Gain Algorithmic Trading Expertise with the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme

Interest in algorithmic trading continues to flourish as innovative technologies transform the sector. Algorithmic trading is more affordable and easier to control than standard trading, and gives traders the power to execute trades more rapidly in an agile market scenario.

What is algorithmic trading?

Algorithmic trading, at its most basic, is an automated trading system in which computers are programmed to take specific actions based on a set of input criteria, as well as market data.

Essentially, this allows traders to use computing to quickly make trades based on emerging trends and profitable patterns, without the need for human intervention.

The trend towards algorithmic trading is significant. For instance, algorithmic trading accounts for around 60–70 percent of overall equity trading in the U.S.¹ And the number of foreign exchange trades that use the technology is steadily rising.

As an experienced professional in the finance or technology industry, it’s now essential to learn algorithmic trading to help you navigate the markets effectively and profitably. If you’re looking to develop your algorithmic trading skills and implement your own successful trading strategies, the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, is worth exploring.

How to learn algorithmic trading

The Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme guides business professionals through the field of algorithmic trading by empowering them with the relevant skills and strategies needed to create and evaluate algorithmic trading models. You’ll explore the current and future trends in the algorithmic trading sector and take a closer look at the technologies used to facilitate its growth.

In joining the program, you’ll become part of a cohort of like-minded professionals who’ve walked away with the skills to:

• Analyze the efficacy of an algorithmic trading model within a live environment
• Build their own algorithmic trading model using the rules created by Professor Nir Vulkan
• Understand the impact that automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies will have on the future of systematic trading
• Explore the fundamentals of classical and behavioral finance, and how theoretical trading models are practically applied
• Discuss the historical and current state of systematic trading, and the key challenges and opportunities

Over the course of six weeks, you’ll learn about four key principles established by Programme Director Nir Vulkan to help guide you through the process of evaluating an algorithmic trading model. You’ll discover the rules that drive successful algorithmic trading strategies and hedge funds, and gain a grounded introduction to financial theory and behavioral finance.

The program features over 12 guest experts who are all prominent in their fields. Their experience spans various industries, including finance, investment, data science, and risk management. If you choose to participate, you’ll glean insights from these thought leaders and Oxford Saïd faculty, and benefit from access to the official Oxford Executive Education Alumni group on LinkedIn.

Find out what fellow financial leaders and changemakers took from the course.

Read participant testimonials from the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme

 

James L. Zhang
President and CEO, Zaelestis Group, Inc.
“The online program is very enlightening and insightful, which pushed me to work and research beyond its content. The online experience is very user-friendly and seamless. The program opened up the door to a new chapter for my career. I’m very grateful for this experience and the networking opportunities offered by this program.”

Emma Hsueh
Software Engineering Manager, DraftKings Inc.
“[The] Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme [is comprehensive] and takes students through different topics with an effective and logical flow. I enjoyed the video interviews with experts in the field, and I really liked the section with tips and advice on how to evaluate funds from the perspective of investors. Thanks for putting together such a great program!”

Iryna Shifman
Intern, MIT
“Not only did the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme refresh the fundamentals and proper technical analysis for me, but it also taught me skills that I can implement to analyse and develop algorithmic models. It’s a well-designed program and is easy to understand, [both] for [a] new trader or a sophisticated guru in the trading industry. The instructor’s feedback was excellent. I will be able to apply [what I’ve learnt on this program] in the real trading world.”

Watch past participant Vinicius Karam recount his online learning experience and how it helped him set up his own quantitative finance firm:

 

FAQs to unlock successful algorithmic trading

Use the frequently asked questions below to find out more about this program, and how it can help you trade with success.

Why take an online program on algorithmic trading?

The surge in algorithmic trading applications makes it a critical topic of study for anyone who wants a full picture of the market and modern trading environment.

Does this program address the role of human emotion and ‘gut feeling’ in trading?

Emotions remain an important consideration in trading. This program will address emotional biases present in the market and how these traits create exploitable patterns that algorithms can target.

Will this program show me how to do algorithmic trading?

The focus of the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme is non-technical and theoretical. However, there are optional technical activities for participants interested in learning how to build a model using Python. These activities are entirely voluntary and require no additional software.

Does this program use trading software?

Because the program is theoretical in nature, you’ll only need access to, and basic knowledge of, Microsoft Word and Excel. The optional technical activities are run through an integrated development environment.

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Understand the rules that drive successful trading strategies