MSc — 2025 entry Financial Data Science

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

The dissertation consists of a written report of around 50 pages completed by the student towards the end of their programme of study. The report is based on a major piece of work that involves applying material encountered in the taught component of the programme and extending that knowledge with the student's contribution, under the guidance of a supervisor. The work for the dissertation and the writing up begins approximately May/June, continues through the Summer and the dissertation report is submitted in late Summer, normally in the second week of September. The work may, but need not, involve original research. It may instead consist of a substantial literature survey on a specific topic.

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

The dissertation consists of a written report of around 50 pages completed by the student towards the end of their programme of study. The report is based on a major piece of work that involves applying material encountered in the taught component of the programme and extending that knowledge with the student's contribution, under the guidance of a supervisor. The work for the dissertation and the writing up begins approximately May/June, continues through the Summer and the dissertation report is submitted in late Summer, normally in the second week of September. The work may, but need not, involve original research. It may instead consist of a substantial literature survey on a specific topic.

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

The dissertation consists of a written report of around 50 pages completed by the student towards the end of their programme of study. The report is based on a major piece of work that involves applying material encountered in the taught component of the programme and extending that knowledge with the student's contribution, under the guidance of a supervisor. The work for the dissertation and the writing up begins approximately May/June, continues through the Summer and the dissertation report is submitted in late Summer, normally in the second week of September. The work may, but need not, involve original research. It may instead consist of a substantial literature survey on a specific topic.

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

Asset prices in financial markets go up and down in accordance with how markets digest the flow of information. To understand the causal relation between information flow and price movements, it is necessary to model market information and use this to infer the price dynamics. In this way, market dynamics can be replicated artificially on a computer. This module explains the powerful process of artificially generating realistic market models.   The module begins with elements of probability theory. We will then learn the idea of conditional expectation and the Bayes formula, which gives the optimal inference under uncertainty. The meaning of the Bayes formula will be explained, leading to the understanding of what is meant by “intelligence”.   The module then covers the basics of stochastic process (specifically, the Brownian motion) and calculus (specifically, the Ito calculus), sufficient to follow the contents of the module. Then simple models for flows of information in financial markets will be introduced, and by use of the Bayes formula the associated price dynamics will be derived.   The module concludes with a brief application to the asset valuation problems in financial markets (such as options or other derivatives). 

Mathematics underpinning real-world uncertain events has become indispensable in many applications, including in particular financial markets. This module will begin with the introduction to probability theory and stochastic processes, with an emphasis on the Ito calculus for treating functions of Brownian motion. Such functions are commonly used in financial markets to model asset price dynamics, required for the valuation of financial contracts.   The module then discusses structures of financial markets, with an emphasis on the equity market. Several of the standard and exotic contingent claims will be introduced, and the need for mathematical models for the valuation and risk management of these products will be explained.   The pricing of a standard call option will then be worked out in a single-period binomial model, for which option price will be worked out in two ways: first using the portfolio replication and no arbitrage argument, and second using the risk-neutral expectation argument.   The model is then extended into multi-period binomial tree model, leading to the Cox-Ross-Rubinstein option pricing formula.   Finally, a continuous-time geometric Brownian motion model, originally introduced by Samuelson, will be considered, and used to deduce the famous Black-Scholes option pricing formula. This can be applied for the purpose of both pricing, as well as risk-management purposes, which will be demonstrated by working out the hedging strategy. The meaning of the pricing formula, and how it can be used in practical investment banking context, will be explained.

The module introduces the workings of financial and commodity derivatives markets and securities. Securities such as forwards, futures, swaps, CDOs and options have been traded on organised exchanges and/or ‘over the counter’, for decades. Financial markets are innovative and new derivative instruments are frequently introduced to facilitate risk-hedging or speculative investor operations. However, financial innovation can bring about its own significant risks, as the link between securitisation, CDOs and the credit crisis of 2007/08 showed. The emphasis of this module is on the pricing of derivative securities, their risks, as well as their use in professional settings, such as executive boards and derivative trading firms for hedging or investment purposes. 

This module introduces programming in Python for data science, with a focus on data pre-processing, data mining and analysis, machine learning and deep learning. Besides the practical hands-on experience with writing code, this course also covers the theoretical background on different data analysis techniques and machine learning approaches. The goal is to develop an understanding of how information can be extracted from data and how this information can be further used to make predictions, but importantly how this is done practically in terms of writing clear and transparent source code. Using real-world data sets and illustrative examples, this course will help to develop a theoretical understanding of data science as well as practical experience by developing useful software tools. Many of the techniques acquired through this module are likely to be of potential use in the dissertation project.

Data science is the study of data to extract meaningful and actionable insights at all levels of society such as dynamical systems and social media networks. This module introduces the role of data in society and provides students with the underpinning mathematics that drives data methodology and algorithms. This module then covers wide-ranging topics with a focus on the Surrey brand of data, as research into data is part of the department research agenda. 

The presentations of the module will focus on data-driven methods for the analysis of dynamical systems and time-series data and on related machine learning problems such as dimensionality reduction, manifold learning, regression, and classification.  Python will be used to implement data-driven methods. The methods will then be applied to typical benchmark problems such as chaotic dynamical systems, metastable stochastic systems, and fluid dynamics problems, but also, for instance, to image classification problems to highlight similarities with classical supervised learning applications.

The dissertation consists of a written report of around 50 pages completed by the student towards the end of their programme of study. The report is based on a major piece of work that involves applying material encountered in the taught component of the programme and extending that knowledge with the student's contribution, under the guidance of a supervisor. The work for the dissertation and the writing up begins approximately May/June, continues through the Summer and the dissertation report is submitted in late Summer, normally in the second week of September. The work may, but need not, involve original research. It may instead consist of a substantial literature survey on a specific topic.