Master of Science in Financial Economics – SMU

The complexities of the modern financial industry and its global linkages have multiplied rapidly over the last decade, producing many new challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the challenge faced by financial managers in fathoming the implications of new economic policies and regulations and new financial products has become increasingly daunting. On the other hand, a vast array of novel modelling, forecasting and surveillance methods has been developed in financial theory and econometrics to address these challenges. It is therefore important to equip talented professionals with the most advanced tools of economic theory, financial econometrics and computational methods to study the manifold problems faced by the financial industry.

The proposed Master of Science in Financial Economics (MSFE) programme addresses the need for a rigorous curriculum linking economics and econometrics to finance. The MSFE programme aims to combine two central strengths of SMU – econometrics and finance – in a programme that meets the loud industry demand for professionals with the skills for deep analysis of increasingly complex financial problems in a new era of dynamic policy and regulation. The proposed full-time degree programme will impart the foundational knowledge in economics and econometrics and the domain knowledge of the workings of the financial markets.

The programme will teach students how to apply the most advanced tools in economics and econometrics to finance. Its primary strength draws on the inherent multidisciplinary nature of the programme involving faculty with expertise in economics, econometrics and finance, thereby generating a unique “transformational” learning experience for students. Going with the theme of any coveted SMU degree and leveraging on its key geographic location, this programme will provide excellent networking opportunities. The possibility of academic and industry seminars for students with applied and research tracks will provide an ideal springboard for the technically sound but market orientated professionals.

The MSc in Financial Economics (MSFE) programme is a rigorous multi-disciplinary programme that gives you in-depth understanding of financial markets and their interaction with the macroeconomy backed by strong econometrics training for analysing economic and financial data.

Programme Modules

The MSFE is a 10cu (credit unit) full time programme, comprising 7cu Core and 3cu Elective.

CORE COURSES (PROGRAMME, UNITS):

• FOUNDATIONS IN ECONOMICS (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• ECONOMETRICS ANALYSIS (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• FINANCIAL ECONOMETRICS (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• NUMERICAL METHODS FOR ECONOMICS & FINANCE (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS)
• EMPIRICAL FINANCE (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• MICROECONOMICS ANALYSIS (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• MACROECONOMICS ANALYSIS (MSFE, 1 UNIT)
• CORPORATE FINANCE (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS)
• ECONOMETRICS I (PhD Econ, 1 UNIT)

SPECIALISATION ELECTIVES (PROGRAMME, UNITS)TRACK

• FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS) APPLIED
• ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT (MSFE, 0.5 UNTIS)APPLIED
• INTRODUCTION TO HEDGE FUNDS AND QUANTITATIVE STRATEGIES (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS) APPLIED
• DERIVATIVE SECURITIES (MSFE, 0.5 UNIT) RESEARCH
• MATHEMATics OF FIXED INCOME (MSFE/MSE, 0.5 UNITS) APPLIED AND RESEARCH
• PORTFOLIO RISK & PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS)APPLIED
• STATISTICAL LEARNING IN FINANCE (MSFE, 0.5 UNITS)APPLIED AND RESEARCH
• COMPUTATIONAL MACROECONOMICS (MSE, 0.5 UNITS)
• MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS & POLICY (MSE, 0.5 UNITS)
• MACROECONOMICS I (PhD Econ, 1 UNITS)
• ADVANCED TOPICS IN TIME SERIES ECONOMETRICS (PhD Econ, 0.5 UNITS)
• ADVANCED TOPICS IN MACROECONOMICS (PhD Econ, 0.5 UNITS)

• Good Bachelor’s degree
  Economics, related fields (finance, business etc) or technical fields (statistics, mathematics, engineering etc)
• Good score in GMAT/GRE*
• Good TOEFL or IELTS (required if your first degree was not taught in English)
• Good reference letters (2)
• Presonal statement
  Include CV with your application

*GRE/GMAT requirement waived for: –

SMU alumni with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or above, within 5 years of graduation
SUTD alumni with CGPA 3.5/5.0 or above, within 5 years of graduation.

The GRE/GMAT is strongly recommended.  However, if you have not taken the GRE or GMAT tests, you may wish to consider taking the SMU Admissions Test. It is an online test comprising three components: verbal, numerical, and inductive reasoning. Completing the three components will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

School of Economics
Singapore Management University
90 Stamford Road
Singapore 178903

Tel: +65 6828 0239 / +65 6828 0829
Email: soephd@smu.edu.sg