Section outline



    • 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.

      Full induction schedule here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sef/postgrad-study/induction/ please check for regular updates.

      This introductory pre-sessional module aims to provide everything you need to prepare for your postgraduate MSc. programme and start your course with confidence.

      Your Induction comprises of:

      • Induction: essential programme information, schedule, socials and orientation
      • Careers: explore careers in finance and economics through masterclasses with QMUL careers experts
      • Maths: refresh and apply your maths and statistics  to prepare for your MSc.
      • Excel: test your Excel skills in preparation for your MSc. programme

      There is no assessment in this pre-sessional module, but you will find a range of activities and problem set exercises to help you participate and prepare for your postgraduate course.


    • Student or business person working with printed charts and spreadsheets


      Welcome to the Excel Course

      This pre-sessional course in Microsoft Excel is built to revise and develop more advanced skills in Excel so you can manage large datasets and create meaningful reports. These key techniques and tools presented in this course will help you in performing everyday tasks in Excel more efficiently and accurately.





    • Pre-Sessional Excel: SYLLABUS

      This course is designed to introduce basic features of Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet concepts so you can design and create accurate and professional worksheets. It has been developed to enhance your Excel skillset whatever your starting level. 

      The key aims of this Excel course are to develop your skills in data entering, spreadsheet design, formula building, formatting, graphical representation of data and data analysis.

      This course is designed with a mix of theoretical concepts and applications in Excel helping you to develop your skills and solve more sophisticated tasks consistently. A project with a set of Excel Exercises is included in Topic 6 to help you test your learning.

      There are no prerequisites for this course and the course is not assessed. However we encourage you to make the most of the learning materials and exercises to prepare your for your postgraduate course.



    • Meet your experienced Teaching Fellow from the School of Economics and Finance.

    • View the Learning Goals and Objectives for the Pre-Sessional Excel Course.

    • Use this forum to discuss the Excel Topics and applications of Excel within Finance and Economics with your fellow students.

    • Session 1 Excel Foundations


      This session is designed to focus on the most essential Excel features, and it is ideal for beginners. You will become familiar with entering, viewing, and managing data and formatting worksheets. Examples of commands we are going to explore include format cells, sort/filter, hide/unhide and freeze panes. 

      Moreover, we are going to build skills in constructing accurate spreadsheets by using keyboard shortcuts.




    • Watch this video which introduces the Microsoft Excel software and some useful terminology. 



    • Now view the complete set of Excel Foundations video presentations which take you through formatting cells, organising data, viewing data, keyboard short cuts and  Excel applications.  

    • View and download this PDF guide which provides a list of Excel Shortcuts which you should find useful for this topic and the rest of the course.

    • Topic 1 Review: Excel Foundations

      Now you have worked through the Excel Foundations Topic, you should now be able to:

      • Understand the different components of an Excel worksheet

      • Format cells

      • Sort data using the function Sort 

      • Filter data using the function Filter 

      • Improve the visualisation of the data in the spreadsheet by using appropriate commands

      • Use keyboard shortcuts

    • Session 2 Excel Formulas

      In this session you will learn how to enter a formula and several functions Excel has to offer. You will explore in more detail mathematical, logical and text functions. Examples of functions we are going to discuss are sum, round, exponential, logarithm and if.  

      Moreover, you will also see how to use cell references and check formulas by using auditing tools.  




    • Watch this video in which Claudio Vallar introduces the concepts of Excel Formulas and Functions and how to use them. 



    • To continue to explore this topic, view and navigate the following Excel Formulas and Functions video presentations which take you through  Mathematical Functions, Logical Functions, Cell References, Cell Auditing and an Excel Example Application applying the skills developed in this section.

    • Topic 2 Review: Formulas and Functions

      You should now be able to: 

      • Understand formulas and functions in Excel 

      • Use the main mathematical functions in Excel 

      • Use the function IF and other logical functions 

      • Perform nested functions

      • Use the main text and date functions

      • Use cell references

      • Understand different formulas’ errors

      • Audit formulas

    • Session 3 Excel Charts

      In this session you will learn the different types of charts available in Microsoft Excel and how to customise them in order to create clear, precise and effective graphs. 



    • This video provides and introduction to Charts and how to use and apply them in Excel.

    • To take this topic further, view the following video presentations which investigate the different types and characteristics of Excel Charts, how to create an effective Excel Chart, and an example application of Excel Charts.

    • Topic 3 Review: Charts in Excel

      You should now be able to: 

      • Understand different types of charts

      • Make charts in Excel; 

      • Customise your chart. 

    • Session 4 Managing Data in Excel

      In this session you will learn how to apply conditional formatting rules which provide an alternative way to visualise data and make worksheets easier to understand. 

      You will also learn about the Excel function Vlookup. 

      Moreover, you are going to see one of the most powerful Excel’s tools for managing and analysing data. 




    • Watch this video which provides an introduction to Managing Data in Microsoft Excel.



    • To investigate the topic of Managing Data in more detail, now view the following video presentations which demonstrate  Conditional Formatting Rules, using the Vlookup Function, Pivot Tables and examples of the application of Pivot Tables in Excel.

    • Topic 4 Review: Managing Data

      After working through this session, you should now be able to: 

      • Set and manage a conditional formatting rule

      • Compute the Vlookup and Hlookup functions

      • Create a Pivot Table

      • Create a Pivot Chart

    • Session 5 Data Analysis with Excel

      In this session you will learn how to compute descriptive statistics, such as Average, Variance, Covariance, minimum and Maximum using two different techniques: Excel’s statistical functions and the Excel add-in Analysis ToolPak. 

      Moreover, you are going to see how to do a regression analysis in Excel.  



    • Watch this video for an introduction to Data Analysis techniques in Excel.



    • Now you have been introduced to the topic of Data Analysis with Excel, watch these video presentations which demonstrate the application of Statistical Functions, the installation and use of Analysis Toolpak, how to perform and interpret a Regression Analysis, and an example applying the Data Analysis skills used in this section.

    • Topic 5 Review

      Now you have worked through this section, you should be able to: 

      • Use the main statistical functions in Excel

      • Perform an analysis using the Excel add-in Analysis ToolPak

      • Perform a regression analysis

    • Session 6 Applications in Finance

      In this session you are going to implement all the knowledge you developed in the previous sessions applying them to some financial exercises. 

      This is a non-assessed project. The solutions will be discussed during the Live session.


    • View and download the PDF with the Excel Project Financial Exercises

    • Download the Excel Workbook Example

  • Maths equations on a whiteboard

    • Welcome to the Maths for Finance Course

      Hello and welcome to the introductory Pre-Sessional Mathematics for Finance Course.

      This course provides you with the opportunity to:

      • Review key mathematical and statistical concepts and tools. 

      • Show examples of how these tools are used in Economics and Finance. 

      • Ensure a solid foundation for your study in the Msc program.


      The course is delivered over the two weeks of the Pre-Sessional Module and is divided into 6 main topics. Each topic is introduced through a lecture supported by recorded videos and lecture notes, followed by problem sets enabling you to test your knowledge and prepare for your chosen postgraduate programme.

      Additionally, throughout this course we will blend in real world examples and applications of mathematical and statistical concepts within Economics and Finance.



    • Use this Forum to discuss Maths for Finance with your fellow students.

    • 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.



    • The schedule of Lectures & Tutorials, and their Zoom links.

  • A woman and a man in discussion at work with computers


    Welcome to the Careers Pre-Sessional Course

    A warm welcome to the Careers Section of the postgraduate  Pre-Sessional Module. In this section you are going  to investigate and evaluate potential career paths in Finance and Economics suitable for graduates. We hope you will find it valuable to start to plan your future career goals and objectives at this early stage in your postgraduate studies.

    The Careers section of the Pre-Sessional Module  aims to provide insights into career pathways for  postgraduate students in Finance and Economics.  You will learn about a wide range of diverse careers available to postgraduates, how to market yourself, and how to gain relevant work experience.

    • An overview of the UK Finance and Job Market
    • How to Market Yourself for a Career in Economics and Finance
    • How to Gain Work Experience in the field

    For more resources and support, please go to Careers Support for SEF Students



  • An overview of the UK Finance and Job Market


    Introduction 

    In the first week of the  Careers section of the module, you are going to explore a range of careers in both the private and public sectors that are suitable for graduates with a postgraduate degree in Finance and Economics.

    You will explore private sector opportunities in areas such as Banking, Financial Services and Consultancy together with opportunities in emerging areas like FinTech, Data Analysis and Start-Ups. You will investigate opportunities in the public sector such as Civil Service and Government jobs as well as finance opportunities across a range of varied industries. You will learn about graduate schemes, internships  and opportunities that can provide a route into your career of choice, as well as the many graduate jobs available.


    Goals and Objectives

    • Understand what Careers support is available to you at the School of Economics and Finance

    • Gain a detailed overview of the sectors available to you

    • Understand the typical Recruitment Process and learn how we can support you in it

    • Learn how to job hunt effectively



    • Careers Support for Economics and Finance


      Transcript: Slides

      This first Careers Masterclass presentation  introduces the specialist Finance and Economics careers services available to you from the QMUL Careers Service.

    • Watch this set of Careers Masterclass presentations narrated by Careers Consultant Serena Spoendlin. The presentations cover the topics of Careers Support Services, an Overview of the Finance Job Market, Investment Banking, Recruitment and Selection, and Tips for Job Hunting.  Each presentation is accompanied by a set of careers links and resources. Please click on the arrow in the top right corner to go to the next video. 

    • Week 1  Review

      This week you have investigated the UK Financial Jobs Market, learned about opportunities for postgraduate masters graduates and reflected on your own career goals and objectives. We would like you to take a moment to review what you have learned over the last week and explore further resources through the QMUL Careers Services.

      Throughout your postgraduate studies,  you will be encouraged to continue to explore job opportunities relevant to your own interests and aspirations. In the second week of the Pre-Sessional Careers section of the module, you will investigate approaches to marketing yourself and to gaining work experience



  • Introduction to Week 2

    In the second week of the Careers section of the module, you will explore approaches to marketing yourself and investigate  ways you can start to gain work experience relevant to your career goals.


    • View the goals and objectives for the week.


    • Self Marketing: How To Impress with Applications


      Transcript: Slides

      In the video, Careers Consultant Serena Spoendlin provides an introduction to strategies for Self Marketing and ways to impress with your  applications



    • Watch this set of Career Masterclass presentations by Careers Consultant Serena Spoendlin with a focus on Self Marketing yourself in Applications, CVs and Cover Letters, and approaches to Networking and gaining Work Experience. Please click on the arrow in the top right corner, to go to the next video. 

    • This video from professional services network PwC introduces approaches to creating a successful elevator pitch to self market your unique skills and experience.

    • Gaining Work Experience

      Over a third of recruiters say that graduates who have had no previous work experience at all are unlikely to be successful during the selection process and have little chance of receiving a job offer for their organisations’ graduate programmes.

      Martin Birchall from the High Fliers graduate jobs research institute which publishes the annual UK Graduate Careers Survey says:


      "In this highly-competitive graduate jobs market, new graduates who've not had any work experience during their time at university have little chance of landing a well-paid job with a leading employer, irrespective of the university they've attended or the academic results they achieve”

      High Fliers (2020) Available at: https://www.highfliers.co.uk/



    • Video: What does it mean to be Commercially Aware?


      For an insight into ways to develop your commercial awareness in Finance and Economics, take a look at this video from EY Careers.

      Developing commercial awareness of the bigger picture factors relevant to the jobs you are applying to will help you to be successful in  applications and job interviews.  So what does it mean to be commercially aware? In the article ‘Commercial Awareness: Its How the Industry Fits Together’ Target Jobs defines commercial awareness: 


      “Commercial awareness is prized by graduate recruiters across all industries and in the private and public sectors alike. Commercial awareness is not so much a skill as a way of thinking and may be described on a graduate job advert in various ways, including: commercial thinking, having a commercial attitude, having big picture focus” 


      Target Jobs (2020) Commercial Awareness: Its How the Industry Fits Together



    • Week 2 Review

      In  Week 2, you have investigated what employers in your field are looking  for, and considered how as a postgraduate student you can develop your employability for the future.

      Over the week, you  have investigated the soft skills that graduate employers are looking for, developed and applied your commercial awareness and started to expand your professional networks.

      As you start your postgraduate course, you are encouraged to make the most of your studies including available opportunities to develop your professional practice and employability. 

      Additionally, you are very much encouraged to keep in touch with the QMUL Careers Service, to take advantage of opportunities for further guidance and to continue to use the Careers Resources available to you.

      We wish you all the very best and every success with your postgraduate studies and your career  in the future!




    • Topic 1: Sampling, Central Tendency, and Other Moments

      In this topic, we introduce the following statistical concepts and applications:

      • Some basic statistical concepts
      • Statistics as a tool for collecting, analysing, presenting, and interpreting data
      • Working with  decisions based on incomplete information 
      • How statistics can be used to enable a more informed decision

    • Recommended Reading on Sampling and Central Tendency to take this topic further

    • 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

    • Recommended  Reading on Simple Functions to take this Topic further

    • 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

    • Recommended Reading to take the Topic of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra Further.

  •  

    • 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

    • Recommended Reading to take the Topic of Regression Analysis Further.

    • In this section, you find a series of pre-recorded videos by Prof. Yu Zheng covering key topics from the Maths & Stats pre-sessional. These videos are not mandatory, but you may find them helpful for revisiting concepts you would like to strengthen. Feel free to watch them at your own pace as part of your revision.

    • Here some videos presented by Dr. Yu Zheng. In these videos you will explore the topic of Sampling and Central Tendency in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.

    • Here some videos presented by Dr. Yu Zheng. In these videos you will explore the topic of Probability Distribution in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.


    • Here some videos presented by Dr. Yu Zheng. In these videos you will explore the topic of Estimation and Hypothesis Testing in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.

    • This set of narrated slideshow presentations will enable you to explore the topic of Simple Functions in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.

    • This set of narrated slideshow presentations will enable you to explore the topic of Derivatives and Matrix Algebra in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.

    • This set of narrated slideshow presentations will enable you to explore the topic of Regression Analysis in more depth and prepare for the problem sets.

    • 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!



  • Welcome to your postgraduate journey!

    Welcome Week 2025: 15–26 September

    We are delighted to have you join School of Economics and Finance (SEF) and look forward to supporting you as you settle into university life. Welcome Week is designed to help you get started — it’s a chance to meet your fellow students, connect with staff, and learn more about the resources and opportunities available to you.

    Each programme has its own induction schedule, including a programme-specific Welcome Talk that gives you the opportunity to meet your Programme Director and learn more about your course.

    In addition, there are university- and faculty-wide events that you are encouraged to attend, offering a great way to meet postgraduate students from across disciplines.

    The School has organised  social events and excursion for you to attend, giving you the opportunity to network with peers from different postgraduate taught programmes, as well as your academic advisors, module organisers, and the postgraduate support team

    On this page you’ll find the full schedule of Welcome Week activities for your programme. Make the most of these exciting two weeks!

    • Welcome from the Postgraduate Support Team

      We have a dedicated student support team who are friendly and welcoming , and can offer advice on matters you feel may be impeding your ability to study. This includes administrative support and advice from initial enquiry and admission through to examination, graduation and award. We are available Monday to Friday, 09:30-16:30 in office GC306.

      The support team is:

      Sarah Riley Teaching and Learning Manager

      James Kilvington Postgraduate Taught Programme Manager

      Oliver Grabowski Postgraduate Taught Programme Officer

      Maha  Postgraduate Taught Student Support Officer

      Kay Postgraduate Taught Student Support Officer

      Contact us via  ASKQM

    • Please find attached the Academic Advisor Allocation PDF document.

    • 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


    • Professional Development Modules

      The School aims to provide optional courses to help you build upon your professional skills for your future career. These do not provide academic credit towards your MSc, but some of them would be recognised on your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) transcript. We aim to run programmes such as AmplifyME Experience Finance simulations, C++ for Finance (TBC), MATLAB (For MSc Economics only), Applied Portfolio Management, Story telling success in the modern world. Please check here for updated information: Course: SEF Postgraduate Professional Skills Development - 2025/26 | MyQMUL

      The exact offering is TBC - you will be notified when courses are taking place via QMPlus and e-mail.

      Below are some particularly  popular optional modules which you may need to join at the beginning of the year.

    • Queen Mary MSc Investment Fund (QUMMIF)

      QUMMIF is a student-managed investment fund with over £40,000 of assets. It provides postgraduate students with (i) work-relevant skills in investment, portfolio analysis, and trading as well as (ii) opportunities to network with fellow students, academics, and city professionals. Participants analyse companies, industries, and asset classes and develop practical investment and trading strategies. The work is done in teams which compete against each other to provide the best analysis. Academics and professionals from the financial industry act as mentors.

      We have scheduled a live Q&A session with the Course Tutor, where you will have an opportunity to ask questions or request further information.

      You can find out more about QUMMIF on the following webpages:

      https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sef/postgraduate/msc/professional-skills-development/

      https://www.qummif.co.uk/

      https://youtu.be/ndlj_MWAUdU?feature=shared

      Feedback from the 2023/24 cohort:

      An infographic showing feedback from the 23/24 QUMMIF participants.


    • qNomics

      qNomics provides financial guidance and resources to technology start-ups and entrepreneurs. 

      A client comes to qNomics for advice on a range of issues including market strategy, business planning, accounting, funding, and regulatory compliance. Students have the opportunity to counsel clients on issues and guide clients through the various challenges that they face, particularly at the early stage of their business development.

      If you are selected you will have the opportunity to advise clients directly, engage with pupils from local school by running entrepreneurial sessions

      Visit the qNomics website.

    • Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) Certificate

      Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) + Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is a free, 26-hour self-paced e-learning course that introduces the financial markets. 

      BMC + ESG comprises modules on Bloomberg’s Terminal Basics, Economic Indicators, Currencies, Fixed Income, Equities, Sustainable Finance, and ESG & Fixed Income, as well as ESG & Equities. 

      Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate from Bloomberg.

      to access Bloomberg

      You have to create your own Bloomberg login account.

      Use your mobile number as your contact number while creating your new Bloomberg login account.

      Click the "Create a New Login" link on the Bloomberg login page to create your own Bloomberg login account. 

      You must log in to a Bloomberg terminal in the room GC301 in the Graduate Centre to create your Bloomberg terminal account and use Bloomberg terminal services.

       

             To get started, please follow the instructions below closely:

      1.       Log on to a Terminal 

      2.       Type BMC into the command line and hit ENTER <GO>

      3.       Select Sign Up and register (use your initial.surname@qmul.ac.uk email address)

      4.       Tick to confirm you are taking BMC as part of a group

      5.       Enter Class Code: NTZ3HCFVX5

      6.       Accept the T&Cs and launch the course

       

      Name of the class: QM SEF Sep25-Dec25

      Class Code:   NTZ3HCFVX5

      Completion deadline:   December 19, 2025

      ---

       

      2025 Global Trading Challenge

      https://portal.bloombergforeducation.com/trading_challenges

       

      If you wish to be among the 20 postgraduate teams participating in this competition, please use your @qmul.ac.uk account to contact Yioryos Makedonis. Briefly explain why you are interested; justify why you want to participate and provide the names of the 3-5 students of your team.

      If you are interested, please apply by Sunday, the 28th of September, at 11:59 p.m.

       

      Through this competition, teams of 3-5 students (led by a faculty advisor) will compete against other top students around the world to experience firsthand what real-world investing looks and feels like. Teams will use the Terminal to define market assumptions, develop a return-generating strategy, and execute trades within a closed network. The winning team will have the highest time weighted relative return, relative to the Bloomberg World Large, Mid & Small Cap Price Return Index (WLS Index).

       

       

       

    • Module Synopsis


      The Key Topics we will cover are:


      • Probability and Distribution theory
      • Random variables
      • Cumulative distribution function
      • Descriptive Statistics
      • Probability distribution


    • 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


    • Course Review 

      Now you have completed this course, you should be able to: 

      • Create and manage worksheets; 

      • Develop skills in formatting, saving, and printing worksheets; 

      • Understand the different types of data and use appropriate formulas and functions to analyse them; 

      • Use relative referencing and absolute referencing; 

      • Use advanced functions of Excel enabling you to perform more complex tasks in Excel; 

      • Create a variety of charts, including line graphs, pie charts and bar charts; 

      • Manipulate data lists using AutoFilter and PivotTables; 

      • Work and analyse large datasets; 

      • Apply Excel tools to solve Financial problems. 


      Congratulations, you have now completed the Pre-Sessional Excel Course. We hope you have enjoyed the course and that you find it useful as you start your postgraduate course next week.

      We wish you all the very best with your studies!