The finance industry has a growing demand for students who can understand finance and statistical modelling specifically in the context of the large and growing data available to financial firms – Big Data. Our course prepares you to work in future finance and financial services with the necessary combination of quantitative, statistical and technical skills appropriate for a world powered by Big Data. As well as core finance modules such as Portfolio Analysis and Empirical Methods, you will also take a number of cutting edge modules including Data Analytics and Trading Global Markets in our specialised trading and computer lab. The finance modules on the course are taught by the Finance Group at Essex Business School – one of the largest such groupings in the UK with expertise in all areas of the discipline. Lecturers present their research work at institutions like the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve and have worked previously outside the University sector in industry. Students and staff benefit from many talks given through the year by both well-known academics and financial experts from industry with links to the Group. The course and surrounding environment is designed to enhance your employability, preparing you for positions in the financial, banking and business world. To complement this, module assessments comprise of exams and coursework, including practical assignments based on financial data and trading. From 2015, in the new School building, you will benefit from many state-of-the art facilities, including the purpose built trading room allowing you to try out your trading strategies and get a feel for a real dealing room.

Within our Essex Business School, we offer supervision for PhD, MPhil and Masters by dissertation. Both theoretical and applied research can be found within our School, with much of it addressing the important issues currently being faced by commercial businesses, public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations. We are recognised for being at the forefront of research in: business ethics and corporate social responsibility; organisation studies; leadership and strategy; finance and banking; risk management; and international management.