Lingnan’s MSc in Finance is the right path to prepare for a career in the financial sector
A Perfect Start
The Master of Science in Finance (MSc in Finance) programme is open to anyone who is interested in finance. It’s a good start for those seeking career opportunities and advancement in Hong Kong’s most prominent industry.
The Pillars of Hong Kong’s Success
Banking and finance form the cornerstone of Hong Kong's economy, making the demand for professionals with a finance background and industry expertise highly competitive. The employment landscape in this field is experiencing a continuous upswing, with promising growth prospects. Given China's rapid economic expansion in recent years, as well as its Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area strategy, Hong Kong is poised to assume an even more significant role in its integration with Mainland China. As a result, the banking and finance industry is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, contributing substantially to Hong Kong's GDP in the coming years. Consequently, there is a strong likelihood of increased employment opportunities within this sector.
Open Learning Leads to Open Opportunities
The Master of Science in Finance, offered by the Department of Finance and Insurance (F&I) within the Faculty of Business, is designed to nurture students into finance professionals. The programme prides itself on its innovative learning approaches and well-designed curriculum. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the programme accepts students from diverse academic backgrounds and cultures, provided they possess a genuine interest in finance and demonstrate the determination to successfully complete the programme. Students who are without a finance background can enroll in comprehensive pre-entry courses, ensuring a solid foundation for their studies.
The programme's commitment to individualized attention is exemplified through personalized mentoring and relationship-building initiatives. The ultimate objective is to empower students to excel not only in their chosen profession but also in their personal lives.
The Master of Science in Finance curriculum encompasses vital areas of finance, placing a strong emphasis on fundamental principles and professional best practices. Students delve into subjects such as asset pricing, commercial and investment banking, corporate finance, financial engineering, insurance, investments, risk management, and wealth management. The inclusion of elective courses further enriches the appeal of the degree, both for students and prospective employers alike.
Meeting the Needs of Employers
The MSc in Finance programme adopts a practical approach, aligning itself with the latest industry trends and constantly adapting to reflect new developments. We anticipate that post-pandemic economic restructuring and development will drive the financing needs of businesses. As Chinese companies and local governments, along with their government financing vehicles, are expected to continue to have funding needs in the coming years, banking and financial professionals must possess a solid understanding of various funding tools, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the banking and financial systems in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond.
Employers will actively seek candidates with strong analytical skills for finance roles, alongside effective communication abilities and a positive interpersonal demeanor. The MSc in Finance programme recognizes the importance of these skills and provides opportunities for students to enhance their communication abilities by presenting their projects in class.
Furthermore, the programme acknowledges the growing significance of banking and financial regulations such as the Basel Accords and AML/FCC (Anti-Money Laundering/Fraud and Financial Crime Compliance). Banks are expanding their compliance sections in response to these regulations. To equip students with the necessary expertise, specific courses are dedicated to addressing compliance functions and banking regulations, encompassing topics relevant to Hong Kong, Mainland China, and beyond. By gaining knowledge and skills in these areas, students are well-prepared to navigate the regulatory aspects of their future careers in banking and finance.
Growing Importance of ESG Investing towards the Finance Industry
In today's landscape, the significance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has surged. ESG encompasses a set of criteria that companies adopt to ensure responsible and sustainable operations. As ESG awareness continues to grow, organizations across diverse sectors are adopting a systematic approach that integrates environmental, social, and governance considerations into their business operations, with a shared goal of sustainable development.
The programme added ESG Investing as a new elective course starting from 2022/23 cohort. With the CFA Institute's dedicated ESG Investing certificate few years ago and the high demand for professionals in areas like green financing, corporate social responsibility, ESG management, and sustainability, students who opt for this elective course can expand their career options and increase their job prospects. By equipping students with relevant knowledge in ESG Investing, we empower them to seize the growing opportunities in the financial sector and contribute to sustainable practices within the industry.
Networking and Speakers from Finance Industry
Lingnan University stands out among universities for its strong emphasis on providing a holistic education that nurtures the whole person. In addition to knowledge transfer, fostering meaningful networking opportunities occupies a central position in Lingnan's educational approach. The programme actively invites industry experts as guest speakers, enriching the classroom experience and facilitating direct interaction and networking opportunities for students. These professionals hail from diverse areas such as investment banking, equity and credit analysis, financial product sales, as well as back-office functions. By engaging with these seasoned practitioners, students have the chance to glean insights, build connections, and broaden their professional networks within the finance industry. This integration of practical experiences and industry connections enhances the overall educational experience and equips students with valuable perspectives and relevant connections for their future careers.
Special Features of Master of Science in Finance
- The Programme is ideal for those students who have a strong desire to expand their knowledge of finance and are keen to work in the finance industry in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and internationally.
- The Programme will emphasize the important concepts, skills, and theoretical and institutional underpinnings of finance in Term 1 and more advanced topics and practical aspects in Term 2.
- The Programme will provide a comprehensive education for students who wish to attempt the major professional qualifications in finance such as the CFA, CIIA, FRM, and CII designations.
- The Programme is recognized as a CFA University Affiliation Programme, signifying that it aligns with the rigorous standards set by the CFA Institute. It indicates that the programme covers a significant portion of the knowledge required for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which is ideal for students to gain relevant knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to the CFA designation.