Course: SEF PGT Pre-Sessional - September 2026/27

Section outline

Select section General

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General

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- Select activity Welcome to SEF! We are delighted to welcome you as...
  
  Students must
  
  Mark as done
  
  Welcome to SEF!
  
  We are delighted to welcome you as a new postgraduate student to the School of Economics and Finance, Queen Mary University of London.
  
  Please find your Welcome Week Timetable here.
  
  This introductory pre-sessional module aims to provide everything you need to prepare for your postgraduate MSc. programme and start your course with confidence.
Select section Introduction to Excel

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Introduction to Excel
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  Link to the live session
  
  Please ensure that you have access to Teams and Excel during the session.
  
  Microsoft Teams meeting
  
  Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/32030157563083?p=rJc1eahmF98L78dG1I
  
  Meeting ID: 320 301 575 630 83
  
  Passcode: Mv9Pe24W
  
  Select activity Pre-sessional for Excel Recordings
  
  Pre-sessional for Excel Recordings External tool
- Select activity Welcome to the Excel CourseThis pre-sessional cour...
  
  Welcome to the Excel Course
  
  This lecture will take place online, with the link provided below. Please make sure you have the Excel exercise file open beforehand so we can work through it together in real time.
  
  The idea of the course is to introduce you to the basics of working with Excel. We will cover:
  
  Cells, Ranges & Addressing
  
  Worked Example: Computing Growth
  
  Relative References
  
  Absolute References
  
  Mixed References
  
  Naming Cells and Ranges
  
  IF & Nested IF
  
  Conditional Aggregation (SUMIF, COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF)
  
  Rounding & Number Functions (ROUND, ROUNDUP, ROUNDDOWN, ABS, INT)
  
  Sort & Filter
  
  Lookup Functions (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH)
  
  Data Validation
  
  Data Cleaning
  
  Scatter Plots & Trendlines
  
  PivotTables
  
  Descriptive Statistics
  
  Histograms & Correlation
  
  t-Tests
  
  Regression
- Select activity Pre-sessional for Excel Recording
  
  Pre-sessional for Excel Recording Page
- Select activity Course material
  
  Course material Book
Select section Excel Welcome

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Excel Welcome

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Select section QMUL E Learning Modules

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QMUL E Learning Modules
- Select activity QMUL E Learning Modules
  
  E Learning Modules (QMplus Login Required)
  
  Consent Matters: https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=22610 ;
  Plagiarism & Academic Integrity: https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=24479
  International Student Success: https://qmplus.qmul.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=19412 ;
  Linkedin Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQFankig2MKGoA/4a27137d-88ea-4f24-98de-1bfe70148cd9
Select section Maths for Finance Welcome

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Maths for Finance Welcome

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Select section An Overview

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An Overview
- Select activity PRE-SESSIONAL MATHS: OVERVIEW The 6 Key Topics we ...
  
  Pre-Sessional Maths: Overview
  The 6 Key Topics we will cover are:
  Introductory Topics
  These topics are recommended for all MSc. Programmes:
  Topic 1: Simple functions and basics of present value
  Topic 2: Sampling, central tendency, and other moments
  Topic 3: Probability distributions, covariances and correlations
  Topic 4: Estimation and hypothesis testing
  Topic 5: Basics of derivatives and matrix algebra
  More Advanced Topics
  Recommended for Msc Banking and Finance, Msc Finance, MSc Investment and Finance, MSc Wealth Management and Msc Behavioural Finance, students from all programmes are very welcome:
  Topic 6: Basics of regression analysis
  
  This course is not assessed though there is a self-evaluation quiz and problem set exercises are provided for each topic.It is important that you participate in the problem sets exercises as this will support you in starting your MSc course with confidence.
- Select activity Learning Outcomes for Maths & Stats Pre-sessional
  
  Learning Outcomes for Maths & Stats Pre-sessional Page
  
  Students must
  
  Mark as done
- Select activity Lectures & Tutorials: Timetable
  
  Lectures & Tutorials: Timetable Page
  
  The schedule of Lectures & Tutorials, and their Zoom links.
Select section WELCOME WEEK CAREERS TALK POWERPOINT SLIDES

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WELCOME WEEK CAREERS TALK POWERPOINT SLIDES

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Select section Pre-sessionals Micro

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Pre-sessionals Micro
Select section WEEK 1: An overview of the UK Finance and Job Market

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WEEK 1: An overview of the UK Finance and Job Market

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Select section WEEK 2: Marketing Yourself and Gaining Work Experience

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WEEK 2: Marketing Yourself and Gaining Work Experience

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Select section Topic 1 - Sampling, Central Tendency and other Moments

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Topic 1 - Sampling, Central Tendency and other Moments

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Select section Topic 2 - Probability Distributions, Covariances and Correlations

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Topic 2 - Probability Distributions, Covariances and Correlations

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Select section Topic 3 - Estimation and Hypothesis Testing

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Topic 3 - Estimation and Hypothesis Testing

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Select section Topic 4 - Simple Functions and Basic of Present Value

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Topic 4 - Simple Functions and Basic of Present Value
- Select activity TOPIC 4: SIMPLE FUNCTIONS AND THE BASICS OF PRESEN...
  
  Topic 4: Simple Functions and the Basics of Present Value
  In this topic we introduce Simple Functions, covering:
  Definition of functions
  Commonly used functions and their applications in economics and finance:
  Linear and quadratic functions
  Exponential and logarithmic functions
  Definition of sequences and series
  Present value calculations
- Select activity Topic 4 - Lecture Slides
  
  Topic 4 - Lecture Slides File
  
  1.2 MB
- Select activity Reading material about Simple Functions
  
  Reading material about Simple Functions Page
  
  Recommended Reading on Simple Functions to take this Topic further
- Select activity Tutorial for Topic 4
  
  Tutorial for Topic 4 File
  
  258.5 KB
Select section Professional Development

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Professional Development

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Select section Pre-sessionals for Python

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Pre-sessionals for Python
- Select activity Pre-sessional for Python 1
  
  Pre-sessional for Python 1 External tool
- Select activity Pre-sessional for Python 2
  
  Pre-sessional for Python 2 External tool
- Select activity Welcome
  
  Welcome to the Python Presessional Classes for ECO7001P: Applied Econometrics for Finance.
  
  These sessions will introduce you to the basics of programming in Python, which we will use throughout the module. More broadly, the ability to work with data and code is becoming increasingly important in many careers in finance, so this is also an opportunity to begin developing a skill that will be useful well beyond the course.
  
  The classes will help you set up the necessary software and introduce you to the main programming concepts. We have also prepared a set of Python Notes to support your learning. These are somewhat more detailed than strictly necessary for the module, so please use them as an additional resource alongside the classes.
  
  Wednesday 16 September, 10:00–12:00
  Bancroft 1.15a PC Lab
  
  Friday 25 September, 11:00–13:00
  Bancroft 1.15a PC Lab
- Select activity Python Notebook Topic 1
  
  Python Notebook Topic 1 File
  
  24.0 KB
- Select activity Python Notebook Topic 2
  
  Python Notebook Topic 2 File
  
  15.7 KB
- Select activity Python Notes
  
  Python Notes File
  
  560.8 KB
- Select activity Python Notebook Topic 3
  
  Python Notebook Topic 3 File
  
  19.3 KB
Select section TOPIC 1: FOUNDATIONS THE EXCEL WORKBOOK

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TOPIC 1: FOUNDATIONS THE EXCEL WORKBOOK

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Select section TOPIC 2: EXCEL FORMULAS

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TOPIC 2: EXCEL FORMULAS

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Select section TOPIC 3: EXCEL CHARTS

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TOPIC 3: EXCEL CHARTS

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Select section TOPIC 4: MANAGING DATA WITH EXCEL

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TOPIC 4: MANAGING DATA WITH EXCEL

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Select section TOPIC 5: DATA ANALYSIS WITH EXCEL

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TOPIC 5: DATA ANALYSIS WITH EXCEL

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Select section TOPIC 6: APPLICATIONS IN FINANCE

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TOPIC 6: APPLICATIONS IN FINANCE

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Select section Topic 5 - Basics of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra

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Topic 5 - Basics of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra
- Select activity Topic 5: Basics of Derivatives and Matrix AlgebraI...
  
  Topic 5: Basics of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra
  In this topic, we introduce you to the following concepts and applications in Derivatives and Matrix Algebra::
  Derivative and differentiation for functions of one variable
  Optimization of functions of one variable
  Matrices
  System of linear equations
- Select activity Topic 5 - Lecture Slides
  
  Topic 5 - Lecture Slides File
  
  643.1 KB
- Select activity Reading: Topic 5 Derivatives and Matrix Algebra
  
  Reading: Topic 5 Derivatives and Matrix Algebra Page
  
  Recommended Reading to take the Topic of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra Further.
- Select activity Tutorial for Topic 5
  
  Tutorial for Topic 5 File
  
  132.1 KB
- Select activity Tutorial for Topic 5 - Solutions
  
  Tutorial for Topic 5 - Solutions File
  
  247.8 KB
Select section Topic 6 - Basics of Regression Analysis

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Topic 6 - Basics of Regression Analysis
- Select activity Topic 6: Basics of Regression AnalysisIn this sixt...
  
  Topic 6: Basics of Regression Analysis
  In this sixth and final topic, we introduce:
  Regression as a statistical method that attempts to fit a model to data to quantify the relationship between the dependent (outcome) variables and the predictor (independent) variable(s)
  Two variable linear regression
  Multiple variable linear regression
- Select activity Topic 6 - Lecture Slides
  
  Topic 6 - Lecture Slides File
  
  678.4 KB
- Select activity Reading: Topic 6 Regression Analysis
  
  Reading: Topic 6 Regression Analysis Page
  
  Recommended Reading to take the Topic of Regression Analysis Further.
- Select activity Tutorial 6
  
  Tutorial 6 File
  
  143.5 KB
- Select activity Tutorial 6 - Solutions
  
  Tutorial 6 - Solutions File
  
  210.6 KB
Select section Final Note

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Final Note
- Select activity GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR STUDIES!!! Congratulations! Yo...
  
  Good luck with your studies!!!
  Congratulations! You’ve finished the presessional Math and Stats course! In the past two weeks, we have reviewed key mathematical and statistical concepts that are required for your MSc programs.
  The first four lectures focus on statistical topics: both descriptive and inferential statistics. The fifth lecture deals with optimisation problems in one variable and preliminary matrix algebra, while the sixth lecture gave you a flavour of econometrics as in simple regression analysis.
  As you encounter these topics in your future study, you will hopefully find the lectures, slides, problem sets, and reference books included in this course useful. You can always come back to them for a review.
  Best of luck to you in your new program!
Select section Extra

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Extra
- Select activity Material from ECOM213/216 Support Drop in Session
  
  Material from ECOM213/216 Support Drop in Session Folder
Select section Pre-sessionals Maths for Macro Economics

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Pre-sessionals Maths for Macro Economics
- Select activity topic 1 and intro
  
  topic 1 and intro File
  
  3.9 MB
- Select activity topic 2
  
  topic 2 File
  
  5.4 MB
- Select activity topic 3
  
  topic 3 File
  
  10.9 MB
- Select activity topic 4
  
  topic 4 File
  
  1010.8 KB
- Select activity topic 4capital consumption all trajectories
  
  topic 4capital consumption all trajectories File
  
  1.7 MB
- Select activity topic 5 OptimalControl examples
  
  topic 5 OptimalControl examples File
  
  900.6 KB
Select section ACADEMIC ADVISOR ALLOCATION

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ACADEMIC ADVISOR ALLOCATION
- Select activity Welcome 2025!Welcome to the School of Economics an...
  
  Please find attached the Academic Advisor Allocation PDF document.
Select section Q-REVIEW RECORDINGS

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Q-REVIEW RECORDINGS
- Select activity Pre-sessional Recordings 2026/27
  
  Pre-sessional Recordings 2026/27 External tool
Select section LIBRARY, ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT SERVICES

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LIBRARY, ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Select section MSc Economics - Matrix Algebra

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MSc Economics - Matrix Algebra
- Select activity Module SynopsisThe Key Topics we will cover are:Id...
  
  Module Synopsis
  
  The Key Topics we will cover are:
  Idempotent matrix
  Rank of a matrix
  Determinant of a matrix
  Characteristic vector
  Diagonalisation and spectral decomposition
  Trace of a matrix
- Select activity Matrix Algebra Presentation-25-26
  
  Matrix Algebra Presentation-25-26 File
  
  2.1 MB
Select section MSc Economics - Statistics

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MSc Economics - Statistics
- Select activity Module SynopsisThe Key Topics we will cover are:Pr...
  
  Module Synopsis
  
  The Key Topics we will cover are:
  
  Probability and Distribution theory
  Random variables
  Cumulative distribution function
  Descriptive Statistics
  Probability distribution
- Select activity Statistics presentation-25-26
  
  Statistics presentation-25-26 File
  
  1.3 MB
Select section MSc Economics - Macro

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MSc Economics - Macro
- Select activity Module SynopsisThe Key Topics we will cover are:Pr...
  
  Module Synopsis
  
  The Key Topics we will cover are:
  Preliminary concepts
  Dynamic systems in continuous time
  Dynamic systems in discrete time
  Introduction provided to
  Dynamic programming
  Optimal control
- Select activity Macro Presentation-2025-26
  
  Macro Presentation-2025-26 File
  
  4.1 MB
- Select activity Macro Reading PDF Documents
  
  Macro Reading PDF Documents Folder
Select section EXCEL COURSE CONCLUSION

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EXCEL COURSE CONCLUSION

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Select section MSc Economics

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MSc Economics
- Select activity MSc Economics Programme Talk
  
  MSc Economics Programme Talk File
  
  441.0 KB
- Select activity Introduction to the pre-sessional
  
  Maths and Statistics Pre-Sessional
  
  Welcome to the maths and statistics pre-sessional for the MSc in Economics. My name is Francesca Cornaglia and I will be delivering these sessions, which are here to get you comfortable with the mathematics you will use in econometrics, starting from wherever you happen to be starting from.
  
  When and where. Both sessions run online on Microsoft Teams.
  
  Session 1 — Monday 21 September, 11:00 to 14:00 — matrix algebra and optimisation (Teams link)
  Session 2 — Thursday 24 September, 11:00 to 14:00 — probability and statistics (Teams link)
  
  There will be two short breaks in each session.
  
  What we will do. Both sessions build towards a single formula — the ordinary least squares estimator, β̂ = (X′X)⁻¹X′y — which you will meet in the first week of econometrics. By the end of the first session you will have derived it yourself.
  
  What you need to do beforehand. Nothing. There is a companion document on this page which you are welcome to skim, and a note explaining how to use it, but there is no preparation and no assessment. People arrive on this course from very different starting points and some of you will not have done much mathematics for a while. That is expected and the sessions are planned around it.
  
  How the sessions work. We work through examples together rather than presenting proofs. Both sessions are recorded and the recordings will be posted here, so nothing depends on keeping up in real time. The companion carries the fuller written treatment to read afterwards at your own pace. The most useful pattern is to skim before, attend, and re-read afterwards.
- Select activity Stats presessionals
  
  Stats presessionals File
  
  2.1 MB
- Select activity Maths presessional (Functions)
  
  Maths presessional (Functions) File
  
  4.2 MB
- Select activity Maths presessional (Matrix Algebra)
  
  Maths presessional (Matrix Algebra) File
  
  4.7 MB
- Select activity Tutorial matrix functions
  
  Tutorial matrix functions File
  
  213.3 KB
- Select activity Tutorial matrix functions solutions
  
  Tutorial matrix functions solutions File
  
  2.1 MB
- Select activity Statistics Tutorial
  
  Statistics Tutorial File
  
  2.3 MB
- Select activity Statistics Tutorial - Solutions
  
  Statistics Tutorial - Solutions File
  
  902.0 KB
- Select activity Session 1 - 21st Sept - slides - Matrix algebra
  
  Session 1 - 21st Sept - slides - Matrix algebra File
  
  1.9 MB
- Select activity Maths and Statistics Companion
  
  Maths and Statistics Companion File
  
  3.1 MB
- Select activity Session 2 - 24th Sept - slides - Probability and Statistics
  
  Session 2 - 24th Sept - slides - Probability and Statistics File
  
  2.3 MB

Section outline

Welcome to SEF!

Welcome to the Excel Course

E Learning Modules (QMplus Login Required)

Pre-Sessional Maths: Overview

Topic 4: Simple Functions and the Basics of Present Value

Topic 5: Basics of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra

Topic 6: Basics of Regression Analysis

Good luck with your studies!!!

Please find attached the Academic Advisor Allocation PDF document.

Module Synopsis

Module Synopsis

Module Synopsis

Module Synopsis

Module Synopsis

Module Synopsis