Course summary

Course details Developments in fields such finance, physics and engineering are increasingly driven by experts in computational techniques. The financial services sector has always been at the forefront of data analytics, and those with the skills to write code for the most powerful computers in the world and to process the biggest data sets can give a company a competitive edge. Our suite of Masters in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (MISCADA) offers an application-focused course to deliver these skills with three interwoven strands: *Computer Science underpinnings of scientific computing *Mathematical aspects of data analysis and the simulation and analysis of mathematical models *Implementation and application of fundamental techniques in an area of specialisation (as well as Financial Technology we offer options in Astrophysics, Computer Vision and Robotics, or Earth and Environmental Sciences) (For further details please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.) The MISCADA specialist qualification in Financial Technology introduces you to the mathematical principles behind modern financial markets, and elements of programming and communication in the context of the financial industry. Financial technology draws on tools from probability theory, statistics and mathematical modelling, and is widely used in investment banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, corporate treasuries and regulatory agencies to solve such problems as derivative pricing, portfolio selection and risk management. Why Durham University? The Department of Computer Science’s academic fusion of technology and independent thinking places it firmly at the cutting edge of computer learning. We bring innovative applications together with critical thought processes to give you the skills to play a key role in the data-led future. Learning from academics who lead cutting-edge research provides valuable insight into high quality projects, and gives our postgraduate community the opportunity to play a role in shaping a future in which crucial developments in society are supported by technological innovation. Researchers in the Department offer a range of expertise across the computer science spectrum in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, bioinformatics, high-performance computing, graphics and fundamental algorithms. We ensure our research-led activity does not function in isolation and keep close links with local high-technology industries as well as national and international employers. Those relationships ensure we are at the leading edge of developments across the sector and can revise and adapt the Department’s curriculum to reflect the changes. Facilities The Department is located in a £40 million purpose-built building in the heart of Durham at Upper Mountjoy and features open-plan work areas, breakout spaces for collaboration projects, laboratories and computer rooms. We are fortunate to have supercomputers for High-Performance Computing and for data analysis and machine learning as well as access to several visualisation and data postprocessing laboratories. Career Opportunities Qualifications in computer science are highly sought after by employers across the globe and an award from our Department provides the academic skills, industry insight and research-informed approach that sets postgraduates up for careers in a broad range of sectors. Many postgraduates have gone on to work as software engineers, analysts, consultants, programmers and developers. Some have founded their own start-ups or work in leading software companies, high-technology consultancies, banking and finance, retail, engineering, the communications and IT industry. The Department has strong research links, spanning both industry and government, including the automotive sector, the defence and security sector, and government in the Civil Service.