Financial Data Science MSc
About This Programme
The MSc Financial Data Science at the University of Birmingham Dubai blends finance, mathematics, statistics and data science to give practical experience of using data to inform financial decisions. Taught by the School of Mathematics over 12 months full-time or two years part-time, it focuses on practical skills, industry engagement and experiential learning, for careers from quantitative analysis and data science to financial engineering and risk analysis. The first semester builds foundations in the mathematical modelling of randomness, data visualisation, deep learning and neural networks, and statistical principles and techniques. The second semester moves to mathematical finance, portfolio optimisation, risk management, time series analysis and forecasting, statistical machine learning, survival analysis, data mining and algorithmic trading, with programming in Python and R. Over the summer, students complete a 60-credit independent research project and dissertation, supervised one-to-one by a leading expert.
Course Highlights
- Guest lectures and seminars from leading industry and subject experts on current trends and practice in the financial sector.
- A collaborative learning environment with group projects, seminars and networking events with peers and industry professionals.
- A 60-credit summer research project and dissertation, supervised one-to-one by a leading expert.
- Graduates receive the same University of Birmingham degree as students in the UK.
- Birmingham is ranked 68th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Teaching in the School of Mathematics, built around world-class research and a global student community, combines lectures on the latest developments, tutorials with tailored guidance and feedback, project work that builds independence, and one-to-one supervision. Work is assessed through exams, coursework, presentations and a dissertation. Classes combine evenings and weekends to suit working professionals as well as full-time students, typically on weekday evenings from 18:00 to 21:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 16:00. Teaching staff listed on the course page are Dr Monita Baruah (Programme Director) and Dr Jyoti Thanvi (Assistant Professor and Admissions Tutor).
Course modules
2026/27 session. 180 credits, all core: 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit research project. Semester 1 covers the mathematical modelling of randomness, data visualisation, deep learning and statistical foundations; Semester 2 (spring) covers mathematical finance, portfolio optimisation, risk, time series and forecasting, statistical machine learning, survival analysis, data mining and algorithmic trading; the project runs over the summer.
- Stochastic Processes20 credits
- Foundations of Statistical Inference20 credits
- Data Visualisation10 credits
- Deep Learning10 credits
- Mathematical Finance20 credits
- Statistical Machine Learning20 credits
- Time Series and Prediction10 credits
- Algorithmic and High Frequency Trading10 credits
- Financial Data Science Project60 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
The course builds a versatile skill set for careers in the financial industry and beyond, such as Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial Engineer, Risk Analyst, Investment Analyst, FinTech Specialist or Consultant. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Master of Science in Financial Data Science.
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
2:1 Honours degree in mathematics or statistics, or with advanced mathematical or statistical content
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Business & Finance
Campus
Dubai
Study Pattern
Full time, Part time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 166,356/yr
AED 166,356 a year full-time or AED 83,178 a year part-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation and is charged for each year of study, so part-time students pay it in both years; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year, and it does not include visa or living costs. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made online through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal, with no application fee; postgraduate applicants upload transcripts for study completed so far, their degree certificate if available, and a CV. Decisions are usually made within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form, and full-time students can apply for a student visa sponsored by the University.