Master's degree in Quantitative Methods in Finance

General Objectives of the Course

The complexity of financial markets demands nowadays advanced quantitative techniques where Mathematics plays a determinant role. The financial institutions (public and private) hire professionals with background in Mathematics (in particular Statistics and Optimization) capable of addressing the various quantitative challenges related to handling and analysis of information and the decision support. The Master Program in Quantitative Methods in Finance tries to fill the demand of this type of qualifications.

It aims at
(1) teaching a large spectrum of knowledge in the area of Mathematics essential for tasks like pricing financial derivatives, managing risk, analyzing financial series, and selecting portfolios, and
(2) articulating this learning process, in an appropriate way, with the study of the mechanics of financial markets and financial derivatives markets.

Admission Requirements

The Master Program in Quantitative Methods in Finance aims at attracting essentially:
1) Professionals employed in the financial industry with initial background in Economics, Management, or Engineering (BS or master levels).
2) Recently graduated (BS degree) in the areas of fundamental sciences (Mathematics and Physics) or in the areas of Economics and Management.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

The interdisciplinary character of this master program leads to a number of qualifications, theoretical and practical, in the areas of Mathematics, Economics, and Finance, which then allow different perspectives for the interpretation, analysis, and decision making that occur in Financial Markets.
Thus, the current master program trains or contributes for the training of:
- Quantitative analysts with solid knowledge in the referred areas and the ability of develop work in investment banks, consulting and auditing companies, pension funds, markets, and insurance companies,
- Researchers with potential to innovate and create in Mathematical problems related to Economics and Finance.

Mode of Study

Face-to-face, daytime

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

It is expected that throughout the study program students develop skills that allow them to:
a) Solve problems in new and unfamiliar situations, in broad multidisciplinary contexts, even if related to their area of study;
b) Address complex issues, devise solutions or make assessments in situations in which information is limited or incomplete, and reflect on the implications and ethical and social responsibilities that result from or affect these solutions and assessments;
c) Communicate their conclusions, knowledge, and underlying thought processes, both to experts and non-experts, in a clear and unambiguous way;
d) Demonstrate willingness to continue learning throughout their professional lives.
It is also expected that students develop independent research activity through a Project, which should translate into the consolidation of professional skills in the area of Quantitative Finance.

Course Coordinator(s)

Hélder Miguel Correia Virtuoso Sebastião
helderse@fe.uc.pt

José Luís Esteves dos Santos
zeluis@mat.uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

Daniel Alexandre Peralta Marques Pinto
dpinto@mat.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

The completion of the Master's degree requires 90 ECTS, according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Access to Further Studies

Doctoral level.

Study Programme

Quantitative Methods in Finance

Academic year
2024-2025

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Lifelong Learning Master Programme

DGES Code: 6732

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 3 Semester(s)

ECTS Credits: 90.0

Category: Lifelong training second cycle


Applications

Call for Applications


Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior
2020-07-31 a 2026-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior

Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1580/2011/AL01

2021-05-18

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