Program Structure & Schedule

To succeed in this challenging program, you should be a highly qualified student with a bachelor or equivalent degree in a relevant subject. In particular, we expect participants to have had profound training at an undergraduate level in the fields of linear algebra (e.g., eigenvectors and eigenvalues), analysis (including multivariable calculus and simple ODEs) and probability (e.g., conditional expectation).

► Curriculum
► Selection procedure
► Brochure

► Preparatory Courses
► Industry Labs
► Research Seminar

Fall 2011
► 1st Year Schedule
► 2nd Year Schedule
wu-trennlinie.jpg

FIRST YEAR

The first year concentrates on the basics common to all specializations in quantitative finance. The courses cover mathematics, probability, statistics, and computing, and prepare students for subsequent courses on stochastic calculus and financial econometrics. Introductory courses in finance, microeconomics and related subjects like optimization and game theory complete this phase of the program.

1st YEAR

BASICS

   
 

1st year schedule—Fall 2011

   

1st Semester

Y1P1

ECTS

Hours

Phase 1
(Oct-Nov)
Mathematics 1
Principles of Finance
Computing
5
4
5
2
2
2
 

Y1P2

   

Phase 2
(Dec-Jan)
Probability
Financial Markets and Instruments
Statistics 1
5
4
5
2
2
2

2nd Semester

Y1P3

   

Phase 3
(Mar-Apr)
Mathematics 2
Optimization
Statistics 2
5
5
5
2
2
2
 

Y1P4

   

Phase 4
(May-Jun)
Continous Time Finance 1
Microeconomics
Econometrics
4
4
5
2
2
2

SECOND YEAR

The second year starts with advanced courses in major fields of finance common for all students, before addressing the individual topics of each specialization, Science Track and Idustry Track.

The Science Track prepares students for an academic career, while the Industry track focuses on students seeking a career as quants in the finance industry and concentrates on combining financial models with computational skills.

2nd YEAR

ADVANCED

   
 

2nd year schedule—Fall 2011

   

Y2CO

COMMON OBLIGATORY COURSES

ECTS

HOURS


Asset Pricing
Corporate Finance
Financial Econometrics
Game Theory
6
6
4
4
2
2
2
2

2nd YEAR

SPECIALIZATION SCIENCE TRACK

   


Besides the electives preparing students for an academic career, the special emphasis is placed on academic literature research and scientific writing. Attendance of a weekly research seminar held by the Vienna Graduate School of Finance (VGSF) also gives students the opportunity to participate in the Department's productive research atmosphere.

    

Y2STO

Science Track Obligatory Courses

ECTS

HOURS

 
Continous Time Finance 2
Finance Paper Reading and Writing
Finance Research Seminar
4
8
4
2
2
4

Y2STE

Science Track Electives (total required: 8 ECTS)

ECTS

HOURS

 
Advanced Topics in Asset Pricing
Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance
Advanced Topics in Financial Econometrics
Advanced Topics in Computing
Advanced Topics in Financial Economics
4
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
2

2nd YEAR

SPECIALIZATION INDUSTRY TRACK

   
 

In this specialization Industry Labs give the students the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment and making use of WU’s numerous corporate partnerships.

    

Y2ITO

Industry Track Obligatory Courses

ECTS

HOURS

 
Advanced Topics in Computing
Industry Lab
4
8
2
4

Y2ITE

Industry Track Electives (total required: 12 ECTS)

ECTS

HOURS

 
Advanced Topics in Asset Pricing
Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance
Advanced Topics in Financial Econometrics
Financial Engineering
Portfolio Management
Risk Management
4
4
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2