Course overview
Gain the quantitative expertise to model markets, manage financial risk and succeed in a highly analytical finance career.
Quantitative finance professionals apply their skills in maths and statistics to model, analyse and navigate financial markets and behaviours. As organisations face increasingly challenging and unpredictable financial conditions, those who can specialise in this area can thrive in enriching careers on the international financial stage.
On this Masters degree, you’ll acquire knowledge of advanced finance concepts, while developing your quantitative, mathematical and research skills.
You’ll engage with a distinctive blend of finance and mathematical expertise, delivered jointly by the Leeds University Business School and the School of Mathematics. This will give you a highly desirable skill set in the financial sector by banks and investment companies.
You’ll study specialist areas such as derivative pricing, portfolio optimisation, quantitative risk management, discrete and continuous time models, and computational finance. You’ll also hone your coding skills, developing practical capabilities in Python and R for data analysis and financial modelling.
You’ll also cover key areas such as AI and fintech, ethics, and career-focused professional skills, helping you build the practical capabilities and professional awareness that employers value.
Whether you’re a graduate in mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, physics, engineering or computing, this programme will prepare you for exciting yet rewarding challenges in finance.
Accounting and Finance at Leeds University Business School
As a student in the Accounting and Finance department, you’ll engage with innovative ideas and the latest real-world challenges through teaching that’s connected to our advanced specialist research centres units, which have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia; the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance, the International Banking Institute and the Credit Management Research Centre.
Why study at Leeds?
- Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for our week-long international study tour, with company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
- Engage with specialist research: Enjoy strong links with leading worldwide institutions, like the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the International Banking Institute (IBI), the Centre for Financial Technology (Fintech), the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC), and the Financial Mathematics group.
- Benefit from our connections: Our strong relationships with finance, credit and accounting professionals give you access to the latest policy developments through guest speakers. Previous visits have included senior members from UBS, Citigroup Asia Pacific and the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
- Professional certifications: Enhance your employability with a suite of professional credentials, including Microsoft Office, Bloomberg and Ethics certifications, gaining practical, industry-relevant skills to support your future career in finance.
- Practical teaching in cutting-edge facilities: Deepen your understanding of real-time financial analysis, data interpretation and investment decision-making through studies that develop your practical skills. Our financial markets lab allows access to tools and platforms that include Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon, and Datastream.
- Go on a live learning experience: Take part in a five-day trading simulation bootcamp with AmplifyME, an exciting live and interactive learning experience where you’ll be immersed in real-world simulations of financial services sector roles.
- Your course, your choice: Explore areas such as investments, operational risk management, ESG strategies, private capital, and machine learning, so you can tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.
Accreditations
As part of the CFA® University Affiliation, if you’re eligible, you can apply for CFA® scholarships that cover the cost of your CFA examination registration.
Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from three leading bodies:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Association of MBAs (AMBA)
- European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.
Explore our triple-accredited Business School
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Course details and modules
You’ll develop a strong understanding of how financial theory is applied in business and global financial markets, combining advanced quantitative methods with practical financial insight. The course builds your knowledge of corporate finance alongside key areas such as quantitative risk management, portfolio theory, derivative pricing, and discrete- and continuous-time stochastic models used in modern finance.
You’ll also gain valuable computational and analytical skills through training in Python and R, learning how to model financial data, implement numerical methods, and solve real-world problems in finance. Throughout the course, you will also choose optional modules that reflect your interests and career ambitions, including investments, private capital, ESG strategies, and machine learning applications.
The programme also develops your professional and research skills, including ethical awareness, communication, and the use of emerging technologies such as AI and fintech in financial markets. You’ll complete either an independent dissertation or applied project, allowing you to explore a specialist topic in depth and apply the research methods used by leading academics and industry professionals.
Course Structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
Corporate Finance (Business School) (15 credits)
This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the key theoretical principles for effective financial decision-making in a corporate enterprise and to develop a practical understanding of using financial theory in business and financial markets. The module attempts to relate theory to current corporate business practice and requires you to be able to confidently use, interpret and manipulate financial formulas and numerical data. It provides a basis for further study of more specialist modules in finance.
Mathematical Foundations for Finance (School of Mathematics) (15 credits)
Mathematical Foundations for Finance introduces you to the mathematical foundations of discrete time models used in finance. It begins with single-period markets, including the coin toss model and a general one-period framework, before extending to multi-period settings with the binomial model as the main example. Through these models, you'll learn how randomness affects asset prices and how discrete-time frameworks support key ideas such as arbitrage, replication, and risk neutral valuation. The module covers option pricing for European and American options, the fundamental theorem of asset pricing, and methods for computing hedging strategies. It also introduces portfolio optimisation through the Markowitz mean-variance framework and explains the capital asset pricing model (CAPM).
Quantitative Risk Management (School of Mathematics) (15 credits)
Quantitative Risk Management introduces you to the mathematical methods used to quantify and manage financial risk. It explains why effective risk management is essential for individuals and organisations, and how poor risk control can lead to serious financial losses. You'll learn about key types of financial risk, standard risk measures, and tools used in practice, supported by numerical experiments carried out in R. Teaching extends beyond traditional lectures and seminars to include computer practical sessions, combining theory with hands-on problem solving. The module covers Value at Risk, Expected Shortfall, credit risk and credit derivatives, stress testing, and the role of dependence between different risk sources, including the use of copulas. You'll develop analytical and computational skills for assessing and managing risk, learn to interpret model outputs responsibly, and practise communicating risk results clearly in written form.
Stochastic Modelling for Financial Markets (School of Mathematics) (15 credits)
Stochastic Modelling for Financial Markets builds on the mathematical ideas introduced in Mathematical Foundations for Finance and extends the concepts into continuous time models used in modern finance. It focuses on how stochastic processes and stochastic calculus help describe asset price behaviour and support key results in financial theory. You'll learn how continuous time models are used to understand derivative pricing and risk management. The module covers stochastic differential equations, martingales, Ito’s Lemma, and the derivation of the Black–Scholes formula.
Computational Finance (School of Mathematics) (15 credits)
Computational Finance introduces you nto the numerical methods used to price financial derivatives when analytical solutions are not available. It focuses on three core techniques widely used in quantitative finance: binomial models, Monte Carlo simulation, and finite difference methods. The module emphasises the practical implementation of these approaches and shows how numerical tools support the valuation and hedging of both standard and more complex financial products. You'll develop the Python programming skills needed to build and test numerical algorithms for option pricing and related problems. The module covers the mathematical foundations behind key models, numerical solutions to the Black–Scholes equation, simulation of stochastic processes, and techniques for improving accuracy and efficiency.
Professional Skills and Practice in Financial Markets (Business School) (15 credits)
Professional Skills and Practice in Financial Markets bridges academic learning with the skills, judgement and behaviours required in contemporary finance careers. Using financial markets as an applied context, the module enables students to explore how finance professionals interpret information, make decisions and communicate effectively in environments shaped by uncertainty, risk and rapidly changing economic and technological conditions. Through experiential and practice-based activities, you will apply financial and analytical knowledge to realistic professional situations. The module will consider how commercial information, stakeholder interests and global developments influence decision-making, alongside the ethical and cultural considerations that finance professionals may encounter. You will also examine the implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, for professional practice, judgement and accountability. A central emphasis is placed on employability and continuing professional development. You will develop their ability to work collaboratively, communicate financial insights to different audiences and reflect critically on their decisions, performance and areas for improvement. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical experience of applying their knowledge within a financial market setting and a stronger understanding of the professional capabilities required to progress within finance-related careers.
Financial Modelling, Analytics, and Research (BUsiness School) (60 credits)
Financial Modelling, Analytics, and Research is designed to help you become confident in financial modelling, data-driven analysis, and research methods. You’ll start by developing a shared set of technical skills, then progress into one of two research pathways depending on whether you want a more industry-facing applied project or a more academically oriented dissertation. In Semester 1, all students complete a common methodological core. You’ll develop the skills needed to work with real financial data and to produce robust analysis, typically covering areas such as econometrics and empirical finance techniques, analytics and data handling, model building and interpretation, and communicating results clearly. After the core, you’ll choose one of two pathways in Semester 2 and continue your research during the summer period: 1) Applied Research (Project pathway)- Ideal if you’re aiming for roles in industry where you’ll need to solve practical problems using data and modelling. You’ll complete a structured applied project, for example, analysing a dataset, building a model, evaluating performance, and producing actionable insights. 2) Academic Research (Dissertation pathway)- Ideal if you’re interested in deeper academic inquiry or are considering further study. You’ll develop a dissertation-style project with a stronger emphasis on research framing, literature engagement, methodological justification, and academic writing.
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Private Capital (Business School) (15 credits)
- Risk Measurement and Management in Financial Institutions (Business School) (15 credits)
- Financial Reporting and Analysis (Business School) (15 credits)
- Global Investments (Business School) (15 credits)
- ESG Strategy and Reporting (Business School) (15 credits)
- Machine Learning in Practice (Business School) (15 credits)
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn through a range of methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. You’ll spend the rest of your time in independent study, allowing you to consolidate your learning, prepare assessments, and develop your research and analytical skills.
Your studies will be supported by the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, where you can access lecture materials, reading lists, module resources and online learning activities.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise both knowledge and essential skills development. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs. This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
Additional highlights
Skills for your future
This course equips you with a 360° Finance Professional Skillset, meaning you’ll gain vital work-ready skills and graduate prepared to lead and innovate across diverse sectors.
Through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, ethical awareness and global and cultural insight, you’ll develop the intellectual agility to navigate complex challenges. You’ll develop strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, alongside in-demand technical skills, including:
- quantitative skills such as financial modelling, analytics and econometrics
- problem solving and strategic decision-making
- leadership and teamworking
- commercial and ethical awareness
- digital literacy
- presentation and written communication skills
- enterprise acumen
- sustainability awareness
As part of our dedicated professional skills and practice module, you’ll take part in a Professional Experience Week, where you can test your skills in a supported environment. You’ll identify problems, analyse financial and non-financial data, and exercise your professional and ethical judgement to develop real-world recommendations.
Links with industry
As a student of the Accounting and Finance Department, you can benefit from commercial awareness networking events and guest lectures from high profile industry speakers or regulatory bodies. In addition, you'll experience an intensive five-day trading bootcamp with AmplifyME, an interactive, real-world learning experience with immersive simulations of various financial services sector roles.
Applying
Entry requirements
A Bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject such as finance, economics, mathematics, physics, computing or engineering.
You should also have some basic quantitative background, particularly some training in calculus, linear algebra and statistics. Some exposure to stochastic processes is an advantage but not a requirement.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Documents and information you'll need
- a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- contact details for two academic references
- a personal statement
- an up-to-date CV
- your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
School of Mathematics
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £19,500 (Total)
International: £36,600 (Total)
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
Graduates in quantitative finance can enjoy a wide range of enriching career paths, including roles in investment banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms, as well as positions in risk management, derivatives pricing, and financial engineering.
You could also find opportunities in fintech companies, working on algorithmic trading, data science, or financial software development. You may also unlock careers in consulting, insurance, and regulatory bodies, particularly in areas such as financial risk, actuarial analysis, and compliance.
Other graduates pursue roles in central banks or institutions such as the Bank of England, while others move into academia or research. Overall, your degree opens routes into industries that value quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and the ability to apply mathematical models to complex financial problems.
Finally, this Masters is also an excellent qualification if you are looking to pursue a postgraduate research degree.
No matter your career aspirations, we'll work with you to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to accelerate your professional development, set yourself apart in the job market and achieve your goals.
Where this degree could take you
Previous finance graduates have gone on to secure employment with a range of organisations, including:
- Allianz (London)
- AstraZeneca
- Barclays
- CITIC Group
- Deloitte
- Gaz de France
- KPMG
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- UK Government Actuary’s Department
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
Skill development is built into our courses, so you start becoming more employable from the moment you begin your studies, and your degree is designed to help you recognise your skills and understand how you demonstrate them. Reflection on and understanding of your skillset is part of your course, meaning we will support you to be able to demonstrate these things by the time you graduate.
You’ll also have additional opportunities to develop your skillset and your CV. You could become a course representative and participate in our Student Staff Partnership Forum on behalf of your cohort, or apply to be our School Taught Postgraduate Representative and work with School and Faculty staff and the Students’ Union to drive the School and University forward.
Our careers support helps you make the most of our University by supporting your academic and personal development. You’ll also have access to the University’s ‘MyCareer’ portal and have opportunities to discuss your personal and professional development with your Academic Personal Tutor. We run careers events every year in collaboration with our Faculty Employability Team and encourage all our students to attend to develop their awareness of the opportunities that exist beyond graduation, even if they are not yet sure what they want to do after their degree. Alongside this, the Careers Centre provide a range of support and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
As well as the above support, you can tap into a more bespoke programme of career development opportunities from the Faculty of Environment and Social Sciences Employability Team. You can also access relevant opportunities provided through the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Culture employability programme.
The central careers service offers online resources such as our AI CV checker, which provides instant, detailed feedback in relation to specific job descriptions. It also offers on-campus or face-to-face 1:1 guidance appointments and career advice. Workshops on how to navigate the job market, prepare for interviews and seek new career routes are all provided by expert consultants and advisors. As a graduate of this course, you can also access these services for life.
The faculty careers team will also provide drop-in appointments, online meetings and specific employer events and workshops, which you can choose from depending on your career aspirations.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
- Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.
- Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.