Quantitative Finance – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The first year consists of a well-structured course program concentrating 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.

Science Track This specialization focuses on preparing students for an academic career. Besides advanced courses in all major fields of finance and numerous electives, 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.

Industry Track This specialization focuses on students seeking a career as quants in the finance industry. Besides courses in the major applications, the program concentrates on combining financial models with computational skills. In the Industry Lab, students have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment, making use of WU´s numerous corporate partnerships.

Accreditation

The EQUIS accreditation is without a doubt WU’s most important international quality assurance standard. The limited circle of EQUIS accredited business schools includes only 130 universities in 36 countries (as of December 2010). WU is the largest of the EQUIS accredited schools in Europe, and one of only five accredited universities in the German-speaking world.

A clear mission statement and a modern and comprehensive selection of degree programs in line with the Bologna reform process convinced the EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development), the agency that grants EQUIS accreditation, that WU is worthy of this distinction. Quality and practical relevance of teaching, as well as the international orientation of the academic programs, were further criteria. Graduates’ qualifications and research activities were also evaluated, and all of these aspects, together with WU’s continuing education program portfolio, formed the basis for the panel’s positive decision.

EQUIS accreditation and the quality control process preceding it have added to WU’s reputation both in Austria and abroad. To meet the quality regulations, WU is subject to continuous and comprehensive quality assurance procedures. Important criteria for these procedures include:

› The university’s strategic development

› Internationalization

› Connections to the business community

› Quality management

AMBA (Association of MBAs) is one of the world’s leading accreditation agencies, alongside renowned institutions such as EQUIS, AACSB and FIBAA. AMBA’s prestigious quality assurance goes only to MBA and DBA programs that fulfill AMBA’s high standards.

All of WU Executive Academy’s MBA programs are AMBA accredited:

• Executive MBA (Vienna)
• Executive MBA (Bucharest)
• Executive MBA (PGM Vienna)
• Professional MBA

Currently, only 161 business schools in 72 countries (as of October 2010) have received AMBA accreditation. WU is one of only three AMBA accredited universities in the German-speaking world.