Financial Risk Management MSc - Virtual Open Day

​​​​​​About this programme

The Financial Risk Management MSc brings together traditional theories in finance, data analytics, quantitative and computational modelling techniques – designed to produce talented practitioners in this field. 

A distinctive finance programme taught from a computer science perspective, the Financial Risk Management MSc enables you to become an expert in computing, mathematics, and technology to manage and predict financial risk.

You will experience an innovative programme that blends core financial concepts with opportunities to place yourself at the cutting edge of computational techniques and technology through topics such as machine learning, algorithmic trading and blockchain technologies.

Why study this programme?

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

• Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
• High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
• Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
• Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in financial risk management.
• Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
• Strategic location: Studying in London, a global financial and technology hub, places you in proximity to top technology companies, entrepreneurial projects, and industry practitioners, enhancing your learning and career opportunities.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Data-driven Modelling of Financial Markets
• Probability Theory and Stochastic Processes
• Financial Engineering
• MSc Financial Risk Management Project
• Market and Credit Risk

Optional modules may include:

• Applied Computational Finance
• Numerical Methods for Finance
• Market Microstructure
• Machine Learning with Applications in Finance
• Algorithmic Trading
• Financial Institutions and Markets
• Blockchain Technologies
• Operational Risk Measurement for Financial Institutions
• Networks and Systemic Risk
• Financial Market Modelling and Analysis

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

• you have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or an international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a relevant discipline (e.g. mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, engineering, economics, or finance) with a strong quantitative component evidenced by good performance in mathematics and statistics examinations.
• you are looking to pursue a successful career working within quantitative risk management.

Employability 

A programme with exceptional relevance in the modern day, you will graduate from the Financial Risk Management MSc with expertise in how financial markets work, and with the mathematical and computational skills required for quantitative roles in the financial industry. This includes handling data, extracting information from data, and developing data-driven models – including the know-how to validate and deploy them in international markets.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.  

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

Graduates from this programme have pursued careers in the accountancy and financial services sectors. Others have gone into banking and investment, IT, technology and telecoms, publishing, journalism and translation, consultancy, logistics and distribution.

Employers include Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg, China Development Bank, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Google, JP Morgan Chase, Moody’s Analytics, People’s Bank of China, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Santander, Standard Chartered Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Register below to receive further information.

Register for Virtual or In-Person Open Day 

• Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
• Time: Choose a session: 12:00 noon OR 5:00 pm (UK time)
• Content: Discover the department, our careers support, scholarships, opportunities with industry and more. Ask your questions to staff, students and alumni.

Both sessions are identical - pick the one that suits your time zone best.

We’ll send you more information about the department, your programme, and the next steps after you register.

 To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus