Teaching & modules

Modules

Required Modules

For the full-time MSc you are required to take:
  • Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits)
  • Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits)
  • Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits)
  • Individual Research Project (60 credits)
For the part-time MSc you are required to take:
Year 1 – Required Modules
  • Theory of Complex Networks (15 credits)
  • Mathematical Foundations for Complex Systems Modelling (15 credits)

In addition, students typically complete between 15 and 45 credits of optional modules during their first year of study. 

Year 2 – Required Modules 
  • Research Methods & Advanced Topics in Complex Systems (15 credits)
  • Individual Research Project (60 credits)

In addition, students typically complete between 15 and 45 credits of optional modules during their second year of study, such that their total credits amount to 180. 

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take at least two of the following modules: 

  • Stochastic Processes and Applications (15 credits)
  • Mathematical Biology (15 credits)
  • Elements of Statistical Learning (15 credits)
  • Equilibrium Analysis of Complex Systems (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computation (15 credits)

And at most 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include: 

  • Bio & Nanomaterials in the Virtual Lab (15 credits)
  • Modelling Quantum Many-body Systems (15 credits)
  • Probability Theory (15 credits)
  • Risk-Neutral Valuation: Pricing and Hedging Derivatives (15 credits)
  • Financial Markets (15 credits)
  • Stochastic Analysis (15 credits)
  • Statistics in Finance (15 credits)
  • Numerical & Computational Methods in Finance (15 credits)
  • Interest Rates & Credit Risk (15 credits)
  • C++ for Financial Mathematics (15 credits)
  • Econophysics (15 credits)
  • Pattern Recognition, Neural Networks & Deep Learning (15 credits)
  • Computational Statistics (15 credits)
  • Time Series Analysis (15 credits)
  • Machine Learning (15 credits)

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Group Tutorials
Independent study

We use lectures and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.

During your work on the MSc Project, you will have regular meetings with your project supervisor, but you are expected to spend the majority of your time in self-study to complete the project.

At King’s, all students are allocated a Personal Tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university. Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity to periodically take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the King’s College London Strand Campus, with occasional lectures and practical sessions taking place at the Waterloo Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.

Assessment

  • Course Work
  • Written/practical examinations
  • Unseen written examinations
  • Class tests
  • Online quizzes

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include unseen written exams, class tests, online quizzes and coursework submission. Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. Those studying part time should aim to take four modules in each year. The project is taken in the second year.

Application closing date guidance

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time / Part time

Duration:

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026