While practically orientated, this MSc Applied Statistics and Financial Modelling proceeds from a strong theoretical background so as to develop your ability to tackle new and non-standard problems with confidence. The mutual dependence of practice and theory is emphasised wherever possible.

The programme is ideal if you are considering a career move into statistics, or if your work already involves aspects of data collection and exploration, the interpretation of statistics, or the use of advanced stochastic modelling techniques in the area of quantitative finance. It covers both theory and application of stochastic and statistical modelling techniques required to solve applied problems in industry, the public services, scientific research and commerce.

The programme has been specially designed to meet the personal and career development needs of people who want to continue working while also studying in the evening. Many of our students are involved in data analysis, the interpretation of statistics, the optimal design and control of systems, and the modelling and prediction of time-dependent phenomena. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into the classroom, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by committed, enthusiastic students from all backgrounds, careers and cultures.

• Accredited by the Royal Statistical Society - graduates are normally granted Graduate Statistician (GradStat) status.
• Birkbeck brings together research and teaching across economics and finance, mathematics and statistics in a single department, which creates significant interdisciplinary synergies.
• Our teaching is informed by the needs of employers and you will be taught by academics who are professional practitioners involved in the world of economics and international finance. They provide specialist advice and in-house training for government departments, City firms and banks.
• Our Department houses active research groups in mathematics, econometrics and statistics, macroeconomics and microeconomics, which all host visiting speakers and organise seminars.
• The Birkbeck Centre for Applied Macroeconomics and the Commodities and Finance Centre are our two research centres, which disseminate research, host events and house visiting academics.
• You will have access to a wide range of study resources, including University of London seminar programmes in probability and statistics, and excellent library facilities close by in Bloomsbury. Extensive computing facilities include PCs and UNIX platforms.

You take two core modules, followed by two compulsory modules, choose one or two option modules and complete a 60-credit project.

For your compulsory modules you must take Stochastic Processes and Financial Applications and choose between Mathematical and Numerical Methods (30 credits) and Continuous Time Stochastic Processes (15 credits). If you take the 30-credit module you then choose one option module and if you take the 15-credit module you choose two.

The core modules provide a broad education and training in statistics and stochastic modelling while the option modules and project allow you to orient your studies towards your own particular interests and career objectives.

Alternatively you may wish to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Statistics after completing the core modules only.

Graduates can pursue careers in data collection, research, and analysis, modelling and forecasting. Possible professions include statistician, operational researcher, or research scientist (maths). This degree may also be useful in becoming a forensic statistician or higher education lecturer.

Further information about careers in statistics is available from the Royal Statistical Society website.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies.