Deciding what to study to become a trader!!

Vote! Which units are MOST useful for a career as Trader?

  • AFIN270 – Stochastic methods in applied finance

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • AFIN329 - Derivatives Instrument

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • AFIN331 - Quantitative Modelling in Applied Finance

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • AFIN353 - Advanced Corporate Finance

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • AFIN352 - Applied Portfolio Management

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    3

MycroftH

Newbie
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Hey guys,

I’m a university student, studying Finance. I’ve decided that I want to become a trader, not sure about which type (stocks/commodities/forex etc).
BEFORE, someone makes a smart comment about “Trading can only be learnt by trading or on-the-job” or “Just open an account and trade”… I WILL be starting an account and trading slowly.

I need help deciding which units would be MOST beneficial to study, for a career in Trading, either for hedge funds or proprietary firms e.g. Optiver, whom I’ve heard many good things about.

If any professional traders could take a 2 minutes reading the unit descriptions below and suggest in order of importance (1-8) OR top 5 units to study; along with reasons. I would be very grateful.

Thank you in advance! (y)

ACST201 – Financial Modelling
AFIN270 – Stochastic methods in applied finance
AFIN250 - Investments
AFIN328- Financial Risk Management
AFIN329 - Derivatives Instrument
AFIN331 - Quantitative Modelling in Applied Finance
AFIN353 - Advanced Corporate Finance
AFIN352 - Applied Portfolio Management

Financial Modelling - ACST201
This unit explores some basic concepts of finance, in particular: -price; yield; the relationship between price and yield; interest rate risk; reinvestment risk; duration and its uses; volatility; the contingent payments approach; arbitrage pricing theory; pricing forwards; futures and options.
Financial mathematics to analyse transactions involving commonly used financial instruments in the context of the markets in which they are traded.

Stochastic Methods in Applied Finance - AFIN270
This unit provides students with a more detailed insight and understanding of the valuation models introduced in earlier units and includes extensive use of Excel. The unit addresses a number of topics, within which theoretical models are developed and then explored further using Excel. These topics include random walks, martingales, ito calculus, and arbitrage.

Investments - AFIN250
An important theme of the unit is that developed markets are near-informational-efficient - that higher expected returns only come by bearing greater investment risk. Throughout the unit a modern portfolio theory approach is applied, focussing on the implications of efficient diversification, in providing a proper measurement of risk and the risk-return relationship. The asset allocation choice is also considered in depth, as it is a primary determinant of the risk-return profile of the investment portfolio. In summary, the unit introduces the principles of valuation as applied to a broad range of asset classes including models of equity valuation, debt valuation, commodities, private equity, and alternative investments such as distressed securities and real estate.

Financial Risk Management - AFIN328
How to apply and evaluate the quantitative methods covered in the unit in analysing and managing portfolios as well as the risk arising from various financial investments. In particular, students are expected to be able to: examine and find optimal investments strategies with respect to risk and return; attain an excellent knowledge of the role and characteristics of international financial markets and institutions; understand the pricing of various financial products and how they can be used for hedging; evaluate econometric models for financial variables; and acquire an extensive knowledge on the major approaches to managing market, credit and operational risks.

Derivatives Instrument - AFIN329
This unit explores the characteristics and pricing of derivatives. The importance of the principles of hedging and arbitrage in derivative pricing, is considered. Derivatives investigated include forwards, futures, options and various structured products. In particular, the unit covers non-standard securities and numerical methods.

Quantitative Modelling in Applied Finance - AFIN331
This unit develops the modelling skills of students, with an applied focus complementing the overall applied focus of the degree. Quantitative modelling is widely practised throughout the finance industry, including in the areas of financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. In addition to developing students modelling skills, this approach also helps to advance students' understanding of the various theoretical issues on which these models are based.

Advanced Corporate Finance - AFIN353
This unit challenges the student to consider a comprehensive set of factors that influence organisations in their payout, investment and finance decisions within a dynamic framework. The decision might reflect the personality of a CEO, the composition of competitors or expectations about fluctuations in the economy. In this sense, students need to be able to appreciate the differences between theory and practice. Further, students are encouraged to read academic and professional finance journals and the business sections in the daily press. By the end of the unit students should understand: the theoretical and practical implications of the multifaceted nature of risk; the different issues (including flexibility) to be considered, and the different approaches (including real options) available, in valuing risky projects; issues in determining capital structure; the theory and methods used in assessing the costs and benefits of mergers and acquisitions; and the link between corporate governance and finance.

Applied Portfolio Management - AFIN352
This unit provides students with the analytical skills and techniques required to effectively manage diversified portfolios of securities. The unit prepares students for asset allocation management and performance assessment of diversified portfolios. Issues relating to the management of portfolios containing options, futures and other derivatives will also be reviewed. After completing this unit students have greater knowledge for effective portfolio management and an increased awareness of potential practical problems in implementation.

Thank you for your time and advice!!!:clap:
 
Fact of the matter is that none of the above is gonna have any relevance whatsoever to net profitable trading.

If anything go for psychology, or just study whatever you find interesting to furter your education, and while having a good time at Uni.

Thing really is unless you want a specialist career such as becoming a physician or nuclear engineer etc, nothing you learn at Uni is ever gonna play any significant role in your career development.
 
Stand & Deliver

The deceptive nature of man, and Dick Turpin.

I suppose, one can think about ' the psychology of crowd behaviour in an auction market when billions are at stake, and how to get your hands on some, using the principles and lessons from DICK TURPIN ! '

Stand & Deliver !

:)
 
Fact of the matter is that none of the above is gonna have any relevance whatsoever to net profitable trading.

If anything go for psychology, or just study whatever you find interesting to furter your education, and while having a good time at Uni.

Thing really is unless you want a specialist career such as becoming a physician or nuclear engineer etc, nothing you learn at Uni is ever gonna play any significant role in your career development.

Even so, are you telling me that none of the above units will provide any knowledge that may be useful for a career in finance i.e. trading?
There must be something, in the list - worth doing and useful!
:eek:
 
It is high time a forward looking Uni or two taught trading as such.

Although things like self discipline can't really be taught only pointed in the right direction. You gotta do something for yourself and not expect to be spoonfed.
 
This is primarily a retail trader's forum, to which I would answer psychology and probability. But if you would like to work for a big institution. Then you are asking primarily the wrong people. I think might be helpful to decide where you want to work and specifically what part and type ofor trading you want to do.
 
Here ya go guys:

http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/proprietary-trading

No recommendation as I don't know anything about the course or that Uni, just remembered having heard about it.

Ok well found. There is a Uni course if you have the qualifications and £12k a year.

If you have the time etc. it's all for free on the web. With rude comments as you go , also for free.

So get your hair cut sunshine and good luck
 
Nice one Pat, quite agree about it all being available for free on the web.

I particularly like the part about the free complimentary rude comments.

:LOL::LOL::LOL:
 
Hmm, I'm starting to see the picture... I think I'll pass on the 12K course.

If you can learn something for free, why spend money?

Thanks so much!
 
Hmm, I'm starting to see the picture... I think I'll pass on the 12K course.

If you can learn something for free, why spend money?

Thanks so much!

Exactly, You will spend enough money learning to deal with broker/bucket shops if you do decide to go your own way

Uni may get your foot in the door of a company

It does take a few years (if part time) to go through the pain barrier, loads of free stuff out there to study if you can sift through the b@ll@cks, a few of the traders on this site are good for starters

Good luck, get your pistols ready
 
Hey guys,

I’m a university student, studying Finance. I’ve decided that I want to become a trader, not sure about which type (stocks/commodities/forex etc).
BEFORE, someone makes a smart comment about “Trading can only be learnt by trading or on-the-job” or “Just open an account and trade”… I WILL be starting an account and trading slowly.

I need help deciding which units would be MOST beneficial to study, for a career in Trading, either for hedge funds or proprietary firms e.g. Optiver, whom I’ve heard many good things about.

If any professional traders could take a 2 minutes reading the unit descriptions below and suggest in order of importance (1-8) OR top 5 units to study; along with reasons. I would be very grateful.

Thank you in advance! (y)

ACST201 – Financial Modelling
AFIN270 – Stochastic methods in applied finance
AFIN250 - Investments
AFIN328- Financial Risk Management
AFIN329 - Derivatives Instrument
AFIN331 - Quantitative Modelling in Applied Finance
AFIN353 - Advanced Corporate Finance
AFIN352 - Applied Portfolio Management

Financial Modelling - ACST201
This unit explores some basic concepts of finance, in particular: -price; yield; the relationship between price and yield; interest rate risk; reinvestment risk; duration and its uses; volatility; the contingent payments approach; arbitrage pricing theory; pricing forwards; futures and options.
Financial mathematics to analyse transactions involving commonly used financial instruments in the context of the markets in which they are traded.

Stochastic Methods in Applied Finance - AFIN270
This unit provides students with a more detailed insight and understanding of the valuation models introduced in earlier units and includes extensive use of Excel. The unit addresses a number of topics, within which theoretical models are developed and then explored further using Excel. These topics include random walks, martingales, ito calculus, and arbitrage.

Investments - AFIN250
An important theme of the unit is that developed markets are near-informational-efficient - that higher expected returns only come by bearing greater investment risk. Throughout the unit a modern portfolio theory approach is applied, focussing on the implications of efficient diversification, in providing a proper measurement of risk and the risk-return relationship. The asset allocation choice is also considered in depth, as it is a primary determinant of the risk-return profile of the investment portfolio. In summary, the unit introduces the principles of valuation as applied to a broad range of asset classes including models of equity valuation, debt valuation, commodities, private equity, and alternative investments such as distressed securities and real estate.

Financial Risk Management - AFIN328
How to apply and evaluate the quantitative methods covered in the unit in analysing and managing portfolios as well as the risk arising from various financial investments. In particular, students are expected to be able to: examine and find optimal investments strategies with respect to risk and return; attain an excellent knowledge of the role and characteristics of international financial markets and institutions; understand the pricing of various financial products and how they can be used for hedging; evaluate econometric models for financial variables; and acquire an extensive knowledge on the major approaches to managing market, credit and operational risks.

Derivatives Instrument - AFIN329
This unit explores the characteristics and pricing of derivatives. The importance of the principles of hedging and arbitrage in derivative pricing, is considered. Derivatives investigated include forwards, futures, options and various structured products. In particular, the unit covers non-standard securities and numerical methods.

Quantitative Modelling in Applied Finance - AFIN331
This unit develops the modelling skills of students, with an applied focus complementing the overall applied focus of the degree. Quantitative modelling is widely practised throughout the finance industry, including in the areas of financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. In addition to developing students modelling skills, this approach also helps to advance students' understanding of the various theoretical issues on which these models are based.

Advanced Corporate Finance - AFIN353
This unit challenges the student to consider a comprehensive set of factors that influence organisations in their payout, investment and finance decisions within a dynamic framework. The decision might reflect the personality of a CEO, the composition of competitors or expectations about fluctuations in the economy. In this sense, students need to be able to appreciate the differences between theory and practice. Further, students are encouraged to read academic and professional finance journals and the business sections in the daily press. By the end of the unit students should understand: the theoretical and practical implications of the multifaceted nature of risk; the different issues (including flexibility) to be considered, and the different approaches (including real options) available, in valuing risky projects; issues in determining capital structure; the theory and methods used in assessing the costs and benefits of mergers and acquisitions; and the link between corporate governance and finance.

Applied Portfolio Management - AFIN352
This unit provides students with the analytical skills and techniques required to effectively manage diversified portfolios of securities. The unit prepares students for asset allocation management and performance assessment of diversified portfolios. Issues relating to the management of portfolios containing options, futures and other derivatives will also be reviewed. After completing this unit students have greater knowledge for effective portfolio management and an increased awareness of potential practical problems in implementation.

Thank you for your time and advice!!!:clap:


try life 101.........best course out there ........;)
 
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