MSc Financial Analytics

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Queens University Belfast offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, diversity, and financial need. 

1. Queens Loyalty Scholarship: The Queen's Loyalty Scholarship is available for Queen's University Belfast graduates who pursue a postgraduate program at the university. It offers a 20% tuition fee reduction for eligible students.
2. Queens University Belfast International Scholarships: The university provides a range of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application requirements. Examples include the International Office Undergraduate Scholarship, International Office Postgraduate Taught Scholarship, and International Office Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
3. Vice-Chancellors International Attainment Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship is aimed at international students with exceptional academic performance. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
4. Queens University Belfast Scholarships for Excellence: The Scholarships for Excellence program at Queen's University Belfast is designed to support high-achieving undergraduate students. These scholarships recognize exceptional academic performance and provide financial assistance to help students reach their full potential.
5. Country-Specific Scholarships: Queens University Belfast offers scholarships that are specific to certain countries or regions. These scholarships are designed to attract talented students from these areas and promote diversity within the university community.
6. Research Council Funding:For postgraduate research students, there are opportunities to secure funding through research council scholarships. These scholarships are competitive and cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
7. Sports Scholarships: Queens University Belfast also offers sports scholarships for students who excel in sports. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits to help athletes balance their sporting commitments with their studies.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year. 

The MSc Financial Analytics program at Queen's University Belfast prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding career opportunities in the financial industry.  

1. Financial Analyst: Graduates can pursue roles as financial analysts, where they analyze financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide recommendations to support strategic decision-making. They may work in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, or corporate finance departments.

2. Risk Analyst: There is a growing demand for professionals who can assess and manage financial risks. Graduates with expertise in financial analytics can work as risk analysts, identifying potential risks, developing risk models, and implementing risk management strategies in financial institutions or consulting firms.

3. Investment Analyst: The ability to analyze financial data and forecast market trends is crucial for investment professionals. Graduates can pursue careers as investment analysts, evaluating investment portfolios, conducting market research, and providing insights to guide investment strategies in asset management firms or hedge funds.

4. Data Analyst: With their strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools, graduates can work as data analysts in various industries, including finance. They can extract and interpret financial data, perform statistical analysis, and present findings to support business decision-making processes.

5. Quantitative Analyst: Quantitative analysts, also known as "quants," use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial markets, develop trading strategies, and create pricing models for complex financial instruments. Graduates with a solid understanding of financial analytics are well-suited for these roles in investment banks, hedge funds, or financial technology companies.

6. Financial Consultant: Consulting firms often seek professionals with expertise in financial analytics to provide advisory services to clients. Graduates can work as financial consultants, assisting organizations with financial planning, risk assessment, and performance optimization using data-driven approaches.

7. Business Intelligence Analyst: In today's data-driven business environment, organizations rely on professionals who can analyze and interpret financial data to drive strategic decision-making. Graduates can work as business intelligence analysts, helping companies leverage financial data to gain insights into market trends, customer behavior, and competitive positioning.

8. Risk Manager: As financial markets become increasingly complex, the demand for risk management professionals continues to grow. Graduates with a strong background in financial analytics can work as risk managers, assessing and mitigating financial risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and developing risk management frameworks in financial institutions.

9. Financial Technology (Fintech): The intersection of finance and technology offers exciting career opportunities. Graduates with knowledge of financial analytics can work in the fintech sector, developing innovative solutions such as algorithmic trading systems, robo-advisors, or financial data analytics platforms.

10. Research and Academia: For those inclined towards research and academia, the MSc Financial Analytics program provides a solid foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in Finance or related fields. Graduates can contribute to academic research, teach at universities, or work in research positions in financial institutions.

The career prospects for graduates of the MSc Financial Analytics program are promising, with a strong demand for professionals who can leverage financial data and analytical techniques to make informed decisions in the dynamic financial industry. By acquiring advanced skills in financial analytics, graduates from Queen's University Belfast are well-equipped to succeed in various roles and contribute to the growth and innovation in the field of finance.