GRA 6563 Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance (18 ECTS)

GRA 6563 Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance (18 ECTS)

Course code: 
GRA 6563
Department: 
Finance
Credits: 
18
Course coordinator: 
Costas Xiouros
Course name in Norwegian: 
Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance (18 ECTS)
Product category: 
Master
Portfolio: 
MSc in Quantitative Finance
Semester: 
2022 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Master
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

This course, Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance (18 ECTS), is part of the +1 Model for MSc in Quantitative Finance.

The project can be done individually or in groups of two students and must be written in English.

Through the process of the master project, students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their MSc studies in conducting a scientifically-based research task.

The objective of the master project is to have the student(s) investigate independently a research question within the field of Quantitative Finance through either

  • an empirical investigation of an existing quantitative model or method
  • applying an existing quantitative model, method, or approach to a new application in finance
  • developing a new quantitative model or method for solving a financial problem
Learning outcomes - Knowledge

At the end of the master project, students should demonstrate that they have in­depth knowledge of the theories, models and methods used in their project area.

Learning outcomes - Skills

In the master project, the student should demonstrate their analytical and quantitative skills through

  • formulating a clear research question or problem
  • collecting and critically reviewing relevant literature
  • applying or developing an appropriate methodology for the problem at hand
  • proficiency in academic writing, and communicate research results
General Competence

Through the process of working on and writing the report of the master project, the students should demonstrate the capability of providing a practical solution to a finance problem using quantitative methods, with a deep understanding of the applicability and limitations of the proposed solution as well as other existing methods and approaches.

Course content

-

Teaching and learning activities

There is no instruction. The project is supervised by a faculty member, whether the course responsible, the Associate Dean, or a faculty member who is related to the field of Quantitative Finance.

The project can be done over one year or six months, depending on the study plan and the choice of the student. Students are expected to work throughout the duration of the project, whether this is one semester or one year, through different activities such as

  • Project seminars - up to 3 hours
  • Supervision – up to 6 hours per group
  • Other activities organized to support the process

If the choice is to do the project over one semester, it is advisable that the students identify and discuss the research question prior to the beginning of the semester.

The project has two parts: A preliminary report that counts for 20% where the students identify a research question, review the relevant literature, and propose an appropriate methodology. The second part is the final report which counts for 80% where the students complete the project with the analysis, discussion, and conclusions. 

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Additional information

The structure of the project report should be aligned with the norms of the field of study and, thus, must be discussed with your supervisor/Associate Dean.

Qualifications

All courses in the Masters programme will assume that students have fulfilled the admission requirements for the programme. In addition, courses in second, third and/or fourth semester can have spesific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Covid-19 

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there may be deviations in teaching and learning activities as well as exams, compared with what is described in this course description.

Teaching 

Information about what is taught on campus and other digital forms will be presented with the lecture plan before the start of the course each semester.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Weight: 
20
Grouping: 
Group/Individual (1 - 2)
Duration: 
1 Semester(s)
Comment: 
Preliminary report
Exam code: 
GRA65632
Grading scale: 
Point scale leading to ECTS letter grade
Resit: 
Examination when next scheduled course
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Weight: 
80
Grouping: 
Group/Individual (1 - 2)
Duration: 
1 Semester(s)
Comment: 
Final project report
Exam code: 
GRA65632
Grading scale: 
Point scale leading to ECTS letter grade
Resit: 
All components must, as a main rule, be retaken during next scheduled course
Type of Assessment: 
Continuous assessment
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Seminar groups
3 Hour(s)
Feedback activities and counselling
6 Hour(s)
Group work / Assignments
471 Hour(s)
Sum workload: 
480

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore acourse of 18 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 480 hours.