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Quantitative Finance

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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The MSc in Quantitative Finance provides a rigorous grounding across a wide range of mathematical modelling methods and techniques for financial markets. From the pricing and hedging of financial securities to managing the risk in portfolios of equity, fixed income and derivative securities. A challenging programme, it equips students with the necessary theoretical, mathematical and computational skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in finance.

This Master's programme is delivered at our dedicated Graduate Business School campus, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, located in Blackrock, 4km from the main UCD Belfield Campus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME

About This Course

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN41660 Financial Econometrics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42000 Financial Theory Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42020 Derivative Securities Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42030 Financial Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42040 Capital Markets & Instruments Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42050 Quant. Methods for Finance Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN40040 Numerical Methods Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN40090 Advanced Statistical Computing Methods for Finance Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN40420 Fixed Income Securities Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN41360 Portfolio & Risk Mgt Spring  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN40060 Advanced Derivative Securities Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN41930 Ethics in Financial Services Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN40490 Advanced Treasury Management/Financial Engineering Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN41480 Mergers & Acquisitions Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN41950 Financial Technology Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN42060 Summer Internship Summer  15
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN42070 Research Dissertation Summer  25
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN42210 Structured Finance Summer  7.5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Choose 2 x 7.5 ECTs options modules. If you would like to pursue Summer Internship (FIN42060) or Research Project (FIN42070), your Programme Manager will register you upon approval. Students will be able to register to Summer Trimester modules in March.
 FIN42340 Business Communications Summer  7.5

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG5 SDG8 SDG9 SDG 12

MSc Quantitative Finance (B158) Full Time
EU          Year 1 - € 19990 ba
nonEU    Year 1 - € 28140 ba
EU/NONEU    Year 2 - € 2570 ba

MSc Quantitative Finance (B282) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 10230 ba
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14070 ba
EU          Year 2 - € 10230 ba
nonEU    Year 2 - € 13720 ba

ba"Continuation fees apply Where a student fails to complete their programme in the prescribed time a continuation fee will apply to modules carried in subsequent years."
***Fees are subject to change

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


Ambitious students with an educational background in mathematics or economics and a proven quantitative talent will be ideally suited to this course, as well as statistics, physics, computer science or engineering students capable of going through mathematically rigorous finance training.  If you are in full-time employment, employer support is essential to undertake the part-time option as it requires class attendance during the working day.



Entry Requirements:



An honours bachelors degree in:



 



a. Business/Commerce to include a number of quantitative subjects such as Economics or Finance



     or



 



 b.   a Finance-related-area, Mathematical Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science,    Engineering or Physics



 



with a minimum 2.1 award at NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent) in a. or b. above. 



 



Applicants should have demonstrated strong academic ability (a 1.1 or 2.1) in a number of quantitative modules in their degree, such as mathematics, statistics, or econometrics.



 



Candidates may be asked to sit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) subject to individual application.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Quantitative Finance:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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B158
Quantitative Finance
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
B282
Quantitative Finance
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
Not available to International applicantsApply
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