PostGraduate Course

MSc

Quantitative Finance

University College Dublin - UCD
University College Dublin - UCD
Course Code
B158 B282
Zone
Attendance
Full time

Course Summary

The MSc in Quantitative Finance provides a rigorous grounding across a wide range of mathematical modelling methods and techniques for financial markets. From the pricing and hedging of financial securities to managing the risk in portfolios of equity, fixed income and derivative securities. A challenging programme, it equips students with the necessary theoretical, mathematical and computational skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in finance.

College Link

University College Dublin - UCD
College Link > B158 B282 - Quantitative Finance

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

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

Please review the entry requirements below. The UCD Smurfit Admissions Office staff have expertise in reviewing international qualifications from around the world and will be able to assess your application's comparability to the Irish entry requirement.

An honours bachelors degree in:

a. Business/Commerce to include a number of quantitative subjects such as Economics or Finance
or
b. a Finance-related-area, Mathematical Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics

with a minimum 2.1 award at NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent) in a. or b. above.

Applicants should have demonstrated strong academic ability (a 1.1 or 2.1) in a number of quantitative modules in their degree, such as mathematics, statistics, or econometrics.

Candidates may be asked to sit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) subject to individual application.

English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required for admission to all of our programmes. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in an English speaking country. Learn More about the English Language Requirements
https://www.smurfitschool.ie/admissions/internationalapplicants/englishlanguagerequirements/

Some students might have to get a student visa in order to come and study in Ireland. Please check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website to see if you require a visa. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/

Application Details

Apply online

Who Should Apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No

B158 Quantitative Finance Master of Science Full-Time
Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught

B282 Quantitative Finance Master of Science Part-Time
Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught
(UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)

Fees

Fees Full-Time EU: €19,500 (academic year 2024/2025)
Full-Time Non-EU: €27,450 (academic year 2024/2025)
Fees Part-Time EU €9,980 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)
Part-Time Non-EU €13,720 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)

Important Note: Tuition fees and other charges are subject to change each year. *Part-Time students may be subject to fee increases in Year 2.

UCD Alumni can now enjoy a 5% tuition reduction when they are accepted to a programme at UCD Smurfit School. T's and C's apply.

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

Career Opportunities
The MSc in Quantitative Finance from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is highly regarded within the financial services industry.

86% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in September 2025.

Potential careers for our graduates include:
Investment banking
Portfolio management
Trading
Quantitative analyst
Risk manager
Data Scientist

Duration

B158 12 months full-time,
B282 24 months part-time.
Delivery: On Campus
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