A curriculum that combines financial insight with quantitative precision
The Quantitative Finance specialisation within the MSc Econometrics and Management Science prepares you to analyse and solve complex financial problems using advanced econometric techniques. You will study the mathematical and statistical foundations of modern finance and apply them to areas such as asset pricing, derivatives, portfolio management, and risk analysis.
Programme structure
The programme consists of seven core courses, a seminar, and a master’s thesis.
- Core courses cover both financial theory and econometric methods. You will explore topics such as time series modelling, Bayesian techniques, and machine learning, alongside key areas in finance including asset pricing, derivatives, and risk management.
- Seminar (Financial Case Studies) is a team-based project in collaboration with financial institutions. You will work on a real-world research problem from start to finish, under joint supervision from faculty and industry professionals.
- Master thesis is written individually in the final blocks and may be theoretical or practice-oriented. Many students combine their thesis with an internship or traineeship.
Curriculum overview
- 35% Asset and Derivative Pricing
- 15% Risk Management
- 15% Portfolio Management
- 35% Econometrics
The exact composition depends on your course selection.
In class
You will work on applied projects that reflect the challenges faced by today’s financial institutions. For example:
How can we improve investment strategies or manage financial risk?
In the seminar, past student projects have included:
- Developing high-frequency trading strategies using limit order book data
- Designing hedging strategies for interest rate risk in corporate bonds
- Advising pension funds on asset allocation in low-interest environments
- Identifying profitable investment strategies in commodity markets
You will develop models, analyse data, and present findings that are both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
Study schedule
| period | course name | EC |
|---|---|---|
| block1 | Take-Off Master | 0 ec |
| block1 | Asset Pricing (QF variant) | 4 ec |
| block1 | Financial Derivatives | 4 ec |
| block1 | Bayesian Econometrics in Finance or Machine Learning in Econometrics | 4 ec |
| block2 | Quantitative Methods in Fixed Income | 4 ec |
| block2 | Advanced Time Series Econometrics | 4 ec |
| block2 | Portfolio Management | 4 ec |
| block3 | Quantitative Risk Management | 4 ec |
| block3+4 | Seminar Financial Case Studies | 12 ec |
| block4 | Master's Thesis Proposal E&MS | 4 ec |
| block4+5 | Master's Thesis Quantitative Finance | 16 ec |
| total | 60 ec | |
Disclaimer
This overview provides a general impression of the 2027-2028 curriculum. It is not the current study schedule. Enrolled students can find the most up-to-date version on MyEUR. Please note that minor changes may occur in future academic years.