Python for Finance
Python for Finance
- Study facts
- Prog. CodePPYT1
- NQF Level5.1
- Credits30
- Valid fromH24
- Version1.0
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
- Program manager
Python is a programming language that combines a high level of readability with powerful libraries and frameworks that make it easy to build web applications and automate trivial processes. Python is widely used in diverse fields such as data science, security and penetration testing, system administration, scientific computing, and finance. Several well-known websites like Google, Pinterest and Instagram include functionality built with Python. This growing popularity means job opportunities are available to skilled Python programmers. In addition, the readable syntax makes Python an ideal steppingstone to learn other programming languages and frameworks, even for someone learning to code for the first time.
Python comprises a vast ecosystem of scientific, mathematical and data analytics libraries ideally suited to the finance industry. Financial giants like Goldman Sachs, PayPal and JP Morgan Chase rely on the Python toolset to build trading systems, perform risk analysis, and analyse big data to inform trading strategies. With their need for efficiency in software development with little resources, startups also benefit from the open-source nature and vibrant community of Python developers who contribute new tools and share their knowledge.
The Python for Finance programme will empower candidates to combine their domain knowledge in finance with basic to intermediate Python skills. This will enable them to contribute independently or as part of a larger team to develop novel software products for the finance industry. The programme will emphasise a practical approach, covering just enough theory to help candidates better understand Python and build a foundation for learning any new framework or programming language.
The digital classroom
All students at Noroff have access to a digital classroom, referred to as the learning platform. Here the student can access relevant academic and practical information about the study programme. The learning platform also contains learning content, activities, delivery deadlines, work requirements and assessments for every course.
Online
Online studies are flexible since students can study from anywhere and at their own pace according to the academic progression and scheduled deadlines. Students access their learning material for each course through the learning platform, and discussion forums are used for communication between fellow students and teachers.
Campus
As part of the campus community, students will have access to on-site teachers, guest lecturers, and other students during their learning journey. Students on campus study in modern working environments and have access to professional equipment for practical training.
Vocational education at Noroff can expand career opportunities and lay lifelong learning foundations. Throughout the programme, students will familiarise themselves with key competencies relevant to industry employment.
Career opportunities
After graduation, the candidate may qualify for work within these areas:
- Financial analyst
- Data scientist
- Machine learning engineer
The Norwegian Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (NQF) defines the levels of qualifications in the Norwegian educational system. These levels describe what a learner knows, understands, and can do due to a learning process. Categories in NQF are defined as:
Knowledge: Understanding theories, facts, principles, and procedures in the discipline, subject area and/or occupation.
Skills: Ability to utilise knowledge to solve problems or tasks (cognitive, practical, creative and communication skills).
General Competence: Ability to independently utilise knowledge and skills in different situations.
After graduation from this programme, students have acquired the following learning outcomes:
The candidate:
- has knowledge of several programming constructs and environments available to a Python developer.
- has knowledge of basic concepts, processes and tools for data collection and statistical analyses.
- has knowledge of Python libraries used for data manipulation, visualisation, and reporting.
- has insight into regulations, standards, agreements, and quality requirements relevant to coding, data manipulation and reporting.
- has insight into coding, data manipulation and data visualisation best practices.
- has knowledge of coding in Python to perform basic financial data analytics.
- can update their vocational knowledge of different programming languages, Python libraries and frameworks.
- understands the importance and value of Python proficiency in the finance industry.
The candidate:
- can apply vocational knowledge to install and configure the programming environment in Windows or macOS.
- can apply vocational coding knowledge to write Python scripts to perform basic financial analytics.
- can apply vocational coding knowledge to automate tasks related to the finance industry.
- masters relevant vocational Python coding tools, materials, techniques, and styles.
- can find information and material that is relevant to vocational financial analytics problems.
- can study a situation and identify issues in the finance industry and what coding measures need to be implemented.
The candidate:
- understands the ethical principles that apply in the collection, analysis and reporting of finance data.
- has developed an ethical attitude in relation to coding.
- can carry out data analysis and reporting based on the needs of decision makers in the finance industry.
- can build relations with their peers and collaborate with stakeholders in the finance industry.
- can develop work methods, products and/or services of relevance to financial data analytics.
| Course code | Course name | Semester | Weeks | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FPYT1-IN06 | Introductory Python Programming | 1 | 6 | ||
| FPYT1-IM06 | Itermediate Python Programming | 1 | 6 | ||
| FPYT1-PP02 | Project on Python programming | 1 | 2 | ||
| FPYT1-MV06 | Data Manipulation and Visualisation | 1 | 6 | ||
| FPYT1-MR06 | Modelling and Reporting | 1 | 6 | ||
| FPYT1-PF04 | Project on financial data analysis | 1 | 4 | ||
| Total | 30 | ||||
Noroff offers an engaging and student-active learning experience that prepares candidates for professional working life through unique and industry-relevant teaching and learning activities governed by the current learning outcomes. Teaching and learning engage students in the learning process by promoting a holistic understanding of the different issues and challenges relevant to the subject areas. By fostering critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, students will develop lifelong learning skills.
Activities can vary for campus and online delivery and are composed of theoretical and practical approaches, providing students with the best possible outcome for each course. Noroff distinguishes between teacher and student-led activities. Both are equally important and tailored to each course’s educational approach. Teaching and Learning activities used in the courses are outlined in the course descriptions.
For all online studies, English is the primary language for teaching. English can also be used as the teaching language on some campuses.
Assessment impacts the student’s learning significantly and concludes if the student has achieved the intended learning outcome and, if so, at what level. Assessments include summative and formative methods depending on the content of the learning outcome of each course.
A course usually consists of one or more work requirements. The most common is compulsory course assignments that assess the acquired competencies outlined in the course learning outcomes. Course assignments are assessed as Passed/Failed or graded from A to F, after which verbal or written feedback is provided. Tests can also evaluate students’ achievements and are usually used in combination with compulsory assignments.
Online studies may also require students to deliver one or more compulsory module assignments during a course. This is to follow up and support the online students’ learning path. Module assignments can be used as learning activities for campus students.
Work requirements and assessment methods for each course are described in the course descriptions.
Information about equipment requirements is available here: Programme information.
Online students are required to purchase and maintain their equipment.
One of the following requirements must be met to be enrolled as a student:
1. By upper secondary education (videregående skole)
- Higher education entrance qualification from Norway or abroad
2. By Norwegian vocational upper secondary education
- Documented relevant vocational qualifications diploma (yrkeskompetanse)
- Documented relevant craft certificate (fag og svennebrev)
3. Prior learning and work experience
Special admission criteria:
At least two (2) years of work experience in bank, finance, or insurance, for example, in positions like finance-, customer-, insurance counsellor, finance consultant or economic associate.
More information about admission requirements is available on our webpage under Admission Requirements.