Program Overview

Master of Science in Financial Engineering

The Master's program in Financial Engineering offers a unique combination of finance theory, engineering methods, management tools, mathematical and computational techniques – blended with new developments from the field of artificial intelligence and data science. Financial Engineering introduces these techniques in a practical way, with a focus on hands-on applications implemented in the Python programming language.

Focus Points of Financial Engineering

• Data science
• Machine learning for business and finance innovations
• Data-driven decision making
• Financial and risk management with Python

Key Facts

• Structure: Part-time (but enrolled as a full-time student)
• Duration: 15 months plus time needed for master's thesis (varies)
• Costs: 36,000.00 € (thirty-six thousand Euro) overall
• Language: English
• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 90 ECTS
• Start: Every year in October (flexible schedule possible)
• Application deadline: There is none. We have a rolling application process.
• Admission requirements: First academic degree (e.g., Bachelor, Master, or Diploma), at least 2 years of professional experience, English language proficiency.

Program Content

The Master's program in Financial Engineering provides innovative solutions for pricing, hedging, trading, and portfolio management problems by employing advanced mathematical methods and computer technology. Graduates will be qualified to consider challenges in the financial sector from an engineer's point of view and to develop and optimize innovative solutions based on fundamental economic laws.

Program Structure & Academic Calendar

The concurrently taught Executive Master's program is designed for working professionals. Block lectures scheduled at intervals allow participants to continue their demanding careers while acquiring new skills.

Content Overview & Learning Targets

The Master's program is divided into 10 modules: 5 Management modules present broader knowledge in management know-how, and 5 Engineering modules provide deeper knowledge in technological topics.

Economic Sector & Career Perspective

Participants of Financial Engineering

Participants of Financial Engineering strive for a demanding career in a financial company, such as an investment or commercial bank, an exchange, or a rating agency. The techniques are also beneficial for candidates who pursue a career in a non-financial corporate, since the topics covered are well applicable to corporate finance and corporate risk management.

Career Perspectives after Graduation

With the pace of financial innovation, the need for highly qualified people trained in financial engineering also increases. In many areas, the financial industry is currently facing structural changes to its offerings, IT systems, and processes. The operational picture is characterized by a high project volume. Due to the high cost and competitive pressure, employees must be able to think and act in a cost-conscious, networked, and innovative manner.

Academic Requirements & Admission Statutes

Academic Requirements

• University degree in a relevant subject
• Professional experience (at least 1-2 years) & current employment
• English proficiency

Admission Statutes

Detailed description of all admission requirements.

Program Directors & Faculties

Program Directors

• Prof. Dr. Maxim Ulrich
• Prof. Dr. Martin E. Ruckes

KIT Teaching Quality

The HECTOR School offers top-level teaching derived from state-of-the-art research at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Numerous institutes and departments of the KIT are involved in the HECTOR School Master's program Financial Engineering.

Preparatory Courses

Crash Course “Probability and Statistics”: Participants without experience in the field of probability are highly recommended to take part in the crash course “Probability and Statistics”. Thanks to the blended learning format, you can schedule the courses yourself within these two weeks. You have an exchange with the lecturer during video meetings in order to prepare yourself optimally for the start of your studies. We highly recommend all applicants to participate in the courses to update the technical knowledge, as it might be a crucial factor for a successful Master degree at HECTOR School.