Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Computational Finance MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
1 year full-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
The Computational Finance MSc will introduce you to the computational methods that are widely used by practitioners and financial institutions in today’s markets. This course will provide you with a solid foundation not only in traditional quantitative methods and financial instruments, but also scientific computing, numerical methods, high-performance computing, distributed ledgers, big-data analytics and agent-based modelling. These techniques will be used to understand financial markets from a post-crisis perspective which incorporates findings from the study of financial markets at high-frequency timescales, modern approaches to understanding systematic risk and financial contagion, and disruptive technologies such as distributed-ledgers and cryptocurrencies.
Key benefits
- 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2024).
- The Department of Informatics has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.
- You'll interact with world-class experts in many exciting areas of Computer Science, including Algorithms and Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Human-Centred Computing and Software Systems.
- You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
- Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe.
The Computational Finance MSc provides an understanding of modern financial technology (FinTech) including electronic trading and distributed-ledger technology. You will gain practical hands-on techniques for working with and analysing financial data, which draw on modern developments in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data technology. There will be opportunity to understand the practical aspects of quantitative finance and FinTech from industry experts located in the heart of one of the world’s financial centres. We will use a delivery method that will ensure you 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 course is taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House, Strand Campus.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Awarding Institutions
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
A Bachelor's degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects).
Applicants should also have a sound background in basic mathematics, in particular familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in computer programming, close to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. You must answer the following two questions on the application form:
|
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Independent Study
We use lectures, seminars, and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. We often use a flipped classroom that creates opportunities for active learning engagement and interaction with world-class experts. 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 of work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Oral Presentations
- In-Class Tests
- Individual Project Dissertation
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written and computer-based exams, coursework, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Individual Project (60 credits)
Scientific Computing for Finance (15 credits)
Quantitative Methods in Finance (15 credits)
Case Studies in Finance (15 credits)
Agent Based Modelling in Finance (15 credits)
High-Frequency Finance (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:
Financial Markets (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (15 credits)
Cryptography (15 credits)
C++ for Financial Mathematics (15 credits)
Nature-Inspired Learning Algorithms (15 credits)
Statistics in Finance (15 credits)
Software Engineering & Underlying Technology for Financial Systems (15 credits)
Distributed Ledgers & Crypto-currencies (15 credits)
Security Management (15 credits)
You will be able to select up to 15 credits from a range of level 6 modules but should note that there are specific regulations surrounding this option that must be carefully considered before making your module selection. Modules may typically include:
Machine Learning (15 credits)
If you are a student who has previously studied in the Department of Informatics and have taken and passed any modules before (at level 6 or 7), you are not permitted to take these again. This is not permitted by the academic regulations.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The Careers Service run tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.
Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers working for IT companies, and the IT departments of large institutions (private and public sector).
Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research.
Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
- Analyst, JP Morgan
- Data Scientist, Argus Media
- Investment Manager, Three Gorges Capital Holdings
- Product Management, Bianjie
- Lecturer
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
The Computational Finance MSc provides an understanding of modern financial technology (FinTech) including electronic trading and distributed-ledger technology. You will gain practical hands-on techniques for working with and analysing financial data, which draw on modern developments in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data technology. There will be opportunity to understand the practical aspects of quantitative finance and FinTech from industry experts located in the heart of one of the world’s financial centres. We will use a delivery method that will ensure you 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 course is taught at the Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House, Strand Campus.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Awarding Institutions
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
A Bachelor's degree with a high (minimum of 65%) 2:1 honours (or international equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline (such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects).
Applicants should also have a sound background in basic mathematics, in particular familiarity with standard concepts of calculus, trigonometry, linear algebra, vectors and matrix mathematics. In addition, applicants should be competent in computer programming, close to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc honours degree in computer science.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
B
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application has been assessed and being held as part of this process.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. You must answer the following two questions on the application form:
|
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Seminars
Group Tutorials
Independent Study
We use lectures, seminars, and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. We often use a flipped classroom that creates opportunities for active learning engagement and interaction with world-class experts. 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 of work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module, including independent study.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Oral Presentations
- In-Class Tests
- Individual Project Dissertation
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written and computer-based exams, coursework, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Individual Project (60 credits)
Scientific Computing for Finance (15 credits)
Quantitative Methods in Finance (15 credits)
Case Studies in Finance (15 credits)
Agent Based Modelling in Finance (15 credits)
High-Frequency Finance (15 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:
Financial Markets (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (15 credits)
Cryptography (15 credits)
C++ for Financial Mathematics (15 credits)
Nature-Inspired Learning Algorithms (15 credits)
Statistics in Finance (15 credits)
Software Engineering & Underlying Technology for Financial Systems (15 credits)
Distributed Ledgers & Crypto-currencies (15 credits)
Security Management (15 credits)
You will be able to select up to 15 credits from a range of level 6 modules but should note that there are specific regulations surrounding this option that must be carefully considered before making your module selection. Modules may typically include:
Machine Learning (15 credits)
If you are a student who has previously studied in the Department of Informatics and have taken and passed any modules before (at level 6 or 7), you are not permitted to take these again. This is not permitted by the academic regulations.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
The Careers Service run tailored sessions for Informatics students and a careers programme which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.
Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers working for IT companies, and the IT departments of large institutions (private and public sector).
Other graduates have entered into the field of academic and industrial research.
Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
- Analyst, JP Morgan
- Data Scientist, Argus Media
- Investment Manager, Three Gorges Capital Holdings
- Product Management, Bianjie
- Lecturer
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
1 year full-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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