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Our Curriculum

Master in Quantitative Economics and Finance (MiQE/F)

Throughout the entire MiQE/F programme, you will be equipped with the necessary tools to apply quantitative methods in quantitative economics and finance. At the University of St.Gallen (HSG), the integration of functional knowledge for the major economic, econometric and social challenges of our time is at the center of all thought and action.

Curriculum Overview

Core Competencies

As a MiQE/F student, you develop a deep understanding of economic and financial theories. Given the challenges and increasing importance of digitalisation, MiQE/F offers courses on big data, machine learning and related topics for successful careers in the digital age. MiQE/F graduates develop five core competencies as part of their studies.

  • you develop a deep understanding of economics and finance theories.
  • you gain strong methodological competences with distinctive skills in econometrics, quantitative methods and machine learning.
  • you will be prepared for economics in the “digital age”. You will be able to handle, analyse and interpret large data sets with different tools and programmes.
  • you know how to apply your diverse skill-set to analyse data and solve complex and challenging real-world problems.
  • you will be trained in management and communicatio skills. 

Explanation of the Study Structure

Our compulsory area covers the central topics of Micro- and Macroeconomics, Data Analytics, Theory of Finance, Mathematics and Statistics.
In the context of economic challenges, topics such as the major economic and social challenges of our time require a holistic understanding of the economy as a whole. Based on these rigorous foundations, students subsequently choose their core and independent electives.

By choosing at least two courses (8-18 ECTS) in the core area of Quantitative Finance/Econometrics and at least one course (4-14 ECTS) in the core area of Economics, the degree programme covers the context of economic and financial challenges. The other core electives area complete the course offering. While subject-specific skills in the areas of finance, econometrics, quantitative methods and economics are trained in the core studies, the Contextual Studies focuses on the development of social and cultural skills.

Furthermore, additional qualifications such as «FinTech», «Real Estate», «Business Education», «Digital Communication and Journalism» and «Managing Climate Solutions» are offered.

The core studies MiQE/F consist of the compulsory area and the core electives area. The compulsory subjects give you a clear profile. In two semesters, you will gain a unique academic education in the core disciplines of economics, finance and method courses. In addition, you gain valuable insights into current economic and finance topics and you learn how to analyse and deal with large amounts of data.

The compulsory area comprises a total of eight courses adding up to 32 ECTS credits, two in the core disciplines of micro- and macroeconomics, two in econometrics, three in mathematics/atatistics and one in Finance.

CourseECTSSemester
7,254 Advanced Macroeconomics II: Asset Prices, Fluctuations and Unemployment4Autumn
7,256 Advanced Microeconomics II: Incentive Theory4Autumn
7,300 Mathematics4Autumn
7,305 Statistics4Autumn
7,310 Data Analytics I: Predictive Econometrics4Autumn
7,315 Theory of Finance4Autumn
8,300 Data Analytics II: Causal Econometrics4Spring
8,302 Advanced Mathematics and Statistics4Spring

You can find the entire course offering and the course factsheets in the official Course Catalogue Online.

The core electives of the MiQE/F are divided into Core Courses "Quantititative Finance/Econometrics" and Core Courses "Economics" as well as Other core Electives.

I: Core Courses Quantitative Finance/EconometricsII: Core Courses EconomicsIII: Other Core Electives
8-10 ECTS Credits4-14 ECTS Credits0-10 ECTS Credits

at least 2 courses have to be chosen from this field; additional courses will be credited towards the Other Core Electives.

at least 1 course has to be chosen from this field; additional courses will be credited towards the Other Core Electives.

You can either take another field course or choose from a wide range of courses offered in the Other Core Electives area.

 

Core Courses Quantitative Finance/Econometrics

In the Core Courses Quantitative Finance/Econometrics you have to choose at least 8 ECTS credits (2 courses) from the field of Quantitative Finance/Econometrics. Up to 18 ECTS credits are possible. 

CourseSemester
7,320 Quantitative Risk ManagementAutumn
9,272 Big Data AnalyticsAutumn
9,332 Advanced Econometric MethodsAutumn
8,310 Asset PricingSpring
8,312 MicroeconometricsSpring
8,314 Time Series EconometricsSpring
8,318 Financial VolatilitySpring

 

Core Courses Economics

In the Core Courses Economics you have to choose at least 4 ECTS credits (1 course) from the field of Economics. Up to 14 ECTS credits are possible. Additional courses will be credited towards the area of Other Core Electives.

CourseSemester
7,250 Advanced Macroeconomics I: Growth and InnovationAutumn
7,252 Advanced Microeconomics I: Consumer, Firms, MarketsAutumn
7,260 Topics in Industrial OrganizationAutumn
8,250 Advanced Microeconomics III: Game TheorySpring
8,252 Advanced Macroeconomics III: Money and PricesSpring
8,260 Public Policy, Taxation and InequalitySpring
8,264 International TradeSpring
8,270 International Marcoeconomics (MEcon)Spring
8.272 Labor EconomicsSpring
8,274 Corporate Finance, Banking and Venture CapitalSpring
8,278 Environmental EconomicsSpring
8,284 Development Economics: Past and PresentSpring
8,288 Blockchain MarketsSpring

 

Other Core Electives

Building on the solid foundation of the compulsory courses, you can either take another field course (Quantitative Finance/Econometrics or Economics) or choose from a wide range of Other Core Elective courses and further define your academic profile, deepen your individual interests, and broaden your economic knowledge. 

In the MiQE/F programme at the University of St.Gallen, we offer courses with en Quantitative Ecconomics/Finance focus both within the Core Elective Area and the Elective Area. In the Elective Area, you have the opportunity to attend courses from different thematic fields.

CourseSemester
7,162 Financial Programming with MatlabAutumn
7,172 Digital Capital MarketsAutumn
7,264 Data Handling: DatabasesAutumn
7,322 Quantitative Asset ManagementAutumn
7,395 Consultancy Project: Energy in Transition - Challenges and Opportunities in the Gulf RegionAutumn
7,396 Consultancy Project: Economic Crisis and Crisis ManagementAutumn
9,164 Fixed Income InstrumentsAutumn
9,168 Theory of Risk and InsuranceAutumn
9,264 Recent long-run Macroeconomic TrendsAutumn
9,268 Political EconomicsAutumn
9,334 Quantitative Behavioral FinanceAutumn
8,151 Asset Allocation and Investment StrategySpring
8,152 DerivativesSpring
8,154 Financial EconometricsSpring
8,172 Real Estate FinanceSpring
8,174 Applied Quantitative Asset ManagementSpring
8,194 Derivatives Modeling in PythonSpring
8,256 The Economics of StrategySpring
8,266 Economics of Central BankingSpring
8,273 Advanced Tools in Data AnalyticsSpring
8,275 Economics in HealthcareSpring
8,280 Beyond Homo Oeconomicus: Decision Making and Wellbeing in EconomicsSpring
8,282 Asset-Liability Management für Schweizer PensionskassenSpring
8,286 Selected Topics in Swiss Public FinanceSpring
8,320 AI for Decision MakingSpring
8,330 Machine Learning (MiQE/F)Spring

You can find the entire course offering and the course factsheets in the official Course Catalogue Online.

Many of our MiQE/F students choose to spend their third semester at one of our partner universities all over the world. During the semester abroad, they can transfer up to 18 ECTS credits, and more importantly, acquire intercultural competencies without having to interrupt their studies.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue a double degree through the prestigious CEMS programme. Selected students can earn two Master’s degrees in a short period of time, giving them a competitive advantage in the global job market. CEMS is ranked among the top programmes globally, consistently holding 9th place in the Financial Times worldwide rankings. It is essential to review the application criteria, particularly the language requirements, beforehand.

There is also the possibility of enhancing your knowledge and perspective with a double degree with ESADE, RSM, HEC Bocconi or SSE. Double degree students can take advantage of unique degree combinations and the possibility for in-depth study within different cultural contexts. At the conclusion of the double degree programme, usually 2.5 years, students will earn two full Master degrees, a HSG MA degree and a second Master from the partner university. Graduates enjoy the very best career opportunities and close ties to both the HSG and their host university.

The MiQE/F is distinguished by its international focus and can only be studied in English. Our students are thus excellently prepared for a career in English-speaking companies or organisations worldwide.

Here you will find a summary of the most important legal provisions in the Master’s degree programme.

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Contextual Studies

The Contextual Studies programme is another unique feature of the University of St.Gallen (HSG). It integrates knowledge across disciplines and strengthens the social and cultural competencies of our students distinctively. Students take a holistic approach by "thinking outside the box" and enrol in courses within focus areas and skills areas. The cultural and social science offerings in the focus areas are highly diverse and aligned with the study programme. In the skills area, students acquire additional competencies and practical skills necessary for success in the business world. The Contextual Studies programme complements your main field of study and is awarded with 18 ECTS credits.

learn more about the Contextual Studies
 

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