Algorithmic Trading, also called Automated Trading, refers to designing and using Computer algorithms for trading purposes. The algorithm is designed to take into account pricing, time, quantity etc.
Individuals who wish to pursue a career in this field can do so by choosing online and offline courses. Offline courses are typically divided into courses dedicated to the basics of the Financial Markets and Programming languages.
- The duration of certificate courses is a few hours to 6 months while diploma courses can be completed in 1 to 2 years.
- Bachelor’s and master's degree programmes have Trading and Portfolio Management subjects as an elective or compulsory subject.
- Bachelor’s degrees one can earn is B.Com or BBA while Masters degree one can earn is an MBA or M.Com.
Upon graduation from any Algorithmic Trading course, candidates can be hired into different industries. One can work as a freelancer or for a large organization. The most popular job profiles individuals are hired for are Algorithmic Trader, Quantitative Analyst, Stock Broker, Trading Specialist, Equity Trader etc.
Algorithmic Trading Course Highlights
The highlights for all levels of Algorithmic Trading courses are as below.
| Type of Courses |
|
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility |
|
| Average Fees |
|
| Online Courses | Available |
| Types of Online Courses | Certificates and diploma |
| Top Job Prospects | Algorithmic Trader, Quantitative Analyst, Stock Broker, Trading Specialist, Equity Trader etc. |
| Average Salary |
|
Certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses
Certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses are delivered primarily in online and offline modes. Online courses are a more popular way of learning the topic as they are self-paced. Offline courses are held on-campus.
- The duration of certificate courses ranges from a few hours to 6 months.
- Specializations for certificate courses range from programming languages like Python and R to financial market basics like strategies for investing.
- Certificate courses are perfect for working individuals as they can be completed at their own pace and most courses are free of cost.
The average starting salary certificate graduates can earn is INR 2 to 5 LPA.
Online Certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses
The top online certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses are as below.
| Certificate Name | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithmic Trading In Forex: Create Your First Forex Robot! | Udemy | 6 hours 26 mins | INR 8,640 4.6 |
| Machine Learning for Trading Specialization | Google Cloud, New York Institute of Finance, Coursera | 3 months | Free Enrolment 3.8 |
| Trading Algorithms | ISB, Coursera | 12 hours | Free Enrolment 4.6 |
| Mean Reversion Strategies In Python | QuantInsti | 7.5 hours | INR 22,685 4 |
| Electronic Trading in Financial Markets | NY Institute of Finance, edX | 4 weeks | INR 7,307 NA |
Offline Certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses
The top offline certificate Algorithmic Trading courses are as follows.
| Certificate Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification in Financial Markets | Calcutta University | Free | 1 week |
| Certificate in Python Programming | Bharathiar University | NA | NA |
| Python Preparatory Certificate Course | Jadavpur University | INR 9,440 | NA |
| Certificate in Statistical Techniques and Applications | Banasthali Vidyapith | NA | NA |
How to get admission in Certificate Algorithmic Trading Courses?
Admissions into certificate Algorithmic Trading courses are done only on a merit basis. There is no fixed admissions structure for certificate courses nor is there any requirement to submit an entrance examination score.
- The duration of certificate courses ranges from a few hours to 6 months.
- Applications are submitted online. Documents to support the admission are also done online.
- Some online platforms take time to evaluate applications before a seat is granted into the programme.
Colleges offering Offline Certificates Algorithmic Trading Courses
In the offline mode, the following universities offer Algorithmic Trading courses and other related courses.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Jadavpur University | Kolkata | INR 9,440 |
| 7 | Calcutta University | Kolkata | Free |
| 13 | Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | NA |
| 55 | Banasthali Vidyapith | Banasthali | NA |
Diploma and PG Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses
At the diploma and PG diploma course level, Algorithmic Trading courses are available in different specializations. From courses concentrating on the basics of Financial Markets or Programming, both of which can be combined to work in Algorithmic Trading.
- The duration of the diploma and PG diploma courses range from 6 months to 1 year.
- Candidates need to have completed their class 10th or 12th standard examinations for diploma course while PG diploma courses only admit bachelor’s degree holders.
- Diploma and PG diploma courses are perfect for candidates who are already working in the Financial Markets.
The average starting salary diploma and PG diploma Algorithmic Trading course graduates can earn is between INR 3 to 6 LPA.
Top Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses
The available diploma Algorithmic Courses, in India, are as follows.
| Diploma Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Portfolio Management Services | Calcutta University | INR 12,000 | 6 months |
| Diploma Course in Capital Markets | Andhra University | INR 10,000 | 6 months |
| Machine Learning using Python | Vellore Institute of Technology | NA | 1 month |
Top PG Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses
The best PG diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses are as follows.
| PG Diploma Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG Diploma in Capital Market | Banaras Hindu University | NA | 1 year |
| PG Certification Programme in Financial Markets | Anna University | INR 1.5 lac | 10 months |
| PG Diploma in Financial Services | Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 5,850 | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Portfolio Management | Bharathiar University | NA | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Fintech | Birla Institute of Technology & Science | INR 55,000 | 1 year |
| PG Diploma in Indian Stock Market | Madurai Kamaraj University | INR 7,000 | 1 year |
How to get admission in Diploma and PG Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses?
Admissions for diploma and PG diploma courses in Algorithmic Trading courses are done on a merit basis. There is no requirement for submission of an entrance examination for admissions.
- The duration of the diploma course is 1 year while the PG diploma is for 1 to 2 years.
- Diploma courses admit class 10th or 12th pass outs while PG diploma courses admit students who have completed their bachelor’s degrees.
- Diploma and PG diploma courses are available largely in Financial Services, Stock Market, Portfolio Management along with Python and R which together are used for Algorithmic Trading.
Colleges offering Diploma and PG Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses
The top colleges offering Diploma and PG Diploma programs in Algorithmic Trading Courses are listed based on their NIRF rankings in this section.
Colleges offering Diploma Algorithmic Trading Courses
NIRF’s rankings for the best universities has ranked the above mentioned diploma course providers in the following ranks.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Calcutta University | Kolkata | INR 12,000 |
| 16 | Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore | NA |
| 19 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | INR 10,000 |
Colleges offering PG Diploma Algorithmic Trading Course
The PG diploma course providers which are mentioned above have secured ranks in NIRF’s university rankings. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | NA |
| 9 | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | INR 5,850 |
| 12 | Anna University | Chennai | INR 1.5 lac |
| 13 | Bharathiar University | Coimbatore | NA |
| 15 | Birla Institute of Technology & Science | Pilani | INR 55,000 |
| 60 | Madurai Kamaraj University | Madurai | INR 7,000 |
Bachelor Algorithmic Trading Courses
At the Bachelor’s course level, Algorithmic Trading courses are delivered as a part of regular degree programmes. Subjects like Financial Markets, Capital Market etc are delivered as compulsory or elective subjects.
- One can pair up the Financial Market basic subjects with a programming subject elective to work in the Algorithmic Trading industry.
- The duration of bachelor’s courses is 3 years.
- The degrees one can earn for their bachelor’s degree are B.Com, BBA, or a B.Voc. Degree.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn between INR 5 to 7 LPA.
Top Bachelors Algorithmic Trading Courses
The top bachelor’s degree offering Algorithmic Trading course subjects are as follows.
| Bachelor Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Com |
|
3 years | |
| BBA |
|
3 years | |
| B.Voc. Financial Markets and Services | Guru Nanak Dev University | NA | 3 years |
How to get admission in Bachelor’s Algorithmic Trading Courses?
Admissions into bachelor’s degree programmes are conducted on both a merit basis and through entrance examinations. Merit-based examinations are conducted through cut off lists released by the university.
- The average duration of bachelor’s degrees is 3 years.
- The popular entrance examinations conducted for admissions are BHU UET, DUET, IPU CET, NPAT etc.
- Apart from qualifying the entrance examination round, a high aggregate score in class 12th examinations is also required.
Colleges offering Bachelor’s Algorithmic Trading Courses
NIRF’s annual ranking list for the best universities has the above mentioned bachelor’s degree provider universities. The ranks are as follows.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | INR 3,420 |
| 10 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | INR 8,800 |
| 23 | Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram | INR 20,000 |
| 26 | Panjab University | Chandigarh | INR 9,975 |
| 27 | University of Mysore | Mysuru | INR 17,600 |
| 29 | Osmania University | Hyderabad | INR 21,000 |
| 51 | Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar | NA |
| 53 | Bharathidasan University | Tiruchirappalli | INR 2,860 |
| 85 | Jain University | Bengaluru | INR 1.63 lac |
Master Algorithmic Trading Courses
Similar to bachelor’s degree programmes, at the master’s level, Algorithmic Trading is taught as a part of the regular degree programme. Subjects like Portfolio Management, Financial Derivatives, Investments, etc are a part of most Management degree programmes.
- The master’s degrees one can earn, while learning about Algorithmic Trading, is MBA, M.Com., Master of Financial Control etc.
- Admissions are done on a merit basis for most programmes.
- Candidates can enroll in add on courses to learn programming languages like Python or R to be able to work as Algorithmic Traders after graduation.
The average salary range of Master’s degree holders is INR 6 to 12 LPA.
Top PG Algorithmic Trading Courses
The master’s degree programmes one can choose to enroll into are as below.
| PG Course Name | Colleges Offering | Average Fees | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA |
|
2 years | |
| M.Com |
|
2 years | |
| MFC |
|
2 years | |
| M.Sc. Quantitative Finance | Pondicherry University | INR 26,218 | 2 years |
How to get admission in Master’s Algorithmic Trading Courses?
Admissions to master’s level courses in Algorithmic Trading are done through entrance examinations. Upon qualifying for the entrance examination round, further rounds are also held.
- The duration of masters-level programmes is 2 years.
- The popular national level entrance examinations are CAT, MAT, BHU PET, AUCET among others.
- Interviews are also held for candidates after the entrance examination.
Colleges offering Masters Algorithmic Trading Courses
NIRF prepares annual ranking lists for MHRD. The ranking list for the best universities in India found the above mentioned universities in the following ranks.
| NIRF University Ranking | Institute Name | Location | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University | New Delhi | INR 6 lac |
| 10 | Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | INR 12,000 |
| 15 | Birla Institute of Technology & Science | Pilani | INR 4.24 lac |
| 17 | Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | INR 2.96 lac |
| 19 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam | NA |
| 22 | University of Madras | Chennai | INR 5,305 |
| 23 | Kerala University | Thiruvananthapuram | INR 30,000 |
| 27 | University of Mysore | Mysuru | INR 56,550 |
| 58 | Pondicherry University | Puducherry | INR 26,218 |
Algorithmic Trading Course Job Profiles
Individuals with a passion for Trading are able to secure jobs in various positions. The popular job positions a graduate from Algorithm Trading courses can work in are as follows.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst’s main job responsibility to work out strategies for trading. They work with Mathematical experts to come out with the best viable models. They help build up portfolios for large scale organizations.
Starting Salary: INR 7 LPA
Skills Required:
- Communication skills
- Strong Mathematical and Quants knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Interpersonal skills
Algorithmic Trader
Algorithmic Traders are professionals in Data Programming and Algorithms who are hired to work in the financial industry. They formulate formulates and models to help make decisions on trade purchases and sales. Their work is required to be Mathematically accurate.
Starting Salary: INR 24 LPA
Skills Required:
- Patience and discipline
- Ability to work independently
- Flexible and adaptable to changes
- Strong research and analysis skills
Stock Broker
Stock Broker and Traders do not differ much in their job responsibilities however Stock Brokers are in direct contact with clients while Traders work primarily with the portfolio managers in investment firms.
Starting Salary: INR 4.85 LPA
Skills Required:
- Analytical bent of mind
- Calm disposition
- Patient
- Research skills
Trading Analyst
Trading Analysts study the financial markets and make decisions on which transactions to make to make the most profit. Transactions are to be done based on the real-time market data and financial reports.
Starting Salary: INR 3.13 LPA
Skills Required:
- Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Expert knowledge of financial markets
Equity Trader
Equity Traders are traders who deal in the buying and selling of equities. They deal with the debt capital market. They invest their client’s money in the equity capital markets in exchange for stocks in companies.
Starting Salary: INR 2.04 LPA
Skills Required:
- Client servicing skills
- Research skills
- Strong communication skills
- Expert knowledge of financial markets and instruments
What Skills are Required in Algorithmic Trading Course?
Algorithmic Trading requires individuals to possess extra skills that will help them perform well in their fields. These skills also add much value to the resume during a job search. The top skills are as follows.
Quantitative Finance
Quantitative Finance is a branch of Mathematics that is used to analyze large amounts of datasets. The analysis is done to identify patterns, make forecasts, and predictions to help in business decisions.
Top Quantitative Finance Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Technical Analysis | NY Institute of Finance, edX | 4 weeks | INR 22,070 |
| Algorithmic Trading & Quantitative Analysis Using Python | Udemy | 18 hour 22 mins | INR 3,200 |
| Finance & Quantitative Modeling for Analysts Specialization | University of Pennsylvania, Coursera | 4 months | Free |
| Quantitative Trading Analysis with R | Udemy | 7 hours 24 mins | INR 1,600 |
Quantitative Finance Syllabus
| Introduction | Time Value of Money |
| Discounted Cash Flow | Statistical Concepts and Market Returns |
| Probability | Common Probability Distributions |
| Hypothesis Testing | Sampling and Estimation |
| Technical Testing | Financial Analysis |
Quantitative Finance Job Profiles
- Quantitative Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Quantitative Strategist
- Quantitative Trader
Financial Trading
In simple words, Financial Trading refers to the buying and selling of financial instruments. This is done mainly to make a profit and have a source of income. Trading is done for shares, forex, derivatives, futures, options etc.
Top Financial Trading Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Options Trading for Rookies: Understand Options Completely80 | Udemy | 2 hours 17 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Fundamentals of Market Structure81 | NY Institute of Finance, edX | 1 week | Free/ INR 1,845 for a certificate |
| Comprehensive Guide to Financial Markets, Investing & Trading | Udemy | 9 hours 9 mins | INR 6,400 |
Financial Trading Syllabus
| Macro Finance and Money Flow | Financial Instruments and Asset Classes |
| Core Investment and Trading concepts | Investing in stocks (Equities) and related products |
| Mutual Funds | Exchange Traded Funds |
| Study of Technical Analysis and Trading styles | The Bonds market |
| Fixed Income | Investing in commodities and in Gold, Silver and Oil |
Financial Trading Job Profiles
- Financial Trader
- Day Trader
- Trading Specialist
- Equity Trader
Day Trading
Day Trading is the practice of buying and selling securities and other financial instruments on the same trading day. All buying and selling is done before the market closes for the day. This is done to avoid price gaps and other risks.
Top Day Trading Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trading and Swing Trading Strategies For Stocks | Udemy | 3 hours 23 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Day Trading Ninja: 12 Hours DIY Day Trading Strategy | Udemy | 12 hours 5 mins | INR 1,280 |
| Trading Strategies in Emerging Markets Specialization | ISB, Coursera | 6 months | Free Enrolment |
Day Trading Syllabus
| Introduction | What is Day Trading |
| Tools for Day Trading | Day Trading Strategies |
| Secrets for Day Trading | Stock Day Trading Discussion |
| Gold Day Trading | ETF Day Trading |
| Stock Day Trading | Forex Day Trading |
Day Trading Job Profiles
- Day Trader
- Trading Specialist
- Financial Trader
- Equity Trader
Derivatives
Derivatives are contracts between two parties from which its value is derived. The most popular derivatives are futures, options, swaps and forwards. The value of a derivative is obtained from the value of the instruments under it.
Top Derivatives Courses
| Course | Provider | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Derivatives: A Quantitative Finance View | Udemy | 25 hours 58 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Derivatives Markets: Advanced Modeling and Strategies | MIT, edX | 12 weeks | Free/ INR 33,216 for a certificate of completion |
| Unit: Options, swaps, futures, MBSs, CDOs, and other derivatives | Khan Market | NA | Monthly Subscription |
Derivatives Syllabus
| Interest Rates and Future Values | Compounding Conventions |
| Investment Return Measures | Interest Rate Conversions |
| Continuous Compounding | Time Value of Money |
| Arbitrage | Forwards, Futures and Swaps |
| Stochastic Processes and Asset Prices | Options |
Derivatives Job Profiles
- Derivatives Analyst
- Derivatives Trader
- Day Trader
- Financial Trader
Comparison of Online Algorithmic Trading Course, Fees and Rating
The best online courses from Algorithmic Trading are as follows.
| Course | Provider | Duration | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithmic Trading In Forex: Create Your First Forex Robot! | Udemy | 6 hours 26 mins | 4.6 |
| Machine Learning for Trading Specialization | Google Cloud, New York Institute of Finance, Coursera | 3 months | 3.8 |
| Trading Algorithms | ISB, Coursera | 12 hours | 4.6 |
| Mean Reversion Strategies In Python | QuantInsti | 7.5 hours | 4 |
| Algorithmic Trading & Quantitative Analysis Using Python | Udemy | 18 hours 22 mins | 4.6 |
| Electronic Trading in Financial Markets | NY Institute of Finance, edX | 4 weeks | NA |
| Financial Derivatives: A Quantitative Finance View | Udemy | 25 hours 58 mins | INR 8,640 |
| Day Trading Ninja: 12 Hours DIY Day Trading Strategy | Udemy | 12 hours 5 mins | INR 1,280 |
| Comprehensive Guide to Financial Markets, Investing & Trading | Udemy | 9 hours 9 mins | INR 6,400 |
| Quantitative Technical Analysis | NY Institute of Finance, edX | 4 weeks | INR 22,070 |
Comparison of Online Platforms offering Algorithmic Trading Course
There are a number of platforms that offer courses on Algorithmic Trading. The top two platforms are Coursera and Udemy. They have been compared below.
| Parameters | Udemy | Coursera |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Name | Algorithmic Trading In Forex: Create Your First Forex Robot! | Trading Algorithms95 |
| Fees | INR 8,640 | Free Enrolment |
| Student Rating | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Enrolment | 20,775 | 35,116 |
| Duration | 6 hours 26 mins | 12 hours |
| Created by | ForexBoat, Kirill Eremenko | ISB |
Algorithmic Trading Courses: FAQs
Ques. Can I learn Algorithmic Trading Courses Online?
Ans. Yes. Algorithmic Trading courses can be availed online.
Ques. Which is the best Free Online Algorithmic Trading Course platform in India?
Ans. There are a number of platforms that provide Algorithmic Trading courses in India. Some websites one can refer to are Udemy, edX, Coursera, etc.
Ques. What is the duration of an Algorithmic Trading Course?
Ans. The duration of Algorithmic Trading courses depends on the course chosen. Certificate courses can be completed in a few hours. While diploma and PG diploma courses take 1 year to 2 years. Bachelors and masters courses take 3 years and 2 years respectively to finish.
Ques. How much does it cost to do an Algorithmic Trading Course?
Ans. The fees for Algorithmic Trading courses differ from course to course. While most certificate courses are free of cost, diploma courses cost up to INR 1.5 lac. Bachelors degrees cost range from INR 2,800 to INR 1.63 lac and masters courses cost in the range of INR 5,300 to INR 6 lac.
Ques. Should I go for an Algorithmic Trading weekend course or should I look for a job and learn from the experience?
Ans. Organizations with open job positions in Algorithmic Trading look for candidates who have a background in the same field. For such jobs having a degree, diploma, or certificate in the same will help.
Ques. Is it worth pursuing an Algorithmic Trading Course?
Ans. Yes. It is definitely worth pursuing a course in Algorithmic Trading. One can use the skills to work in a full time capacity or as a passive earning mode.
Ques. What is the average salary after completing an Algorithmic Trading Course?
Ans. The average salary one can expect to earn in any job profile will depend on certain factors like the work experience and skill set of the candidate. However, statistically, the highest paid job profile is an Algorithmic Trader.
Ques. Do I get a scholarship to pursue Algorithmic Trading certifications?
Ans. Yes. Certain online course platforms do provide financial aid. One such platform is Coursera.
Comments