GRA 6563 Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance
GRA 6563 Master Project - MSc in Quantitative Finance
The objective of the master project is to provide the opportunity to the students to investigate independently a question or real-life problem, within the field of Quantitative Finance, and propose a solution through appropriate research. 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 and delve deeper into a specific topic. The project can either be a mini-thesis or a consultancy project.
At the end of the master project, students will demonstrate in depth knowledge of the theories, models, and methods in the project area. Further, the students are expected to acquire industry-specific knowledge, related to the problem at hand, and the common tools being used to address it.
In the master project, the students will acquire analytical and quantitative skills relevant to the problem investigated, through
- formulating a clear research question or problem
- collecting and critically reviewing relevant literature
- obtaining or developing and applying an appropriate methodology for the problem at hand, in relation to digital skills, data management, modeling, and data analysis
- proficiency in academic writing, and communicating research results
Through the process of working on and writing the report of the master project, the students will acquire the ability to independently investigate and provide a practical and sustainable solution to a finance problem using quantitative methods and analysis, and critically evaluating the applicability and limitations of the proposed solution, as well as other existing methods and approaches.
The master project can be either a
- mini-thesis, in which the students are expected to conduct scientifically-based research, or a
- consultancy project, in which the students are given the opportunity to conduct appropriate research and recommend a solution to a real quantitative finance problem for a company or public entity.
The mini-thesis can be
- 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
Students that wish to do a consultancy project are typically expected to find it on their own, which then needs to be approved by the teacher. In some cases, the teacher may be able to propose a consultancy project. The consultancy project might require a presentation of the results to the company or public entity for which it is done, even though the presentation will not be graded.
The master project can be done individually or in groups of two students and must be written in English.
There is no instruction. The project, whether a mini-thesis or consultancy 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.
Each student group is eligible for up to 6 hours of supervision.
The project has two parts: A preliminary report that counts for 30% 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 70% where the students complete the project with the analysis, discussion, and conclusions.
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.
The exam for this course has been changed starting academic year 2023/2024. The course now has two exam codes instead of one. It is not possible to retake the old version of the exam. Please note new exam codes in the Exam section of the course description.
Honour Code
Academic honesty and trust are important to all of us as individuals, and represent values that are encouraged and promoted by the honour code system. This is a most significant university tradition. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the ideals of the honour code system, to which the faculty are also deeply committed. Any violation of the honour code will be dealt with in accordance with BI’s procedures for cheating. These issues are a serious matter to everyone associated with the programs at BI and are at the heart of the honour code and academic integrity. If you have any questions about your responsibilities under the honour code, please ask.
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 specific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.
Disclaimer
Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.
| Assessments |
|---|
Exam category: Submission Form of assessment: Written submission Weight: 30 Grouping: Group/Individual (1 - 2) Duration: 1 Semester(s) Comment: Preliminary report Exam code: GRA 65633 Grading scale: ECTS Resit: Examination when next scheduled course |
Exam category: Submission Form of assessment: Written submission Weight: 70 Grouping: Group/Individual (1 - 2) Duration: 1 Semester(s) Comment: Final project report Exam code: GRA 65634 Grading scale: ECTS Resit: Examination when next scheduled course |
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
| Activity | Duration | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Seminar groups | 3 Hour(s) | |
Feedback activities and counselling | 6 Hour(s) | |
Group work / Assignments | 471 Hour(s) |
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.