FM442 Half Unit
Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Analysis
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Jon Danielsson
Availability
This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, MSc in Accounting and Finance, MSc in Applicable Mathematics, MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc in Financial Mathematics, MSc in Quantitative Methods for Risk Management, MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics), MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Fudan) and MSc in Statistics (Financial Statistics) (Research). This course is not available as an outside option.
Global MSc in Management ('Accounting and Finance' and 'Finance' concentrations only).
This course is available to other students from the Departments of Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics where regulations permit.
Pre-requisites
A strong background in statistics and quantitative methods at the undergraduate level is required. Prior programming experience is helpful.
Course content
This graduate-level course covers important quantitative and statistical tools in applied finance. It studies financial markets risk, with a particular focus on models for measuring, assessing and managing financial risk. Students will be introduced to the application of these tools and the key properties of financial data through a set of computer-based homework assignments and classes.
The course aims to introduce quantitative concepts and techniques in many areas of finance. Sample topics include risk measures (e.g., Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall, including implementation and backtesting), univariate and multivariate volatility models, Monte Carlo Simulations, and associated topics in Econometrics. This list is meant to be representative, but topics may be added or removed. Recent stress events, such as the global crisis in 2008, Covid-19 in 2020 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are used to illustrate the various methodologies presented in the course.
Implementing the models and tools in R is an essential part of the course. The homework assignments are designed to guide the students to all stages of the analytical process, from locating, downloading and processing financial data to the implementation of the tools and interpretation of results. Students will have the opportunity to explore the databases available at the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and to become comfortable working with real data.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT.
Indicative reading
No single text covers the course material. The relevant sections of the following readings would be appropriate for individual topics: Jon Danielsson (2011), Financial Risk Forecasting, as well as slides from www.financialriskforecasting.com/slides.
Assessment
Two homeworks, each 5 marks. Group presentation, 10 marks. Individual project, 50 marks. Exam 30 marks.
Key facts
Department: Finance
Total students 2021/22: 53
Average class size 2021/22: 18
Controlled access 2021/22: Yes
Lecture capture used 2021/22: Yes (MT)
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills