Overview
Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.
Our Computational Finance MSc will equip you with the essential computational methods used in today’s financial institutions. The course provides a solid foundation in traditional quantitative methods and financial instruments, alongside advanced topics in scientific computing, numerical methods, high-performance computing, distributed ledgers, big-data analytics, and agent-based modelling. You’ll graduate with essential skills to pursue roles in trading, research, regulation and risk management.
Designed for students or professionals with a computer science or quantitative background, you will gain practical, hands-on experience in analysing financial data, leveraging modern developments in AI and Big Data technology. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to learn the practical aspects of quantitative finance and FinTech directly from industry experts, with our campus based next to one of the world’s major financial centres.
Key benefits
- 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2025).
- Flexible choice of innovative modules, including the option to take modules from the Mathematical Finance with Data Science MSc in the Department of Mathematics.
- Possibility to gain real work experience as part of your degree, working with companies such as IBM, Terranova Software and Aerogility to design solutions for current industry needs, boosting your employability and expanding your networks.
- Interact with King’s world class academics in computational finance including joining events, seminars and conferences with international expert speakers through the Department’s Finance Hub.
- 6th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2025).
- A thriving culture of student societies covering tech, game development, women in computer science, robotics and more, with regular hackathons, careers panels, talks, and social activities.
Course essentials
Our Computational Finance MSc provides you with an in-depth understanding of modern financial technology (FinTech) and how it works, including electronic trading and distributed-ledger technology. Throughout the programme, you'll apply this knowledge and the latest techniques to better understand financial markets. You'll also learn to incorporate findings from high-frequency trading, analyse systematic risk and financial contagion, and study disruptive technologies like distributed ledgers and cryptocurrencies.
You can tailor your degree to your own interests and career ambitions by choosing from a range of optional modules, including those from the Department of Mathematics’ MSc in Mathematical Finance with Data Science. This includes options in software engineering and underlying technology for financial systems, programming for finance, machine learning, and security management.
Halfway through your degree, you will tackle a major project, producing an artefact – an original piece of software, code or prototype in response to a research or industry problem. This hands-on experience will allow you to develop essential project management, design, and evaluation skills as you research, build, test, and improve your product. To gain valuable work experience, there is the potential to partner with a company on your project. You'll join a team of students with varied backgrounds to develop a software solution for one of our external partners.
The course is taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses, putting 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 on the Strand Campus.
Key Information
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
1 year full-time
Credit value:
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Awarding body
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.
Waterloo Campus
Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.