Credit Risk Beginner 7 min

Credit Scoring with ML: A Structured Introduction

Machine learning methods applied to credit scoring have shifted from theoretical research to standard practice. The models in this program reflect that shift — built from data patterns, validated on real portfolios, and interpreted with tools that regulators and risk teams actually use.

5 weeks duration
22! seats left
4.5 / 5 avg rating (105 reviews)
Credit Scoring with ML: A Structured Introduction program cover
890 CAD
Includes all datasets, code templates, and instructor feedback sessions
enroll now
only 22 spots remaining
format Beginner
duration 5 weeks
category Credit Risk
reading time 7 min
price 890 CAD

about this program

Most introductory ML courses use image classification or text tasks. Credit scoring is different: the data is tabular, the class imbalance is severe, and the output must be defensible to non-technical stakeholders.

Starting from scratch

The first two weeks assume only spreadsheet-level familiarity with data. You will set up a working Python environment, load a loan dataset, and train a logistic regression model before the end of day one.

Explanations focus on intuition before math. Concepts like entropy, odds ratios, and ROC curves are introduced through examples drawn from lending, not abstract toy problems.

Building toward something real

By week four, you will have a complete scoring pipeline: data cleaning, feature selection, model training, and a simple scorecard that can be handed to a credit policy team.

A logistic regression scorecard built carefully often outperforms a complex model built carelessly. Simplicity is not a limitation here.

Support and feedback

Weekly live Q&A sessions with the instructor. Code submissions are reviewed with written feedback, not just automated test results. Progress is tracked through mini-projects, not multiple-choice quizzes.

4.5
based on 105 reviews
what you receive
  • certificate of completion
  • model code and datasets
  • access to Q&A sessions
  • peer review exercises

program curriculum

structured by topic period and learning outcome

foundation
Credit data fundamentals
Working with bureau data, application data, and behavioural variables. Data quality checks and missing-value treatment.
Variable selection and encoding
Weight of evidence encoding, information value, coarse classification — the tooling that still dominates production environments.
model development
Logistic regression as baseline
Why lasso-regularised logistic regression remains a strong default. Scorecard conversion and odds calibration.
Gradient boosting for scoring
XGBoost and LightGBM applied to imbalanced credit datasets. Hyperparameter search without data leakage.
Survival models and through-the-door populations
Handling sample bias from reject inference. Survival analysis for time-to-default outcomes.
validation and deployment
Model performance metrics
Gini coefficient, KS statistic, PSI, and the distinction between discrimination and calibration in regulatory contexts.
Explainability with SHAP
Producing audit-ready explanations for decisions made by tree ensembles. SHAP values in practice, not just theory.
Monitoring and drift detection
Tracking population stability post-deployment. Triggers for model rebuild vs recalibration.
  1. Python for Credit Analysts

    Week 1

    Environment setup, pandas basics, loading and inspecting a loan portfolio dataset.

  2. Understanding the Target Variable

    Week 2

    Defining default, handling class imbalance with SMOTE and cost-sensitive learning.

  3. Logistic Regression Scorecards

    Week 3

    Odds scaling, point allocation, interpreting coefficients in credit terms.

  4. Model Validation

    Week 4

    Gini, KS statistic, lift curves, out-of-time validation strategy.

  5. Presenting to Stakeholders

    Week 5

    Building a one-page model summary, explaining decisions without technical jargon, documentation templates.

questions? write to [email protected]

ready to work with REAL scoring data?

The program runs on actual credit portfolio datasets under controlled conditions. You leave with code, documentation, and a validated model — not slides. Enrolment closes when seats fill.

duration 5 weeks
22 seats remaining
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