Member Avatar for damoose08

Hi all,

There are two different computer science courses that I would like to have your views on.

1) MSc Financial Software Engineering - Essex Uni
Computer studies geared towards financial industry

2) MSc Advanced Computer Science - St Andrews Uni
Common computer studies program seen at other universities as well
http://www.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/?q=node/47

Have a look at the modules and please tell me what are your opinions on the course, career types and in general.

Thank you so much in advance

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by ict_cop

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Two clear paths are visible from the thread: a specialist MSc in Financial Software Engineering and a general MSc in Advanced Computer Science. The core trade-off is depth versus flexibility. A specialist course speeds entry into finance-focused roles and can provide domain knowledge that recruiters value. A general MSc builds broader foundations that make moving between industries, or into research, easier.

Practical differences that affect career outcomes include the balance of project work versus exams, whether an industry placement or industry-led project is offered, and how much maths/statistics vs software engineering is taught. For finance roles a stronger grounding in probability, time series, numerical methods and low-latency systems helps. For wider software roles, emphasis on systems, algorithms, software engineering practices and recent topics (ML, distributed systems) is more useful. A demonstrable project portfolio and clear, recent alumni outcomes often matter more to employers than the exact programme title.

Checklist for decision-making:

  • Check module descriptors and assessment types (project vs exam).
  • Look for industry projects, placements or guest lectures.
  • Inspect recent dissertations or project topics.
  • Search LinkedIn for alumni job titles and employers.
  • Confirm career service support and local job market (e.g. proximity to financial centres).
  • Ensure core CS foundations are covered so skills remain portable.

The forum voices reflect this trade-off: favours the general MSc for breadth; and prefer the finance route for focus and clarity; highlights how combining domain knowledge with computing boosts consultancy value. For a fixed aim at finance technology pick the specialist; if unsure or wanting maximum mobility pick the general MSc and take finance-related projects or electives to steer toward the finance sector later.

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Member Avatar for ithelp

I would opt for 2) .

Member Avatar for damoose08

Thanks. But why 2 ?

Member Avatar for peter_budo

MSc Financial Software Engineering for me. The course has clear description of what you getting in (St Andrews Uni handbook is not so clear, at least for me), all modules link provide good info on the subject of study, I will say huge selection on optional modules (12, compare to 5 I got at my university). Lastly if there is not permanent position in any of London financial institution they always looking for somebody on contract ;)

Member Avatar for ict_cop

I have a bias towards option 1. I'm a chartered accountant who went on to do a Masters in Computing. The combination placed me in an exceptionally good position as a consultant and contractor. I could understand and help guide user requirements in finance better than "pure" computer people, and financial experts could converse with me easily. I would recommend the combination as an excellent career option every time.

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