MSc in Financial Economics
The complexities of the modern financial industry and its global linkages have multiplied rapidly over the last decade, producing many new challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the challenge faced by financial managers in fathoming the implications of new economic policies and regulations and new financial products has become increasingly daunting. On the other hand, a vast array of novel modelling, forecasting and surveillance methods has been developed in financial theory and econometrics to address these challenges. It is therefore important to equip talented professionals with the most advanced tools of economic theory, financial econometrics and computational methods to study the manifold problems faced by the financial industry.
The proposed Master of Science in Financial Economics (MSFE) programme addresses the need for a rigorous curriculum linking economics and econometrics to finance. The MSFE programme aims to combine two central strengths of SMU – econometrics and finance – in a programme that meets the loud industry demand for professionals with the skills for deep analysis of increasingly complex financial problems in a new era of dynamic policy and regulation. The proposed full-time degree programme will impart the foundational knowledge in economics and econometrics and the domain knowledge of the workings of the financial markets.
The programme will teach students how to apply the most advanced tools in economics and econometrics to finance. Its primary strength draws on the inherent multidisciplinary nature of the programme involving faculty with expertise in economics, econometrics and finance, thereby generating a unique “transformational” learning experience for students. Going with the theme of any coveted SMU degree and leveraging on its key geographic location, this programme will provide excellent networking opportunities. The possibility of academic and industry seminars for students with applied and research tracks will provide an ideal springboard for the technically sound but market orientated professionals.
MSc in Applied Finance
Singapore Management University (SMU) offers the Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) programme by coursework. This landmark programme aims to raise the standard of practitioners’ knowledge and skills in applied finance which has been identified as an area of critical training by the Economic Review Committee and the financial industry.
Besides covering the critical components required to meet the high academic standards of an MAF degree at SMU, the curriculum is also designed to suit the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination requirements, enabling students to pursue a CFA designation as well. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will receive their MAF degree conferred by SMU.
MSc in Quantitative Finance
The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MQF) by coursework is a full-time programme to be completed within 12 months. It caters to a need identified by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) - to groom a critical mass of specialists in quantitative finance, which is the objective underlying the second phase of MAS's Finance Scholarship Programme.
Participants can pursue their master studies in two ways: (1) The Singapore-Based Track, or (2) The International Track.
SINGAPORE-BASED TRACK: Participants will take all their courses at SMU (Singapore) and obtain an SMU MQF Degree.
This is the preferred path for those who are already working in Singapore or who are unable to spend four months in London at the international track. On top of being Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and European for Management Development Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accredited, the Lee Kong Chian School of Business is also highly ranked for its research productivity, teaching effectiveness, graduate employability and international reputation.
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: Participants will take their Term 1 and Term 4 courses at SMU (Singapore), and Term 2 and Term 3 courses at Cass Business School (London, UK), and graduate with a Joint MQF degree from both institutions.
Master of Professional Accounting
The accounting sector in Singapore is undergoing a major transformation to realise its aim of becoming a leading global accountancy hub for Asia Pacific. To achieve this vision, one of the major initiatives implemented is the creation of new pathways to facilitate entry of degree holders from non-accountancy disciplines.
Introduced in 2006, the SMU MPA has been providing this pathway to new exciting career opportunities in the accountancy sector, both in professional services and corporate accounting. The adequacy and relevancy of our curriculum content is evidenced by the accreditations and endorsed status received from the licensing authority and professional bodies listed below:
AACSB International
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Singapore)
Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC)
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
CPA Australia
Association of Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
These recognitions offer an accelerated pathway for MPA graduates to satisfy the membership requirements of these global professional bodies, and to qualify for the CPA or CA status. Such recognition gives SMU MPA graduates international mobility and a strong competitive edge over other graduates.
The newly revised MPA curriculum provides candidates with strong business fundamentals, technical skills for various accounting functions and professional accounting services. The programme can be completed in one year on a full-time basis, or over two years on a part-time basis.
Leveraging the unique SMU pedagogy, faculty and state-of-the-art city campus, the SMU MPA's professional recognition equips you with the necessary and relevant skill sets for today's competitive global business world.
