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• It looks like more of a programme for back office and IT roles. The content is poor and only relates to support functions. If you want to be a trader then use your time elsewhere.

  Trader 1 05 Sep 2008

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• This course is more focused on IT than Finance. If extensive programming and information systems type of work is not your thing, you won't enjoy it. Sure it's a good entry point and the placement won't hurt you. But evaluate what it is you're looking for. There is no formula for landing a trading job. Pick a course based on your interests. Email around and ask for opinions regarding this course and others and where graduates end up working.

  A 05 Sep 2008

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• I did msc economics at ucl and I'd say for trading, financial computing is prob better. I dont think ucl is the greatest name, but it shld still get ur foot in the door and a few interviews if u write a 1/2 decent app. and from there it'll jst be down to u to make the right impression and convince them u r a top candidate!

  jimbo 05 Sep 2008

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• If you line up a sponsor from one of the top IB banks they will sort you out with a placement in the summer. Focus your project on something trading related and it should be a good foot in the door. Also, fees are much less than other MSCs (4k vs.12k).

  MR C 05 Sep 2008

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• This is a silly question and I am right

  Mr Big nose 06 Sep 2008

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• i did not know it had such little finance focus. anyhow, from what i have seen, programmers are not viewed too unfavourably by IB trading management and can move onto the desk (albeit with the help of strong alumni connections). overall i still think in terms of IB grad trading there are worse things u cld be doing. i dunno about hedge funds/ smaller banks

  jimbo 06 Sep 2008

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• If you want to trade then do a degree that is directly related - like MSc Finance or Math Finance. The degree you mention isn't really going to help you - its suitable for IT roles but not really trading...

  mr magoo 06 Sep 2008

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• Why would you want to do a Financial *Computing* degree if you want to be a trader? That's like taking a degree in hydraulic engineering to get a job as a plumber - sure, they're related, but the degree is not meant to lead to the job. The UCL MSc in Financial Computing does what it says on the tin - it trains students for careers in investment banking IT.

  Someone who knows 09 Sep 2008

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• The MSc in Financial Computing at UCL is suitable for IT careers in any financial services organisation, and especially investment banks. It is not by itself suitable for a career in trading, nor for a career as a quant. It could be a stepping stone for a career-changer who wants to move towards being a quant developer, but you'd need to add a financial maths qualification.

  Someone who knows 20 Dec 2008

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• I am also interested in the Msc in Financial Computing and I was wondering if you had done it by now?and how was it?

  kahn 08 Jul 2009

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