Quantitative Finance (Finance)
The study programme
In the Quantitative Finance track, you learn mathematical models for security and derivative prices. As well as how to apply computing and big data analysis to finance. The track focuses on investment management roles that require a strong mathematical background and computer programming skills. You are required to learn computer programming with Python in this track, but no prior background is required.
The programme
During your Master's you will follow 6 general courses and 4 track-specific courses. You will finish with a thesis. If you have a drive to enhance the adoption of sustainability in finance, you can participate in our Honours programme.
COURSES
SEMESTER 1
SEMESTER 2
EC
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Advanced Corporate FinancePeriod 15
This course offers you a rich blend of lectures, guest lectures from industry representatives, readings, exercises and cases in the area of corporate finance. You will cover topics such as corporate investment strategies, corporate governance, bankruptcy, equity offerings, and mergers and acquisitions, all while discussing state-of-the-art research methodologies. You will extend your theoretical framework as well as understand how these theories are implemented in the real business world.
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Financial MarketsPeriod 15
This course provides you with a hands-on treatment of the field of market microstructure - the area of finance that studies price formation in securities markets.
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Applied Financial EconometricsPeriod 1Period 25
In this course you expand your knowledge about regression analysis applied to finance topics, a powerful tool in empirical finance for analysing empirical relationships. You will review estimation and testing of the basic linear regression model and subsequently will focus on various applications and extensions of the basic model.
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Computational FinancePeriod 25
In this course you will be familiarised with the Python programming language and its ecosystem. You will be able to use this knowledge to solve problems in risk management and derivatives pricing. Topics that will be covered are, e.g. programming basics, handling data, basics of risk management and derivatives pricing.
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Restricted-choice electivesPeriod 25
Choose 1 out of 2 courses: Advanced Investments or Derivatives.
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Empirical Methods in FinancePeriod 35
In this course you will focus on the current statistical methodology used in empirical work and the practical implementation of data analysis using STATA. You will attend methodology lectures on how to use the university’s databases and tutorials in which you present and receive feedback on empirical group assignments. Also you will write a first thesis proposal.
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Thesis Seminar FinancePeriod 43
This course prepares you for writing your Master's thesis. It brings you up-to-date knowledge and professional skills. Also, you will learn how to acquire a critical view on your own work and that of fellow students. In the course you will develop your thesis plan as well as learn to present, discuss and referee other’s work.
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Restricted-choice electivesPeriod 410
Choose 2 out of 3 courses: Behavioural Finance, Advanced Risk Management or Quantitative Finance and Algorithmic Trading.
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Restricted-choice electivesPeriod 52
Choose 1 out of 2 courses: Ethics and Professional Skills in Finance or Sustainable Finance.
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Master's ThesisPeriod 4Period 5Period 615
The academic programme culminates in a thesis, which allows you to engage with state-of-the-art data analysis and statistical techniques. The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your field of choice (track) that you are enthusiastic about, and allows you to do an independent research project in Finance. A professor of your track will supervise and support you in writing your thesis.
Compulsory course
Elective
Specialisation
Honours programme: A Sustainable Perspective on Finance
The Honours programme is designed for students with excellent analytical and leadership abilities, and a fundamental passion to enhance the adoption of sustainability in finance. It is a challenging programme and a great way to stand out for future employers. The programme must be finished in 1.5 years, and includes 3 additional courses: Sustainable Finance, Honours Course on Impact Investing, and an elective course (Corporate Governance, Advanced Investments, or Financial Regulation).
Copyright: iStock-1292653388-Halyna Kabanets
The programme applies what we learned to real life cases, for example an assignment from KPMG about merger and acquisition.Read about Huang's experiences with this Master's
Real-life Case: Construct a Quantitative Trading Strategy
Students construct their own hedge fund-style trading strategy with the goal of earning positive alpha (i.e., generating investment returns that exceed the broad stock market after adjusting for risk). Students select their own stocks and choose the timing of their stock purchases and sales, using stock price data on a wide range of Dutch, Belgian, and French firms since 1990. During in-class presentations students pitch their ideas and try to convince an investment committee to include the strategy in its current portfolio. Current stock price data is also used to evaluate how well each strategy performs out-of-sample.
Copyright: EB
'The lecturers are very good and try to engage with the student in every way'Vera Scholten - student Read Vera’s full review
Frequently asked questions
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When do I need to select a specialisation track?
A specialisation track must be chosen when applying for the Master’s programme. However, track modifications are still possible until late October. The criteria for all tracks are identical and do not impact the likelihood of being accepted into the programme.
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How many students are in the programme?
Our Master’s programme is selective and only admits around 40 students per specialisation track.
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What are the weekly contact hours?
Most courses have one 2-3 hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial per week. Generally students take 3 courses at a time, so count on about 12-15 contact hours per week.
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Will all lectures be held in person, or will there be options for online attendance?
Our preference is for in-person lectures. Certain sessions may be pre-recorded or follow a hybrid format. This entails preparing for Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions through video clips and readings, with subsequent discussions during meetings.
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Is attendance compulsory for lectures, tutorials, and other sessions?
Attendance is usually not compulsory for lectures, but commonly for tutorials and other sessions. Students greatly benefit from being present and engaging in discussions with both the instructor and their classmates.
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What is the typical method of assessment for most courses?
The majority of courses have a written on-site exam, which counts for a large percentage of the final grade. Most courses have additional assessment methods, including oral presentations, developing research proposals, conducting experiments and writing up results. Finally, some courses grade attendance, which is reflected by presence and activity in tutorials and online assignments.