(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Computational Finance
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computational Finance and Economic Agents (Centre for)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
BSC IN13
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
GCSE: Mathematics B/5
A-levels: ABB
BTEC: DDD, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
IB: 32 points, or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Standard Level Mathematics grade 5, or a minimum of 3 in Higher Level Mathematics. We will accept grade 5 in either Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Standard Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade B/5 or above or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
T-levels: Distinction, depending on subject studied -advice on acceptability can be provided.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The course aims to equip students with the fundamental concepts and mathematical principles of modern quantitative finance along with the operational skills to use computational tools for financial modelling.
In addition to traditional topics in investments, trading, and risk management, there will be special emphasis on application of computational intelligence in solving problems in finance and economics.
Further, the student has the opportunity to study methods of computational methods for derivatives pricing and portfolio management.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of fundamental mathematical principles of modern quantitative finance
A2: Knowledge of mathematical and statistical tools to deal with financial market modelling
A3: Knowledge to implement the basic analytical and operational aspects of financial theory using empirical data.
A4: Knowledge of the significance of computational modelling of financial markets
Learning methods
Outcomes A1-A3 are acquired through lectures, classes and related course work.
Outcome A4 is achieved by specially devised laboratory based courses where students will be assisted in developing and running their own programs (e.g.
Matlab) for financial analysis.
The development of the second and final year projects in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for the acquisition of outcomes A1-A4 as it helps students to develop their knowledge and understanding further through undertaking a piece of independent, though supervised, advanced research.
Assessment methods
All courses, will be assessed by the rules of assessment applicable in the department responsible for the course.
Learning outcomes A1-A4 will be assessed by compulsory end of year examinations, class tests and projects
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Theoretical appraisal of different theories and models for asset pricing
B2: Construct financial models under different assumptions for empirical and numerical testing
B3: Acquire critical frame of reference regarding the inadequacies of traditional assumptions of financial modelling
B4: Carry out independent research
Learning methods
Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their courses, although lectures and lab demonstrations provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through example.
Student preparation involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of the finance literature, including texts and research papers, and the analysis of empirical evidence.
Teachers provide feedback on students work through comment and discussion.
In addition, teachers engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and email.
Assessment methods
Skills B1-B3 are assessed throughout the courses comprising the degree by means of written examinations with optional term papers.
Skills B1-B3 are also assessed in certain courses through written class tests or progress tests.
The second and final year projects provide a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.
C: Practical skills
C1: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches
C2: Organise ideas in a systematic and critical fashion
C3: Present and critically assess ideas and arguments coherently in writing
C4: Understand mathematical and statistical tools for financial data analysis
C5: Implement econometric tests for testing hypotheses regarding financial markets
C6: Implement computational methods for financial and economic data mining and analysis
C7: Acquire programming skills to formulate and solve financial problems.
Learning methods
Skills C1-C5 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their courses.
Lectures also provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through example.
Skills C4-C7 are acquired to a greater degree in courses that focus on mathematics, statistics and econometrics and computational intelligence, as well as in the lab based compulsory courses especially designed for this degree scheme.
These skills are reinforced or supplemented depending on the optional courses taken.
The second and final year projects are additionally used to provide an opportunity for students to acquire skills C1-C7.
Assessment methods
D: Key skills
D1: Acquire skills in technical writing.
D2: Production of word-processed research dissertation, term papers and project reports. Use software for financial analysis.
D3: Use of mathematical techniques to construct financial models and the use of statistical and computational methods to analyse financial data
D4: Application of analytical and computational simulation methods to model financial market phenomena
D5: Collaborative problem solving.
D6: Capacity to:
(a) organise and implement a plan of independent study;
(b) reflect on his or her own learning experience and adapt in response to feedback.
Learning methods
Students are guided in acquiring skills D1-D6 through lectures, classes and individual advice from teachers.
These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.
The second and final year projects enable students to acquire skill D2 and also assists them in acquiring skills D1, D4-D6.
Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in classes for courses, especially the applied ones.
Assessment methods
Skills D1, D3, D4 and D5 are assessed throughout the courses comprising the degree by means of examinations with optional term papers or written tests and a group project.
The second and final year projects and the corresponding seminars provide further means for an overall assessment of communication (D1), using IT (D2), problem-solving skills (D4), collaboration (D5) and self-learning (D6).