MSc Financial Systems Engineering comprises 8 taught modules and a Group Project. Of the taught modules, 6 are core modules, with 2 optional modules, or 1 optional and 1 elective module.

• COMP0105 - Financial Institutions and Markets (15 credits)
• COMP0135 - Professional Practice (15 credits)
• COMP0101 - Requirements Engineering and Software Architecture (15 credits)
• COMP0102 - Software Abstractions and Systems Integration (15 credits)
• COMP0104 - Tools and Environments (15 credits)
• COMP0103 - Validation and Verification (15 credits)
• COMP0111 - Group Project in Software Systems Engineering (60 credits)

All modules in this group are compulsory.

• COMP0074 - Compliance, Risk and Regulation (15 credits)
• COMP0075 - Financial Market Modelling and Analysis (15 credits)

Choose a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 30 credits from the optional modules.

All choices are subject to space and timetabling constraints.

• COMP0123 - Complex Networks and Web (15 credits)
• COMP0054 - Computer Security I (15 credits)
• COMP0133 - Distributed Systems and Security (15 credits)
• COMP0023 - Networked Systems (15 credits)
• COMP0056 - People and Security (15 credits)

Choose a minimum of 0 credits and a maximum of 15 credits from the elective modules.

All choices are subject to timetabling constraints and the approval of the relevant Module Tutor and the Programme Director.

Syllabus content for all postgraduate modules can we found in the Department of Computer Science 2018/19 online syllabus pages.

Programme diet (modules available to you)

Your programme has a set curriculum (also called a diet) which prescribes in what combinations modules can be taken, any restrictions on doing so, and how much credit can and must be taken. The programme information pages show which modules form part of each programme, with links to descriptions and module syllabus information. Modules within a programme can be core, optional, or elective, which reflects whether they must be taken or are optionally taken.

Core modules

Core modules are fundamental to your programme’s core curriculum and are mandatory. You will automatically be registered on your programme's core modules, so will not have to select them. You are guaranteed a place on modules that are core for your programme. There will be no timetable clashes between core modules within a programme.

Optional modules

Optional modules are usually closely related to the programme's core curriculum and you will be able to choose which to take; choices are usually made from within specific groups (for example, choose two optional modules from one group and three from another, etc.) You are not guaranteed a place on optional modules as space is strictly limited. We allocate places on a first come, first serve basis, with preference given to Computer Science students over those of other departments. Bear in mind that some modules have prerequisites that must be met in order to be eligible for a place (see the module syllabus for information.)

Elective modules

Elective modules are usually not specifically related to the programme's curriculum. There is no guarantee of being accepted onto an elective module; they are core and/ or optional on other programme diets, so students on those programmes will be given priority. As with optional modules, some electives have prerequisites that must be met.

Deciding which modules to select

The programme information pages show which modules form part of each programme, with links to detailed module syllabus information and reading lists. You may be able to virtually audit lectures for some modules to get a sense of how the module is delivered. You can look up the timetable for each module via the common timetable to get a sense of the timetable that would eventuate from your module choices, which is an important consideration when making your final choices; you should aim to achieve a timetable that is feasible and will not stretch you too thinly.

Bear in mind that places on optional and elective modules are not guaranteed, so you might not always be able to take all your first choices. In that case, it is a good idea to have a second preference in mind.

If you need guidance with choosing which modules to select then please contact your Programme Director or the Departmental Tutor.