illness, bereavement or other family situations that has prevented them coming to the UK. Medical or other proof may be requested.
2. Applicant can prove that they have applied for a Visa to attend the University of Glasgow, but this has been refused. The applicant must have shown ‘real intent’ to study at the University of Glasgow but has been unable to get their visa;
3. Applicant does not meet the academic or language test conditions of his / her offer – please note that evidence must be provided that indicates a reasonable attempt was made to meet language conditions.

Deposits WILL NOT be refunded to applicants under the following circumstances:

1. Applicant decides to go to another institution;
2. Applicant cannot be released from work to study at the University of Glasgow;
3. Applicant does not send completed documentation as requested in the condition of the offer – this may be required in order to prove that the conditions of offer have not been met for academic or language test reasons – failure to respond to requests for this information will result in non-repayment of deposit;
4. Applicant has not secured funding to attend the University of Glasgow  – this may be as a result of not being successful in applications for scholarships, OR simply not having sufficient funds in bank at time of visa application. This condition will apply unless it can be proven that there are clear mitigating circumstances which have significantly changed the individual’s position since the time of application

Should a situation arise whereby an applicant cannot be accepted, either due to an error on the part of the University, or if the course has reached its maximum capacity by the time the deposit is received, then the deposit will be refunded in full (without deduction of a handling fee).

For 2013-14

MSc