prospective students
Student testimonials
MSc students
Waed Zinnedin, MSc Computational Finance 2010/11
"My
dream was to become a trader, but nowadays, to be a good trader, it is not
enough only to understand the finance and economics part. Traders are also
expected to know more about computing and how to use computational techniques in
financial markets to improve their trading and to increase their profit. This is
exactly what I found in the MSc in Computational Finance at CCFEA. It was an
amazing study year for me, and I gained a lot of knowledge and opportunities. I
got an internship through CCFEA to work with professional traders in a trading
company. Now I am starting working with this company as a real stock trader
which has been my dream for a long time. Many thanks to my professors because
you were like family to me; thanks to CCFEA and University of Essex because you
helped me to achieve my dream."
Daniel Schiermer, MSc Financial Software Engineering
2010/11
"After finishing my bachelors degree in Software Development,
I was looking for a masters that could take me to the next level in the software
industry. The MSc in Financial Software Engineering seemed like a good
opportunity, as I always had an interest in financial markets. The fact that I
did not have any prior knowledge about finance was not a problem. The training
started from scratch and ended up at a high technical level that not only
covered basics about financial instruments and markets, but also the
mathematical side of things. Modules in simulation and computational modelling
in finance provided me with great insights on how to utilise advanced
computational models to simulate and predict markets, how to analyse the
results, and use these results in practise. Most of my professors were very
friendly, and I owe them all great thanks for their guidance throughout the
year. Doing my MSc at the University of Essex was definitely one of the best
decisions I have ever made. I believe that the skills I acquired have made me
highly employable, which was proven by the fact that I was hired by an
investment bank even before finishing my MSc."
Alexander Hughes, MSc Agent-Based Computational
Economics and E-Markets 2009/10
"I spent many years looking for a post graduate course that
would allow me to pursue my interest in complex adaptive systems and
evolutionary computing in a financial and economic context. The CCFEA MSc in
Agent based computational economics was the perfect way for me to leverage my
existing knowledge of finance and computing to better my understanding of the
dynamics of financial markets giving me access to the latest research in agent
based behavioural economics. I was able to choose modules on topics such as
heuristic optimization, evolutionary computing, quantitative finance and MATLAB.
The module on agent based financial market modelling was undoubtedly the most
academically stimulating undertaking of my life. CCFEA opened a new gateway for
me to understand and explore the world of finance and I would recommend it to
anyone looking for a more diverse and multidisciplinary approach."
Thomas Chopping, MSc Computational Finance 2009/10
"My bachelors in economics, which I also studied at Essex,
gave me a good overview of the financial markets and their place in the economy
as a whole.
When deciding what to do next, I found many of the job adverts
which appealed to me required a combination of financial knowledge,
econometrics, maths, and programming skills. CCFEA's MSc Computational Finance
is one of the few courses in the country which allows one to study all these
areas in depth. It allows students to develop technical abilities which they can
immediately apply at work, such as MATLAB programming, Value-at-Risk methods,
and heuristic optimisation.
I particularly enjoyed studying such a broad range of subjects
and the knowledge gained from this allows me to tackle problems in finance from
a number of different angles. A regular series of seminars by external speakers
means students can also become familiar with current industry practice, an
advantage in job interviews. The course is very empirical and this has made me
familiar with handling data from a number of markets.
Students are also well prepared to work with this data as most
of the modules include some programming. The lecturers make an effort to keep
the material very current and in all of my modules we were studying work right
at the research frontier. These strengths are particularly valued by potential
employers, making the course highly marketable.
As a specialised department, CCFEA has a low student to staff
ratio, which means members of staff get to know the students well. This was
particularly helpful when we came to do our Master's dissertations. The students
come from a wide range of academic backgrounds which allowed us to appreciate
the strengths and limits of different ways of thinking. I have enjoyed my time
at CCFEA very much, have learnt a great deal, and can thoroughly recommend the
MSc Computational Finance programme."
Wasim Lakdawala, MSc Financial Software Engineering
2009/10
"With my background in engineering, I was looking to get
into the financial arena but was very apprehensive due to my complete lack of
knowledge of anything finance related, with great hesitancy I enrolled for the
Masters programme at CCFEA, and I was pleasantly surprised, not only did I get
an excellent founding in all things related to finance, from basic concepts like
bonds, equities, derivatives to advanced concepts like agent based simulations,
volatility models, vanilla and exotic derivative pricing theory, credit risk
analysis etc. but was able to advance my software knowledge with topics like
refactoring, design patterns as well as learn about software concepts underlying
financial systems. The professors were excellent and very patient, no question
or query went unanswered, and I was provided with ample opportunity to push my
boundaries without ever feeling lost. Overall, this one year has been an
excellent learning experience inside the classroom as well as outside, and I can
safely say that doing my MSc at CCFEA was one of my better decisions."
Chatraporn Satirawatkul, MSc Computational Finance
2009/10
"My background was engineering. I decided to study at CCFEA whose courses
combine Financial, Mathematical and Computational knowledge together.
Studying at CCFEA gave me numerous experiences and opportunities. This
course not only gave me a theoretical knowledge but also practical knowledge.
There are computer lab classes provided in every module in order to practice and
understand these taught subjects better. In addition, the professors were kind
and excellent, especially my supervisor, he is very kind and helped me a lot. "
Payut Iemdeengamlert , MSc Computational Finance 2007/08
"Studying at CCFEA gives me a great opportunity to explore lots of knowledge in
financial area providing by wonderful staffs, and also great computer
facilities. I really enjoyed my course in here. CCFEA gives me not only a
degree, but also with an excellent experience. Finally, I would like to give a
special thank to my supervior, Wing Lon, for taking a very good care of me
during 1-year period at CCFEA."
Nivesh Pawar, MSc Computational Finance 2007/08
"I really enjoyed my time at CCFEA. The courses offered in the department are
excellent and provided me with a good transition from an engineering background
into the finance domain. The key in all the areas is to develop a good
theoretical understanding with practical knowledge. The faculty members are
always available for help and support, it is more like a family than a centre.
The faculty members are excellent and the Centre has very good connections with
the City Associates. Everything in the course is very much relevant to a future
career as this course is very specialized and career oriented. I am very much
clear about my future and I have also discussed the possibilities with the CCFEA
faculty members. The department has also provided me with a CCFEA bursary award
to support my studies financially. My favourite place is the CCFEA Lab where I
spent most of my time. It has good computer facility with all financial software
and also its an excellent place for discussions. Overall, I must say, it was an
excellent intellectual experience at CCFEA".
Pankaj Shah, MSc Financial Software Engineering 2007/08
"I was from a pure from IT background and wanted to breakthrough into the
field of quantitative finance. MSc in Financial Software Engineering provided me
with the opportunity to develop my skills in the field of computational finance
by building on my previous experience in the technology sector. The course
provided me with wonderful experience both in and out of classroom. The CCFEA
course curriculum is designed to give students maximum exposure in real
financial markets by providing opportunity to do sponsored projects from
companies like Idea Group and HSBC. Working for these well known companies in
the field of financial markets helped me to develop links in the world of
financial markets. The CCFEA modules provided me theoretical knowledge of equity
trading strategies such as pairs trading and multiple stock rebalancing both of
which I implemented and tested out on the CCFEA SETS Simulator in the course of
my project work. CCFEA also provided me with the opportunity to do full time
equity trader training at a joint summer school program with a city trading
company The Institute For Marketing Technology. Overall it has been very
fascinating and a great learning experience to be part of CCFEA. "
Jenny Castellanos Pinzon, MSc Computational Finance 2006/07
Jenny is continuing her studies at CCFEA with a PhD in Computational Finance.
Despite having no prior computing experience, Jenny not only achieved high
level of skills for model implementation, she won the best student award for MSc
Computational Finance in 2006/7. Jenny's MSc dissertation on CIR Modelling of UK
Term Structure Using Kalman Filter received high commendation and we welcome
Jenny as a new Phd student at CCFEA. Jenny has been selected to be an HSBC
intern in the area of credit risk.
"Studying at CCFEA has been a very challenging and rewarding experience. The
wide range of topics covered gave me an extensive theoretical and most
importantly practical exposure to the world of finance. As I did not have any
computing background when I started the MSc in Computational Finance, the
training in Matlab, the hands on lab sessions and the projects in Finance were
essential for me to program and implement models with confidence. I always found
support and guidance in the excellent lecturers and friendly staff of the
Centre. For me this year was a great learning experience, a rigorous program
that really made me push my boundaries and that taught me new models, tools and
skills that will certainly be very useful in my future research and career."
Chris Parker, MSc Computational Finance 2006/07
Chris is intending to continue his studies with a PhD at the London Business
School
"CCFEA has been a wonderful experience both in and out of the classroom. The
broad range of topics that was covered allowed me to find the specific area that
interests me and the courses taught me everything necessary to delve into
research. The friendly and personalized nature of the program ensures that
every student has open access to the lecturers".
Dimitris Kolomvas - 2005/06
Is now working for Interamerican, Greece as a financial advisor.
Completing my MSc at CCFEA was a big advantage to qualify for my job. My role
involves assisting clients regarding their financial decisions in order to
achieve their personal goals.
Dimitris Tsouknidis - 2005/06
" The CCFEA 'experience' was memorable. After completing MSc Computational
Finance I was ready to undertake a research degree, since I was fully equipped
with the theory, the methodology and the tools to conduct research on any field
of finance and economics. I decided to leave my country and join CCFEA since
there is no such program offered in Greece. In terms of a cost/benefit analysis
I think the MSc Computational Finance is the number one value for money program
in UK. I think Professor Markose has carefully balanced a wonderful blend of
scientific fields in the curriculum of this masters program. I wish I was back
22 years old and enrolling again".
Dimitris is continuing his studies with an MBA then PhD in credit risk at the
Department of Accounting and Finance at Athens University of Economics and
Business.
Prasenjeet Bhattacharya - 2005/06
Having obtained a distinction in MSc Computational Finance, Prasenjeet joined
Morgan Stanley Securities Integration Group and is currently with ING Investment
Management (India).
I am glad, I took Professor Markoses advice and enrolled myself at CCFEA.
Personally, I learnt a lot of new tools, which are extensively being used in the
financial industry. The blend of courses from different departments and its
laboratory based training gives the student a better understanding about
financial markets from a practical point of view. Courses are no doubt rigorous
with top class teaching and excellent projects. Moreover, students are exposed
to a wide variety of models & tools with their application in the financial
world, and this in particular is extremely important if you want to land up with
a job. From my personal experience, whatever was taught by our faculty helped
me get a job within a few days of finishing my curriculum. If you are willing
to understand and tackle the subtle & real financial world, I believe CCFEA is
the stepping stone. It has been a brilliant experience as an overseas student
to be a part of CCFEA.
Rishav Dev - 2004/05
Rishav has joined Lehman Brothers as a Team Analyst in their global strategy
team.
"When I look back and think, I feel that doing my Masters in Computational
Finance was one of my best decisions. I thank you so much for your guidance and
support throughout the one year programme."
Yuan Yuan Sun - 2004/05
Yuan currently has an internship with Alders Consulting Ltd (CCA) following a
distinction MSc degree.
"It was a very important period in my life - the studying of my Masters at
CCFEA. I not only obtained the academic knowledge more than that the
experiences was important for my future. I thank my Director Dr Markose for her
help and support during my studies."
PhD students
Maggie Jun Qi, PhD Computational Finance, 2011
My original undergraduate subject was Financial Management, which is a pure
finance field. As a postgraduate in CCFEA I had the fantastic opportunity to
take the MSc in Computational Finance. Computational finance is a new
cross-interdisciplinary field, which combines economics, finance, math and
computer science. The courses are challenging, but beneficial. These courses
will teach you how to implement computational tools in the financial world.
After finishing my masters, I decide to continue my study at CCFEA as a PhD
student. My research topic is Risk Management in High Frequency Finance. Now
that I am working in a security company, the models and programming skills are
very helpful in my career. The study experience of PHD in CCFEA is fantastic.
Under the leadership of Professor Edward Tsang, the centre is very well
organized and has gone from strength to strength. The faculty members are
professional and helpful. I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Wing Lon for
guiding me and supporting me during the past four years. It has been a great
academic and personal privilege to work with him. I am also extremely grateful
to my second supervisor Dr. Richard Olsen for giving me valuable advice and
inspirational comments in High Frequency Finance. I also owe my sincere
gratitude to Dietmar Maringer, who advised me how to do research at PHD level.
Furthermore, the administrative staff are very friendly and warm hearted,
especially Lynda Triolo and Julie Pierson. When you need help, they will always
be there. In all, I am so proud of being a student in CCFEA.
Bolanle Abudu, PhD Computational Finance, 2011
"Following the completion of my first degree in Actuarial Science and a
postgraduate MSc in Business Administration, I had an inclination towards
studying a PhD in Finance with elements of Engineering. For me, the decision to
proceed on a PhD programme was a huge one and the prospect of doing it full-time
was a bit daunting. This is primarily because I had a good career and position
in Banking with over ten years post qualification experience in Financial
Services. With hindsight, I am happy with my decision to study at CCFEA
University of Essex, UK. I am pleasantly surprised at the dedication of both the
academic and non-academic staff of the centre. Delivered in an interdisciplinary
environment with strong City connection, CCFEA's PhD programme is fantastic and
it is guided by an overarching goal of providing students with opportunity to
acquire the broad range of tools and experiences needed to become a successful
expert in finance. My supervisor Prof Sheri Markose was very supportive in
getting me 'up to speed' at the initial stages of my study and ever since. Julie
Pierson was particularly helpful too. Studying at CCFEA was a remarkable
experience - the centre comes highly recommended."
Jian Jiang, Phd Computational Finance, 2011
"Having a background from electronic engineering, I was seeking a degree which
provided a bridge between finance and computing. CCFEA, a unique centre with
productive and high-quality researchers, offers financial courses from a
practical perspective. During my study in CCFEA, I really enjoyed the open
research environment. I especially wish to express my sincere thanks to my
supervisor, Dr. Wing Lon Ng, for his professional supervision and support
throughout my PhD study. Last but not least, the centres strong connection with
the City helps students to deepen their understanding of the financial business.
It was a great experience to study in CCFEA."
Evdoxia Pliota, PhD Computational Finance, 2009
"After
obtaining my first degree in Physics at the University of Athens and my MSc in
the Department of Economics at the University of Essex, I decided to continue my
studies at CCFEA because it is an interdisciplinary centre that offers courses
specifically designed for graduates from diverse fields of science who want to
apply their skills in finance. The result is a dynamic environment suitable for
students with different quantitative academic backgrounds. It provides an ideal
setting and a stimulating environment for discussion and exchanging ideas. The
staff was always very helpful and supportive and I enjoyed working with
experienced people in my field of study. CCFEA is an exciting international
environment for research, development and invaluable friendships!"
Rafael Velasco Fuentes, PhD Computational Finance, 2009
Being a newcomer to the world of finance I felt very lucky to have found the
PhD Programme in Computational Finance at CCFEA. While most graduate programmes
in finance focus on teaching the foundations of what is now known as modern
finance, there are very few places were students can come into direct contact
with the newest developments in quantitative and computational finance and in
CCFEA I found such a place. Since coming here I have greatly improved my
understanding of finance and my computational skills, which in turn have allowed
me to analyse and consider some of the most challenging problems in finance
today. But what is life with all work and no play? Although the whole
programme has been very demanding I have still found time to meet new friends
and undertake many new activities, which together with my academic progress have
made my stay here a great experience for life.
Amadeo Alentorn (2003 - 2007)
Amadeo has completed his PhD in Computational Finance and is now the Deputy
Head of Quant Research with Old Mutual Asset Management, following his
internship with them during his studies at CCFEA.
I chose to study my PhD at CCFEA because, being an interdisciplinary centre,
I was able to apply my Computer Science skills to problems in Economics and
Finance. The degrees at CCFEA are very challenging due to their
interdisciplinary nature, but this allows students to conduct cutting-edge
research in new areas. The staff are extremely supportive, and actively engaged
in the research of the students. Also, the connections of the Centre with the
City provide a great opportunity for students to collaborate in projects with
the industry. I personally obtained valuable internships during my PhD at the
Bank of England and Old Mutual. The group of research students at CCFEA is very
diverse and from all over the world, and hence is a great place to discuss,
exchange ideas, and get support.
Vikentia Provizionatou (2002 - 2007)
Vikentia graduated from CCFEA with a PhD in Summer 2007. She is currently
working as a Quantitative Research Analyst for Franklin Templeton Investments in
New York.
"I would just like to thank you (CCFEA) for giving me the opportunity to
complete a PhD that equipped me with the skills to enter the US job market
during this unprecedented crisis!! The job market was tough to beat, but my
CCFEA PhD did the trick!!" (July 2008)
Pre-sessional students - 2006
Darragh Donnelly
"The 2006 pre-sessional course was extremely valuable in re-acquainting
myself with some previously rusty mathematical skills, giving very advantageous
familiarity with some of the software used extensively in CCFEA modules as well
a great chance to meet and get to know fellow course mates in a relaxed
atmosphere."
Anil Khuman - current PhD student
"I found the pre-sessional course at CCFEA to be an excellent path to gaining
a practical insight into the area of computational finance. Not having a
background in finance, it was very advantageous to have the opportunity to
familiarise myself with key concepts in both finance and mathematics that
underpin much of the course."
Kuan-Chun Chen
"The pre-sessional course was very informative and gave me a very good
foundation to start my studies. The teaching standards exceeded my expectations
as I feel more confident in understanding subjects, such as financial modeling,
programming and research techniques. It has also opened a new chapter of my
career and new friendships that I hope will last forever. Also, I was made very
welcome right from the start by all staff and class colleagues and I no longer
feel too far from home."
Pre-sessional students - 2005
Dimitris Kolomvas - 2005/06
Dimitris is continuing his studies with an MBA at the Athens University of
Economics and Business (AUEB)
"The pre-sessional course helped me a lot, not only for my masters degree,
but to adjust to life in Essex as well"
Jose Antonio - 2005/06
"2005 pre-sessional course at CCFEA was an extremely useful learning
experience. Personally, I found an initial suitable link between financial
quantitative methods and computational practices which triggered off my interest
in elaborate topics during my subsequent studies."
Muhammad Ahmad - 2005/06
"The pre-sessional course was a well designed course tailored to suit the
needs of new CCFEA students. I really enjoyed the three week pre-sessional
course last year."