gre.ac.uk/trading
Business School
Computational
Trading
MSc
In collaboration with:Welcome from the
Pro Vice-Chancellor,
Business School
Business success worldwide is achieved by
people who can respond rapidly, flexibly and
effectively to the ever-changing landscape
of the business world. These individuals
are alert to opportunities because they’ve
absorbed the fundamentals of their craft and
applied them directly to their practice.
Our programmes at the Business School
familiarise you with the fundamental practices
of business, management and leadership,
and help you to develop your personal
management and leadership skills.
Our teaching staff utilise academic and
professional qualifications along with great
business awareness and experience, to
strategically support the learning needs of
each student. Students also benefit from
the guest lecturers who tend to be business
executives from Canary Wharf and the City.
It is our privilege to introduce you to the MSc
Computational Trading so you too can rise to
the challenge.
Jon Sibson
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business School
Welcome from the
Programme Leader
Welcome to our MSc Computational Trading
programme; a programme carefully tailored
for students to boost their career prospects
in stock trading, risk management, hedge
fund management and foreign exchange
markets.
Since the regulatory framework was put in
place in the aftermath of the financial crisis,
it has become increasingly more competitive
to obtain a role in this industry. Trading jobs
involve buying and selling financial assets
or use of financial instruments to facilitate
customer needs or to take a proprietary
position in order to benefit from expected
market movements.
This requires practical understanding of
risk management, data mining, stochastic
calculus, time series econometrics and
familiarity with tools for numerical analysis.
We have set up different partnerships across
the programme, therefore you will not only
gain sophisticated numerical knowledge
but hands-on experience of stock market
analysis too.
Dr Mamad S Pourhosseini
Programme Leader
Contents
Welcome from the Pro Vice-Chancellor,
Business School 3
Welcome from the Programme Leader 3 Why study this programme? 4
Why study with us? 7
Computational Trading, MSc 8 Structure of the programme 9
What next? 10
Why study this programme?
Innovative
The MSc Computational Trading programme allows students to bridge the gap between financial theory and work experience.
Our partnership with City-based Amplify Trading and Lawrence Clarke Hedge Fund will give you access to hands-on experience in stock market analysis on a live trading platform. Amplify Trading provides financial software used within the development programmes of leading investment banks including Bank of America, HSBC, Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.
By the end of the programme you will have learned how to trade effectively in equity, bond, commodity and foreign exchange markets, and you will be ready to take up a role within leading institutions in the financial and commodity trading sector.
We focus on real-time approaches to trading, including features of specific financial tools and the interaction of macroeconomic, financial, technical and behavioural drivers in financial markets. Our highly-interactive teaching techniques include the
use of Eviews Econometrics software, R-programming language and specialised trading platforms.
You will engage with theoretical, applied and practical learning (e.g. hands-on training in trading). Along with lectures and seminars, students will be involved in additional activities including; laboratory trading practical classes, supervised lab practical work, project supervision, demonstrations, workshops, and many more.
The programme is run over a series of 9 weeks in total. Each week is 35 hours long within the following months; January, February, March, April, September as well as, an additional week in the months of May and June.
Our economics programmes were ranked No.1 in London for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2016 league table. We are also ranked in the top three for course satisfaction in Accounting and Finance in London, according to the 2016 Guardian University League Table.
Trading platform
The live trading platform, Amplify Trading, is implemented and used by City-based traders. The programme is a combination of financial theory and practical applications in trading and investment. While working on trading platforms students are exposed to real-world situations, gaining hands-on risk management experience and interacting with experienced mentors.
You will gain practical understanding of risk
management, data mining, stochastic calculus, time series econometrics and familiarity with tools for numerical analysis. By the end of the programme you will be capable of trading effectively in equity, bond, commodity and foreign exchange markets. You will also be ready to take up trading floor positions in investment banks, hedge funds and other financial or commodity trading institutions.
Career direction
It will be of interest to you if you wish to pursue trading careers in the financial sector. Teaching includes the use of EViews, R-programming language and STAMP, as well as a specialised Amplify Trading platform. It will also be beneficial to professionals already working in the financial sector who wish to acquire skills in data modelling, analytical experience and computational trading. Course class sizes are kept small to facilitate interaction and to promote effective learning. Two of the courses: Trading Practicum 1 and 2 are delivered in simulated trading environments. They focus on the key delivery of contemporary financial markets and recent technologies used for trading platforms.
The MSc Computational Trading can be completed on a full (one year) or part time (longer than a year) basis. You will complete nine courses, undertake a project and submit a short dissertation.
Why study with us?
The university
The University of Greenwich can trace its roots to 1890, when Britain’s second polytechnic was opened near the Thames at Woolwich to teach practical and commercial skills to London workers. Today, the university remains true to its founding principles by continuing to offer a wide range of career-oriented programmes.
The Business School
The Business School has over 4,500 students and more than 150 academic staff, and is located in Queen Anne Court on Greenwich Campus. Our teaching staff have extensive academic and professional qualifications which makes for engaging learning experience. They are additionally supported by business executives who work in both the public and private sectors.
The Business School has considerable
experience in delivering innovative ways to learn. Traditional teaching methods are supported by online resources, and these are supplemented by business simulation exercises, practical role play and real world business consultancy engagements.
Our campuses
Greenwich Campus, in south-east London, is the university’s largest campus, designed at the end of the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul’s Cathedral. The campus is part of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and is on the south bank of the River Thames, five miles east of central London.
The campus has a brand new library, language laboratories, a 1,000-PC computing facility and a bookshop. Student accommodation and Students’ Union buildings are a short walk away. The campus is also home to the Faculty of Architecture.
The university’s other campuses, at Avery Hill, south-east London, and Medway in Kent, are the bases for science, engineering, pharmacy, education and health. Avery Hill has an extensive student village, including halls of residence. Many students who study at Greenwich choose to live at Avery Hill.
“A university campus to rival ... Oxford’s spires or the Great Court at Cambridge ... the setting is undoubtedly one of the grandest of any university in the world.”
The London Evening Standard newspaper on Greenwich Campus
Around the campus
Greenwich is a bustling mix of markets, shops, restaurants and pubs. Across the road from Greenwich Campus are some of Britain’s most historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum. The observatory, where east meets west on the Prime Meridian, stands on a hill in Greenwich Park and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. In 2012, the park hosted events for the London Olympic Games.
Central London, one of the world’s leading capital cities, is only a short train journey away. Directly across the river is the business centre Canary Wharf.
Computational Trading
MSc
This experiential new programme provides a combination of financial theory and practical application in trading and investment.
The taught courses not only provide a theoretically sound reference framework of analytical and applied knowledge but will also recreate the atmosphere of a financial trading floor, providing you with hands on trading and investment management experience. You will be taught to identify and evaluate relevant information, and to make trading decisions under pressure using incomplete information scenarios, learning how to react to market behaviour in real time. You will use industry standard technologies in order to give you the best possible preparation for your career after graduation.
Industry mentorship
Our lecturers have strong commercial experience, as well as excellent academic credentials. Students will be shadowed by an industry expert throughout their time on the programme. Students will receive mentoring, information, advice, and the opportunity to network with industry contacts. This will improve their general knowledge and employability prospects in the subject.
Bloomberg certificate
The Master’s will provide students with the opportunity to gain the Bloomberg Market
Concepts (BMC) certificate, Bloomberg’s first ever e-learning course that offers a visual introduction to the financial markets. The four BMC modules – Economics, Currencies, Fixed Income and Equities – available through the Bloomberg Institute website, will be integrated in the macro finance course of the Master’s.
The Trading and Investment Society
The University of Greenwich have a variety of societies which help students connect, discuss and share ideas around different topics with their peers. Greenwich Trading and Investment Society was set up in 2013 by a number of final year students with a passion for trading. In 2015–16 the society plans
Structure of the programme
All courses have a strong commercial orientation. The practical element covers macroeconomic fundamentals, trading strategies, technical analysis, trading psychology and live market trading of up to ten products backed by Amplify Trading. In addition to the practical elements, teaching is delivered using a combination of lectures,tutorials, seminars, case studies and presentations. You will be assessed through assignments, examinations and presentations.
The following 10 courses commence over the academic year, each course duration being 5 days:
Foundations of Scholarship Data Analysis and Application
(15 credits)
This course will provide you with the foundations of scholarship and research methods required to undertake this
programme. It also explores databases and provides an introduction to DataStream. Trading Practicum 1
(15 credits)
This course is delivered in simulated trading environment computer clusters. You will learn about the external influences that cause the fluctuations of currencies, stock indices, bonds and commodities and will have access to real time market information in order to apply this knowledge.
Trading Technical Analysis and Strategies
(15 credits)
This element of the programme focuses on
techniques utilised by traders and analysts working in the financial services industry with particular reference to trading institutions and the principles that guide their trading.
Applied Modelling and Data Analysis
(15 credits)
Focused more on financial econometrics for traders and high frequency data. This module deals with time series models for the determination of returns on risky assets, measuring and forecasting volatility of bond returns and determining the optimal hedge-ratio for a spot position in trading in commodities. International Macrofinance and Trading
(15 credits)
This course focuses on international financial markets, the foreign exchange market and the new generation of international macrofinance models which serve the purpose of bridging macroeconomics and finance.
Financial Management
(30 credits)
Here you are provided with an understanding of net present value and time value of money. It also investigates features of financial derivatives and achieving particular financial outcomes.
Regulation, Compliance and Ethics in Financial Markets
(15 credits)
This course critically reviews issues relating to corporate social responsibility and issues relating to intra-organisational factors, competitive dynamics, institutional investors, end consumers and
government regulations.
Business Intelligence and Data Mining
(15 credits)
Here you will gain understanding of business intelligence tools, methodologies techniques. It provides an understanding of modern database features and architectures, and the concepts, principles and theory of data mining.
Trading Practicum 2
(15 credits)
This course focuses on key drivers of contemporary financial markets and recent technologies used for trading platforms. It is delivered on an operational trading floor and also covers research into the psychology of trading and behavioural finance. Research Project
(15 credits)
The research project will provide you with the opportunity to carry out an individual piece of
supervised work, which will reflect your knowledge of trading platforms, trading strategies, risk management, quantitative finance and computational trading.
Attendance
9 weeks in total, each week is 35 hours long within the following months: January, February, March, April, September and an additional week in the months of May and June.
Entry requirements
A good honours degree in economics, finance or a related subject with a strong quantitative component, from a recognised university or higher education institute (equivalent to a UK 2.2 or above). Applicants who do not meet the formal academic threshold, but who can show evidence of skills and knowledge gained through working in a related field, for a minimum of two years, may be considered. If you were educated in a language other than English and/or in a country where English speakers are in a minority, you should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill) or an equivalent rating in another Secure English Language Test. If you have an overall IELTS score of 5.0 or 5.5, you can undertake one of our five- or nine-week pre-sessional English courses designed to help you improve your academic English before starting your degree studies.
How to apply
Applications to postgraduate programmes should be made online at gre.ac.uk/apply. There is no closing date for applications to postgraduate programmes, but many fill up quickly, so you are advised to apply early. You do not have to wait for first degree or other examination results.
Employability
The market potential for traders is currently expanding at a very fast pace in the City and globally. This vocational programme is designed to prepare you for a wide variety of roles within asset management, trading, sales trading, research and financial analysis. You will graduate with the ability to develop your own trading strategies and make decisions across all trading platforms. These sought after skills will enable you to work as an independent trader or as a trader in investment banks, private equity, leverage buyout, venture capital firms, mezzanine debt, secondary funds, hedge funds or dealing in competitive spreads.
What next?
Open Days
University Open Days are held several times a year. They provide a programme of talks and offer you the opportunity to speak to staff and students. You may also be given a tour of the campus. A list of dates can be found at gre.ac.uk/opendays, or contact the Enquiry Unit or International Office for further information.
Taster Days
We offer prospective students the opportunity of visiting the offices of one of our platform providers – Amplify Trading. Meet one of our academics at the university Open Day to discover more about our other events.
In-country visits for international
students
The International Office regularly visits potential overseas students in their own country to provide on-the-spot advice and offers of a place. For more information on the application process, fees, visas and immigration, and country-specific guidance, please visit gre.ac.uk/international-students.
Greenwich VIP
If you haven’t already done so, you can sign up at gre.ac.uk/study as a Greenwich VIP. This enables you to set up your own Greenwich web page personalised to your own programme and interests. Becoming a Greenwich VIP is also a fast route to ordering a prospectus, booking an Open Day or finding out more about the university.
Making your application
Applications to postgraduate programmes should be made online at gre.ac.uk/apply.
For further information
You can contact our teaching experts for any course specific further information via e-mail trading@ gre.ac.uk.
UK students
Enquiry Unit
Telephone: 020 8331 9000 E-mail: [email protected]
How to find us
Greenwich Campus Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS
By road: from the M25, take the A2 turn-off to London and join the A2. Continue straight ahead on to the A102. Take the turn-off signposted Greenwich (A206). At the roundabout take the first exit to Greenwich. Continue along the A206 for approximately 1 mile. Turn right at the traffic lights into Park Row. The campus is on your left. A public car park is on your right and there is also on-street parking. If driving from the Blackwall Tunnel, exit on to the slip road for the A206 Greenwich. For more information, log on to gre.ac.uk/ about/travel.
By train: take a train from London Bridge, Cannon Street or Charing Cross to
Greenwich station, or to Maze Hill on the same line if travelling from Kent.
By Tube: the nearest underground station is North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line. Then take a 188 bus to the campus. By Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Cutty Sark station is close to the campus and is on the line to Lewisham. If travelling from London on the Tube, change for the DLR at Bank or Tower Gateway. By bus: log on to www.tfl.gov.uk/buses for the latest information. For a Greenwich Campus plan, visit gre.ac.uk/about/ travel/greenwich.
The Business School
Old Royal Naval College Park Row London SE10 9LS
United Kingdom Email: [email protected] Website: gre.ac.uk/trading
Join the conversation #HelloGreenwich
