The Quantitative Finance (QFIN) Program took in its first batch of students in 1998 with the objective of training individuals wishing to pursue careers in financial industry.

Since then, the QFIN Program responds to the market’s need for individuals with high-caliber quantitative and analytical skills in today’s globalized economy. The Program positions students to better understand new developments in the financial industry with specially designed courses in finance, mathematics, statistics, and information technology. Practical courses such as Fund Management and Asset Allocation and Banking and Finance Practicum are also offered to provide a bridge between the classroom and the real world of banking and finance. A guest speaker series gives students ample opportunities to discuss current finance-related issues of interest with industry experts.

QFIN Program graduates will be ideally suited for positions requiring strong quantitative skills for the purposes of valuation, portfolio analysis, asset allocation, credit analysis, risk modeling, capital budgeting, structured finance, etc. The Program also provides a good foundation for careers in investment banking, commercial and corporate banking, financial services, accounting and general management, or for pursuit of further advanced studies.

Program Features

The Quantitative Finance (QFIN) Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the mainstream subjects of business and quantitative methods. Students are encouraged to undertake internships at major financial institutions, and take three practical courses – “Fund Management and Asset Allocation”, “Technical Analysis: Theory and Practice” and “Banking and Finance Practicum” as a bridge between the classroom and the real world. The Program also organizes a guest speaker series to provide students with the opportunity to discuss current financial issues with industry experts.

Students usually take most of the required courses in their early years of study and the elective courses thereafter. Students are also offered the flexibility to minor in other areas, such as mathematics, statistics and economics.

Internship & Career Development

The QFIN Program offers individual and group career coaching, training and advice. A number of career training workshops covering all aspects of the job hunting process will be held in the first semester and early in the second semester. These will equip students with a complete set of skills and techniques, from identification of leads, to CV writing, interviewing and job hunting strategies. There will also be practical coaching and drilling such as mock interviews, sharing sessions with the alumni and industry professionals, mentorship and buddy programs and so on.

Students are strongly encouraged to take part in these career activities early on in their studies to gain a clear picture and good understanding of the expectations and challenges of finding a job or an internship.

Through the internship program, participating companies provide full-time on-the-job training to students through their normal operating activities. Participating students may take leaves of absence for one or more semesters to enroll in this program. Internships provide valuable opportunities for students to gain exposure to the professional environment over and above that offered through class and related activities. Internships can take place in Hong Kong or overseas, greatly enhancing the quality of education provided by CUHK and improving students’ competitiveness in the job market.