Program Overview
The University of Liverpool's Financial Computing BSc (Hons) program combines finance, economics, and computing to provide a deep understanding of financial markets and equip students with practical skills in software design, portfolio analysis, and market operations for careers in the financial services industry.
Program Outline
Financial Computing BSc (Hons) - University of Liverpool
Degree Overview:
Financial computing is a dynamic program that focuses on the technology powering modern financial markets and the financial theory that guides them. It combines finance, economics, and computing to develop a comprehensive understanding of financial services. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills to analyze stock portfolios, operate financial markets, and design, implement, and evaluate software systems for financial applications.
Objectives:
- Develop a strong understanding of financial services through a blend of finance, economics, and computing.
- Gain practical skills in algorithms, financial accounting, and software system design and implementation.
- Learn to analyze stock portfolios and operate financial markets using software systems.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying technology and financial theory driving modern financial markets.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years, with a balanced mix of computing, accounting, economics, finance, and management modules. Students have the flexibility to tailor their learning to their interests or maintain a balanced mix of modules throughout their degree.
Year One:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Analytic Techniques for Computer Science (COMP116)
- Designing Systems for the Digital Society (COMP107)
- Object-Oriented Programming (COMP122)
- PRINCIPLES OF MICROECONOMICS (ECON121)
- Optional Modules:
- Introduction To Programming (COMP101)
- Programming Language Paradigms (COMP105)
Year Two:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Computer-Based Trading in Financial Markets (COMP226)
- Database Development (COMP207)
- Group Software Project (COMP208)
- SECURITIES MARKETS (ECON241)
- Software Engineering I (COMP201)
- Optional Modules:
- ACCOUNTING THEORY (ACFI202)
- BUSINESS IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY (MKIB225)
- Computer Aided Software Development (COMP285)
- Scripting Languages (COMP284)
Year Three:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Introduction to Computational Game Theory (COMP323)
- Optional Modules:
- Computational Game Theory and Mechanism Design (COMP326)
- THE DIGITAL BUSINESS (EBUS301)
- Multi-Agent Systems (COMP310)
- Optimisation (COMP331)
- Software Engineering II (COMP319)
Assessment:
Assessment is primarily through a combination of coursework and examinations. Depending on the modules taken, students may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Teaching:
Teaching is delivered through a mix of formal lectures, small group tutorials, and supervised laboratory-based practical sessions. Students also undertake individual and group projects. Key problem-solving skills and employability skills, like presentation and teamwork skills, are developed throughout the program.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the financial services industry, including:
- Computer programmers, web developers, or software engineers
- Data scientists
- Artificial intelligence researchers
- Systems analysts
- Technical consultants
Other:
- The program is taught in conjunction with the Management School, providing students with expertise from both computer science and financial services.
- The program is housed in a grade II listed building with state-of-the-art equipment and high-speed communication links.
- The Management School has a state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite resembling a professional trading floor.
- The program is continually updated to reflect new technologies and trends in the financial services industry.
- Students have access to careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market, and strengthening networking skills.
- The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses.
- Students can choose from a range of study placements at partner universities worldwide, including a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of their choice.
- Students can add an optional year-long industry placement to their course.
- Students can combine this course with language modules or short courses.
- Students can study this course as part of the XJTLU 2+2 program.
Tuition fees UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £9,250 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £1,385 International fees Full-time place, per year £28,000 Year in industry fee £1,850 Year abroad fee £14,000 Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
