Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-10-06 | - |
2024-01-15 | - |
Program Overview
We offer research supervision for our PhD Computational Finance in the following fields: agent-based modelling of financial markets; computational risk management; high-frequency finance; and the use of computational-intelligence methods for investment decision making. We provide a vibrant research environment so our PhD students publish papers in prestigious international conferences and often attract the attention of industry and government; one of our PhD students was recently invited to present their research on term structure models to the Bank of England and many others get the opportunity to directly apply their research through internships at investment banks and hedge funds. Our graduates have gone on to become quantitative analysts, portfolio managers and software engineers at various institutions, including major investment banks like HSBC and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities. You can start this degree in October, January or April, either full-time or part-time. We also offer an MPhil and MSD in this area. Why we're great.
- We have an international reputation for leading-edge, interdisciplinary work combining economic and financial modelling with computational implementation.
- Our research is geared towards practical applications, and many of our academic staff have experience of applying their findings in industry and in advising the UK government.
- We are supported by Essex’s highly rated Department of Economics, School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, and Essex Business School.
Our expert staff
Within our Centre for Computational Finance and Economic Agents (CCFEA), our PhD students are normally jointly supervised by academic staff in two of our constituent departments, in order to give you an interdisciplinary perspective to your topic of research.Specialist facilities
CCFEA is based within our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. Our School provides twelve laboratories exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three of our software labs are open for 24 hours a day including weekends and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress. Our labs are managed by an experienced and dedicated team of technical support staff who can assist you - for example, advising on how to overcome programming problems. Students also have access to our Bloomberg virtual trading floor in the Essex Business School.Your future
Graduates of our Centre have gone on to become quantitative analysts, portfolio managers and software engineers at various institutions, including major investment banks like HSBC and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities. We have an extensive network of industrial contacts through our City Associates Board and our alumni, while our expert seminar series gives you the opportunity to work with leading figures from industry. A number of our students have held internships with prestigious City institutions, such as HSBC, Old Mutual and the Bank of England.Program Outline
Course structure
A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers. We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose. Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.Status | What this means |
Core | You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Core with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
Compulsory | You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Compulsory with Options | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Optional | You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits. In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available. Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
---|---|---|---|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. | The module number. | The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
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Assessment
The aim of undertaking your PhD within CCFEA is to become trained as am independent researcher who can critically assess other research work, and have a comprehensive knowledge of their subject area. Our PhD programme is usually three to four years duration and all our students are initially registered as Mphil/PhD students, then transferred to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress. In your second and third years, you work towards your PhD.Dissertation
Within CCFEA, your PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a length of around 80,000 words. Your PhD is awarded after your successful defence of your thesis in an oral examination, in which you are interviewed about your research by two examiners, at least one of whom is from outside Essex.University of Essex
Overview:
The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.Student Support:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Careers and Employability:
The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.Essex Sport:
A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.Faith:
The university provides support for students of all faiths.Cost of Living Support:
The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Excellent Research:
The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Excellent Student Support:
The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.Beautiful Campus:
The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.Academic Programs:
The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.Postgraduate Programs:
The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.Short Courses and CPD:
The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.Other:
The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.
The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.
UK entry requirements
You will need a good Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject.A well-developed research proposal is also essential.
You must be experienced in at least one high-level programming language (such as Matlab, Java or Python).
You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept.
Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.