Course Summary
The MSc Financial Analytics is the programme for you if you have an interest in financial markets or financial technology (FinTech) and enjoy working with data. It shows you how data science, analytics, statistics and programming tools are used in the real world for the analysis and modelling of financial and economic data.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Finance, Mathematics, Economics or other relevant quantitative subject. Science and Engineering disciplines will be considered where there is a significant mathematical component. Performance in relevant modules must be of the required standard. Applicants with a 2.2 Honours degree (scoring below 55%) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University and sufficient relevant experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Application Details
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27
Fees
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.
New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen’s student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.
If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.
Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Introduction
This programme will equip students with cutting-edge quantitative and computational techniques and strategies used by leading finance and financial technology (FinTech) firms. Today, all full-service finance and business consulting firms employ Financial Analytics professionals in their operations as do many boutique firms, such as asset managers and hedge funds. Furthermore, many IT software organisations are attracted to graduates from this programme due to their specialism at the interface between computing, data analytics and finance.
For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/
Employment after the Course
Graduate prospects from the MSc Financial Analytics are excellent; culminating in Queen’s being ranked first in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as Citi, Deutsche Bank, Bank of China, Davy Group, Citco, Amazon, FD Technologies, Data Intellect and many others.
Typical roles include data scientists, financial engineers, software developers, equity analysts, consultants, portfolio analysts, data scientists, risk analysts, software developers, business analysts, and traders.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/