Structure
The curriculum builds quantitative skills, and simultaneously develops the underlying finance theory. The quantitative component draws on applied mathematics, computer science and statistics - and emphasizes stochastic calculus, numerical methods and simulation techniques ; some programs also focus on econometrics / time series analysis . The theory component usually includes a formal study of financial economics, addressing asset pricing and financial markets; some programs may also include general coverage of economics, accounting, corporate finance and portfolio management . The components are then integrated, addressing the modelling, valuation and hedging of equity derivatives, commodity derivatives, Foreign exchange derivatives, and fixed income instruments and their related credit- and interest rate derivatives. Some programs also cover quantitative portfolio management and construction . See List of finance topics: Financial mathematics.
The title of the degree will depend on emphasis, the major differences between programs being the curriculum’s distribution between mathematical theory, quantitative techniques and financial applications . The more theoretically oriented degrees are usually termed “Masters in Mathematical Finance” or “Masters in Financial Mathematics” while those oriented toward practice are termed “Masters in Financial Engineering” (MFE or MSFE), “Masters in Computational Finance” (MCF or MSCF), or sometimes, simply "Masters in Finance" (MFin). “Masters in Quantitative Finance” is the more general degree title, although "MQF" degrees are often less theoretical. The practice oriented programs are often positioned as professional degrees (and in the United States, are sometimes offered as Professional Science Masters ).
The program is usually one to one and a half years in duration, and may additionally include a thesis component. Entrance requirements are generally multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and some exposure to computer programming (usually C++) ; programs emphasizing financial mathematics may require some background in Measure theory.
Read more about this topic: Master Of Quantitative Finance
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