Financial Computing with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The Financial Computing with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons) program from the University of Liverpool combines financial services, economics, and computing, providing a strong understanding of the technology and theories behind modern financial markets. It offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, including a mandatory year-long industrial placement, ensuring graduates enter the financial industry with in-demand skills and real-world experience. The program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with industry professionals, enhancing student employability and career prospects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Financial Computing with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons) is a dynamic program offered by the University of Liverpool, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the world of financial services.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop a deep understanding of the underlying technology powering modern financial markets.
• Equip students with practical skills in algorithms, financial accounting, and software system design, implementation, and evaluation for analyzing stock portfolios and operating financial markets.
• Foster a strong understanding of financial services through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Provide students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a year-long industrial placement.

Description:

The program is taught in conjunction with the Management School, ensuring students benefit from the expertise of both computer science and financial services professionals. After covering core elements in the first year, students have the flexibility to tailor their learning to their interests or maintain a balanced mix of modules throughout their degree.

Outline:

Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Analytic Techniques for Computer Science (COMP116): Covers linear algebra, statistical aspects, introductory calculus, and complex numbers, emphasizing practical application in computer science.
• Object-Oriented Programming (COMP122): Introduces object-oriented programming concepts and methodology using Java, covering hierarchical structures, polymorphism, collections, exception handling, and graphical user interface design.
• PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS (ECON121): Provides a foundation in neo-classical microeconomics, equipping students with the knowledge and mathematical tools to analyze fundamental microeconomic problems.
• Optional Modules:
• Introduction To Programming (COMP101): Introduces procedural programming using current language platforms, covering program design, problem solving, software testing, and programming constructs.
• Programming Language Paradigms (COMP105): Focuses on functional programming, teaching students how to program in Haskell and solve problems using functional techniques.

Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Computer-Based Trading in Financial Markets (COMP226): Provides an understanding of financial markets at the trade level, covering computer-based trading applications, market data issues, and algorithmic trading strategy development.
• Group Software Project (COMP208): Provides students with the opportunity to complete a significant software development project as part of a team.
• SECURITIES MARKETS (ECON241): Provides an understanding of securities markets in the global economy, covering their mechanisms, valuation of financial assets, and operational efficiency.
• Software Engineering I (COMP201): Addresses issues related to the analysis, design, implementation, and testing of large-scale computing systems.
• Optional Modules:
• ACCOUNTING THEORY (ACFI202): Examines market for accounting information, regulation of financial reporting, managerial incentives, and critical perspectives on accounting.
• BUSINESS IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY (MKIB225): Explores business strategies and behavior in the global economy, considering firms, states, international organizations, and labor movements.
• Computer Aided Software Development (COMP285): Covers the theory and practice of applying tools to the software development lifecycle.
• Scripting Languages (COMP284): Introduces scripting languages, including JavaScript and PHP, for developing web-based and computer-based applications.

Year in Industry (Year Three):

• Compulsory Modules:
• Industrial Placement Y3 (COMP299): Provides students with practical experience in a professional software industry environment, gaining an understanding of company operations, products, and working practices.

Year Four:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Computational Game Theory (COMP323): Introduces algorithmic game theory, providing tools for analyzing problems related to internet applications, such as auctions and e-commerce systems.
• Optional Modules:
• Computational Game Theory and Mechanism Design (COMP326): Studies games with network structures and auctions, focusing on scheduling, routing, and computational aspects of mechanism and auction design.
• THE DIGITAL BUSINESS (EBUS301): Explores the impact of technology on business, introducing technologies used in business and examining concrete examples of e-business.
• Multi-Agent Systems (COMP310): Introduces multi-agent systems, covering agent construction, cooperation, and problem-solving.
• Optimisation (COMP331): Provides an in-depth tour of optimization methods applied to various optimization models.
• Software Engineering II (COMP319): Introduces advanced topics in contemporary software engineering, covering user-driven and technology-driven perspectives.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module, but typically include a combination of coursework and examinations. Students may encounter project work, presentations, and specific tests or tasks designed to solidify learning outcomes.

Teaching:

Teaching is delivered through a mix of formal lectures, small group tutorials, and supervised laboratory-based practical sessions. Students also undertake individual and group projects. Key problem-solving skills and employability skills, such as presentation and teamwork skills, are developed throughout the program.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are highly sought after by employers in the financial services industry and related fields. Potential career paths include:

• Computer programmers
• Web developers
• Software engineers
• Data scientists
• Artificial intelligence researchers
• Systems analysts
• Technical consultants

Other:

• The program is housed in a grade II listed building that has been extensively refurbished to provide state-of-the-art equipment and high-speed communication links.
• The Management School features a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite, resembling a professional trading floor.
• The Computer Science department is ranked 5th in the UK for research output in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
• The program is continually updated to reflect new technologies and trends in the field.
• The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to eligible students.
• The program is also available without a year in industry.
• Students can choose to study a language as part of or alongside their degree.
• Students can choose from a range of study placements at partner universities worldwide, including a year at XJTLU in China, a year or semester abroad, or a summer abroad.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385

International fees

Full-time place, per year £28,000 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £14,000