This English-taught master's programme builds advanced knowledge of how financial markets operate and equips you with the quantitative skills employers in the finance sector require. Coursework spans theoretical foundations of financial markets, derivative pricing, corporate finance, and approaches to modeling risk and uncertainty. Practical training in numerical techniques and a structured introduction to empirical methods prepare you to apply theory to real-world data and problems.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing on modules from Economics, Business Administration, Statistics and Econometrics, and Mathematics to give a broad but rigorous grounding in both quantitative finance and financial economics. You will also have opportunities to engage with current research through specialised seminars, ensuring exposure to cutting-edge developments in the field. Elective options from other areas of economics enable you to tailor your studies and broaden your career-relevant skills.
Overall, the programme is designed to offer a solid platform for careers across the finance industry — from risk management and trading to quantitative analysis and corporate finance — while also providing a foundation for further academic research.
Requirements / programme components
The Master's curriculum is divided into seven parts combining core compulsory classes, elective specialisations, a seminar, an optional supplementary subject and a Master's thesis. The standard duration of study is four semesters. Core coursework focuses on financial economics, mathematical finance, econometrics and statistics, and every student must complete a seminar paper in addition to the Master's thesis.
Students choose from two elective directions—Mathematical Finance and Financial Economics & Corporate Finance—with flexible ECTS ranges to tailor depth and breadth. A broad selection of specialised courses is regularly available, many delivered in cooperation with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, giving exposure to active research topics in economics.
There are two formats for the Master's thesis: a 30‑ECTS thesis (six months processing time) or an 18‑ECTS thesis (15 weeks processing time), in which case two additional modules must also be completed. Seminar work and the thesis together develop students’ ability to conduct independent empirical or theoretical research in quantitative finance.
Important documentation:
This master’s programme requires a completed undergraduate university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) and a solid foundation in both economics and quantitative methods. Your prior degree should normally have a standard duration of at least three years and must account for at least 180 ECTS credit points in total. The programme is also open to applicants from closely related fields such as mathematics, physics or computer science, provided you can demonstrate a clear interest in financial topics.
To verify the content and comparability of your prior studies you must submit an official module manual (syllabus/handbook) in German or English. If an official manual is not available, approved module descriptions issued by your institution are acceptable. To reduce paperwork you may instead provide a link to an official online handbook. The programme website also offers an optional entry-level self-test to help you assess the required background knowledge, and a list of recommended literature—check the programme pages for those resources and complete details.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 August 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
1 February 2027
Graduates are prepared for quantitative roles in the finance industry such as quantitative analyst, risk manager, derivative trader, portfolio manager or data scientist in banks, hedge funds, asset management firms, fintech companies and regulatory institutions. The strong training in econometrics, numerical methods and financial theory also provides a solid foundation for academic research or doctoral studies in finance or economics.
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