Computational Finance
Master's Degree Programme
Computational Finance is a Master's Degree Programme organised by Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa. The programme aims to provide a high quality Master of Science degree of a high international standard that will give the students the required knowledge in order to meet the quantitative computational challenges of the future.
Introduction to the Computational Finance Program, Monday September 14, 2009, at 2:00 pm in room 235.
Individual Computaional Finance courses
Studyplan for M.Sc. Program in Computaional Finance, 2008 to 2010 [pdf] 13k
Studyplan for M.Sc. Program in Computational Finance, 2009 to 2011 [pdf] 8k
Programme Structure
The two-year programme consists of 120 ECTS credits and leads to a Master of Science degree.
The Curriculum of the Computational Finance programme features a unique combination of courses that provide a solid foundation in finance at an advanced quantitative level, plus training in the essential core knowledge and skills in information technology.
Programme core courses (66 ECTS):
- Advanced Financial Theory
- Research Methods in Finance
- Financial Modeling Using VBA and Excel
- Research Seminars in Computational Finance
- Master of Science Thesis
Programme specific courses (24 ECTS):
- Mathematics of Financial Derivatives
- Financial Time Series Analysis
- Professional English and Academic Writing
A sample of electives (24 ECTS):
- Quantitative Financial Economics
- Volatility Modeling and Empirical Methods in Finance
- International Asset Pricing
- Commercial Banking
You are of course welcome to choose any of the courses that Hanken offers. 6 credits of language studies are also included in the degree.
Faculty and Partners
Professor Johan Knif , Hanken, Program coordinator
Professor Kenneth Högholm, Hanken
Professor Seppo Pynnönen, University of Vaasa
Professor Eva Liljeblom, Hanken
Professor Gregory Koutmos, Fairfield University, USA
Professor James Kolari, Texas A&M University, USA
Professor Alan Reichert, Cleveland State University, USA
Senior Lecturer Tua Ericsson-Knif, Hanken
Assistant Professor Ihsan Ullah Badshah, Hanken
Career Paths
The programme in Computational Finance provides a good basis for a career in the international finance industry. Today, alumni of the programme are working in central banks, commercial banks, fund management companies, and in financial departments of larger international companies. Some of the alumni have even started their own business. Numerous alumni have continued their academic career with PhD studies in Finance.
As a student at Hanken you will also have the opportunity take full advantage of the services provided by our Career and Recruitment Services, Ekonomforum . Ekonoforum gives you assistance when you are looking for an internship or need career guidance. Through Ekonomforum you can also get involved in Hanken's mentorship programme.
Student and Alumni Experiences
Ishaq Rauf
Programme: Computational Finance
Degree: MSc in 2006
Currently: Doctoral student at Hanken
1) Please tell us about your background
I am from Pakistan. Before coming to HANKEN I did my MBA (Finance) from the Institute of Business and Management Sciences (IBMS) NWFP Agricultural University of Peshawar.
2) Why did you choose Hanken and this specific Master's Degree Programme?
Since I had a very solid background in Mathematics, Statistics and Finance, I was looking for a degree programme in the field of Computational Finance. When I found the master's programme in computational finance at Hanken it felt very natural to apply there.
3) Describe your studies at Hanken
I had a very good experience being a master's student at HANKEN. My Fellow students were from China, Ghana, Nigeria, and Finland, so I got to know about different cultures.
We also made a very informative study trip to Frankfurt (visits to ECB, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Börse) along with our Professors.
In short each experience at HANKEN has contributed to my overall confidence that I am receiving the best preparation for a finance career. Hanken has a very friendly atmosphere for international students.
4) What have you done after graduating from the programme?
After completing my MSc degree, I have continued my studies as a doctoral student at Hanken. The master's programme in computational finance provided me with an excellent opportunity to top up my technical toolbox, and raise my career to the next professional level.
Amoako Kwarteng
Programme: Computational Finance
Degree: MSc in 2005
Currently: Management consultant
1) Please tell us about your background
I'm originally from Ghana. Before coming to Hanken, I was working as an instructor at a polytechnic in Ghana.
I completed my bachelor of commerce degree at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
2) Why did you choose Hanken and this specific Master's Degree Programme?
I chose Hanken because of two main reasons:
Firstly, the facilities in terms of library, computer labs and quality of teaching and learning are excellent.
Secondly, the Programme in Computational Finance was highly relevant for my career aspiration to become a financial analyst.
3) Describe your studies at Hanken
The program provided me with the foundation needed in finance.
I gained research experience from data gathering and statistical analysis, using software such as Eviews, Matlab and Mathematica.
The atmosphere at Hanken is very conducive for teaching and learning. Professors were ready and willing to assist students in their studies.
The relationship with fellow students was very cordial and one of respect for each other.
4) What have you done after graduating from the programme?
Currently, I am working as a credit management consultant in the U.K. More specifically I'm employed by Homeloan Management Limited (HML) in England.
My masters' degree from Hanken has really advanced my career and my personal development. I have been using the principles that I was taught at Hanken in my work place till date.
I am very grateful to my professors and all those who contributed towards my studies at Hanken. For me it has been real personal success story.
I will not hesitate in recommending Hanken to any other student who wants quality education at no extra cost.
Application and Further Information
For full details on the application process and admission requirements please go to: www.hanken.fi/admissions