Thoughts on the CSML (Computational Stats & Machine Learning) master at UCL.

[weyteckeyboard]

Is this considered a reputable masters program to get into competitive hedge funds/ market making firms?

It's not the usual Imperial/OxBridgre Stats or Maths and Finance, but is it worth anything to these firms?

Computational Statistics and Machine Learning MSc

Deepen your expertise in machine learning and statistics through one of the most established Master’s programmes in this field. The Computational Statistics and Machine Learning MSc brings together vital knowledge in both subjects, enabling you to thrive as an expert in a data rich world. With...

www.ucl.ac.uk

 

[fufutoogud]

In my opinion especially after scouring the internet for ages. The course wont be enough as there's no module that deals with asset pricing or mathematical finance in here which most hedge funds or market making firms would definitely required. It seems quite machine learning heavy. This is my opinion, take it with a pinch of salt but it would seem that some sort of stochastic calculus and maths heavy masters from a reputable uni is highly required.

 

[joe_boy]

In my opinion especially after scouring the internet for ages. The course wont be enough as there's no module that deals with asset pricing or mathematical finance in here which most hedge funds or market making firms would definitely required. It seems quite machine learning heavy. This is my opinion, take it with a pinch of salt but it would seem that some sort of stochastic calculus and maths heavy masters from a reputable uni is highly required.

Just wanna put some general stuff out, might not help that much though. But from what I've gathered reading through multiple threads on this space, these are my observations:

Banks - A deep understanding of Stochastic Calculus is more or less a must
Buy Sides - ML more useful. Infact, some say MS CS, MS Applied Maths, MS Stats have better chances of getting into these firms than MFEs who simply took a bunch of Stochastic and probability courses.

Best combination for prospective/enrolled MFE students (also from my observation) is to take a semester of Stochastic Calculus and learn it well. Then take a bunch CS (ML) courses from CS departments (if possible) and then brush up on Python and C++ skills.

So basically, Stochastic Calculus (one semester) + Lots of ML + A semester of Programming (Python, C++) + Lots of Time Series (Stats).

So, in that sense, I think that course is okay except if you want to work in a pricing role at some point. If not, CS, ML, Stats etc are okay.