Course summary

Join the University of Southampton, ranked in the World Top 40 and 6th in the UK for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021). This programme offers you a firm grounding in operational research and finance in preparation for careers in the financial sectors. You’ll develop an understanding of how operational research, statistical and optimisation techniques are applied to practical problems and gain many key workplace skills. The summer project is a highlight and most involve working with an external organisation, with typical project sponsors including companies, charities and public services. What is Operational Research and Finance? Operational Research is the application of scientific methods to the study of complex organisational problems. On this master’s degree, there’s an emphasis on complementary financial studies. Even within the same organisation, Operational Research and Finance tends to be highly varied because of its project-driven nature. This breadth of experience offers an exciting and rewarding career in many financial organisations, enabling many Operational Research workers to progress to a career in general management. Moreover, the nature of the work brings an Operational Research and Finance graduate into early contact with senior management, and career advancement is typically rapid.