MSc Operational Research and Finance will give you expert skills in revenue management, credit scoring, and financial risk management. A summer dissertation provides an opportunity to develop your research skills, often in a commercial setting. You’ll graduate with the applied analytics and financial modelling skills highly sought after by financial institutions.
The study of operational research is the application of scientific methods to the study of complex organisational problems. We’ll train you in key techniques, methods and approaches, and you’ll apply them to practical problems. You’ll also learn about the role of operational research in financial markets and corporate finance. This operational research master’s at the University of Southampton will give you in-depth knowledge of:
You’ll get a specialist understanding of applied analytics and financial modelling that’s applicable across financial institutions and in financial operations. The summer dissertation gives you an opportunity to develop your research skills, often in a commercial setting, and our industrial liaison team will work with you to find a project that suits your skills and ambitions.
All MSc students have the opportunity to compete for a 3-month summer project with an external organisation, which will form the basis of their dissertation. Alternatively, students have the option of working on an internal project linked to cutting-edge research led by one of our academics.
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll choose options from a range of additional financial topics as well as further aspects of operational research.
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
You'll need a 2:1 degree in a quantitative subject with an appropriate level (2:1 or equivalent) for your Mathematics modules, which must form a substantial part of your degree.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications .
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 1 September 2027, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 18 August 2027, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.