Target UK Universities for Quant Desks / Quant Trading

Looking to understand some perspective on what universities and courses are targeted by Prop Trading quant firms. I'm keeping IB as a backup if that isn't possible, and have based my list off the Target Universities list for IB as a result. I understand that Quant-y S&T desks may be similarly targeted.

(On a sidenote, any info on how realistic HF would be with the below courses would be very much appreciated).

In terms of courses I'm considering, this is how it's looking so far:

1. Warwick : MORSE BSc.

2. UCL : Statistics BSc / Statistical Science MSci / Maybe Statistics, Econ and Finance also?

3. Warwick or UCL : Data Science BSc.

4. LSE : Pol and Data Science BSc (I don't have FM which is preferred for their standalone Data Science, if you're wondering why I have selected this course).

I'm honestly not sure on how to prioritise apart from Warwick's MORSE course coming first - have only heard good things about it. How does pure Statistics compare to a pure Maths degree (I assume the most targeted degree) & how would this compare to Data Science (assuming this is the least targeted degree?) in your experiences? With the inclusion of Politics, I think the LSE degree would make it a reach to target Quant. There isn't as much politics involved as you'd think, but regardless I'd still enjoy the degree & could still target IB.

Would love to hear you guys thoughts on the matter. Thanks!

Note: I'm likely not targeting Econ, Finance and Data Science at Imperial. Seems one of the hardest courses to get into in the UK (4k applications or something to that extent), but going to make sure they don't increase the number of offers they take in for next year before making a final decision.

6 Comments
 

COWI Maths/Physics is the obvious shout for QT. MORSE is probably better than Data Science for QT - I see no pure math in the latter course too, which can limit postgraduate study.

Most places will filter out on tests for QT, so it’s more about your environment.

I study at the LSE so can give some insight regarding here.

LSE normally is overlooked for obvious reasons, but I can say the Data Science students here are the sharpest people in the school imo. FMS is also a really good course, especially if you are considering S&T as a backup (which isn’t a bad idea considering how competitive QT is). Quant scene is definitely a thing here (and growing rapidly). Society recently was revived and holds good events. Most students in the Maths/Stats department who are grinding for careers are heavily considering QT, along with banking of course. Maths with Data Science also seems like a great albeit new course. Like a standard Maths degree with a bit of Data Science instead of advanced pure maths / mechanics, which is perfect for a quant.

I personally chose LSE over Warwick Maths and do not regret my choice. Even though I am not going down the quant route, I definitely had the opportunity (as I have witnessed from others) and still get opportunities from other ‘high finance’ areas whilst being in central London.

Also worth noting that there are a SHIT ton of hackathons in London, often sponsored by quant firms. 

 

None of them except maybe MORSE.

The only unis/ courses which are actually 'targeted' (i.e, the company goes to the uni to try and recruit students), are Oxbridge/Imperial Maths/Physics/CS. For example, I know that Optiver only go to those 3. Out of the rest, Warwick Maths/MORSE is the best option. 

 

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