Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Postgraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)

Module FINN41615: Financial Modelling with Artificial Intelligence

Department: Finance

FINN41615: Financial Modelling with Artificial Intelligence

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 4 15 Available in 2025/2026 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • Econometric Methods (FINN41715)

Excluded Combinations

  • None

Aims

  • To build upon students' knowledge of financial econometrics and introduce advanced machine learning and AI-driven forecasting techniques.
  • To equip students with the technical and analytical skills necessary to model and predict financial markets using modern data-driven approaches.
  • To develop students ability to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of AI and machine learning applications in financial modelling.

Content

  • This module introduces students to modern forecasting methods in financial econometrics, with an emphasis on AI and machine learning applications. Topics may include:
  • Classical time series models, including ARMA and ARIMA
  • Unit root testing, structural breaks, and non-stationary time series.
  • Multivariate modelling approaches, including vector autoregressions.
  • Volatility modelling and risk estimation (ARCH and GARCH).
  • Machine learning for financial forecasting, including supervised learning techniques.
  • Applications of deep learning and other AI-driven methods in predicting asset returns.
  • Practical implementation of machine learning algorithms for asset return forecasting.
  • Machine learning in cross-sectional asset pricing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • Have an advanced understanding of traditional and AI-driven forecasting techniques in financial modelling.
  • Be able to critically evaluate the application of machine learning in financial time series analysis and cross-sectional prediction.
  • Develop an appreciation of the theoretical foundations and practical challenges of AI methods in finance.
Subject-specific Skills
  • Be proficient in implementing advanced econometric and machine learning techniques in financial applications.
  • Be able to select and apply appropriate AI-based modelling techniques for financial forecasting problems.
  • Gain experience with programming and statistical computing tools commonly used in AI-driven financial modelling.
Key Skills
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem Solving and Analysis;
  • Using Initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • A combination of lectures, classes and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module.
  • The summative written project will test students' ability to apply advanced econometric methods and tools in order to conduct their own empirical investigation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hours 20
Workshop classes 4 1 hour 4 Yes
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Project 100% Project 2500 words (max) 100%

Formative Assessment

Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar or posted on Blackboard; feedback on discussions with teaching staff during consultation hours, or via e-mail.


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.