The MSGF program consists of 6 in-person class modules, totaling 12 courses. The program is lock-step, meaning students follow a prescribed schedule and take all courses together as a cohort.

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The curriculum begins by providing a birds-eye view of global finance, covering topics such as Global Macroeconomics and Asian Markets, Foundations of Corporate Finance, and Foundations of Investments. It progresses to more advanced courses in the subsequent modules, such as Derivatives Markets, Applied Corporate Finance and Valuation, and Risk Management in Financial Institutions.

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In the final module, students are required to complete an Integrative Project, which allows them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to address real-world financial challenges.

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All modules are delivered in-person at one of the following campuses: HKUST Business School in Hong Kong, NYU Stern’s campus in New York City, and NYU New Bund campus in Shanghai.

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For detailed information on the program schedule and time commitment, please refer to the Schedule page. 

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Workload and Assessment

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In addition to attending the class sessions during the modules, students are required to complete the following:

• Pre-class readings and/or assignments

• Post-class assignments, to be completed by the end of each course

 

The assessment for each course will vary, but may include a combination of the following:

• Pre-module assignments

• Post-module assignments

• In-class group exercises

• In-class participation

 

Textbooks and supplementary course materials will be provided to students. Many courses have teaching assistants who will be available before and during the courses to provide academic support and guidance.​ 

 

Detailed course descriptions and learning outcomes are available at: https://prog-crs.hkust.edu.hk/pgcourse/2023-24/GFIN

 

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Course Content

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Below is a list of courses and their descriptions for prospect applicants’ reference. Please note that course offering and content are subject to change.

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Module 1A - Foundations of Corporate Finance (2 credits)

The aim of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the financing and investment decisions made by firms. It covers capital budgeting, dividend policy, financing policy and managerial incentives. 

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Module 1B - Global Macro and Asian Markets (2 credits) 

This course introduces students to macroeconomic forces that affect global and Asian financial markets. Students will discuss various global macroeconomic concepts, the influences of global finance on long-run economic growth, and the structure/size of foreign exchange markets. This course will also cover recent developments in global/Asian financial markets, macroeconomics in a post-crisis world, and exchange rates.

 

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Module 2A - Foundations of Investments (2 credits)

This course provides an introduction to modern asset pricing theory. We begin by briefly reviewing portfolio theory. We then move to discuss current determinants of asset prices such as cash risk and liquidity. One of the course's goals is to apply asset pricing theories to investment decision-making.  A second goal is to prepare students for upcoming courses. A third goal is to build a fundamental knowledge of fixed income and derivatives products. 

 

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Module 2B - Asset Allocation (1 credit) 

The course builds on Foundations of Investments to provide students with tools and knowledge in global asset allocation. Topics include major investable markets and players, asset allocation, performance evaluation, strategies and performance of hedge funds and factor models. 

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Module 2C - Behavioral Finance (1 credit)

A growing strand of research suggests that the standard economic paradigm - rational investors in an efficient market - does not adequately describe behavior in financial markets. Behavioral finance combines the latest findings of behavioral and cognitive psychological theory with conventional economics and finance to provide alternative explanations of financial market behavior. We will examine how psychology of decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty affects the traditional paradigm, while paying attention to practical applications for portfolio and investment management. 

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Module 3A - Derivatives Markets (2 credits)

This is a course in derivatives markets: structure, valuation and strategies. It builds on the content of Foundations of Investments and combines theory, empirical findings and practical applications. The main applications include the equities, foreign exchange and commodities markets. The key derivatives instruments discussed include forwards, futures and options. 

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Module 3B - Fixed Income Instruments and Markets (2 credits) 

The course addresses fixed income financial instruments and their derivatives, covering the types of debt instruments, interest rate structures and building the yield curve, the valuation of debt securities, debt default, and related topics. There is also consideration of fixed income instruments in portfolio strategies, as well as the role of financial structures, options and derivatives such as credit default swaps. 

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Module 4A - Applied Corporate Finance and Valuation (2 credits)

This course focuses on the valuation of companies and the creation of shareholder value by looking at the interplay of corporate strategy and finance. The course exposes participants to valuation frameworks that can readily be applied to improve business and strategic decision-making. 

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Module 4B - Financial Markets and Corporate Finance in China (2 credits)

This course provides an overview of China's financial markets, the reform of financial institutions and corporate risk management. Students will gain an understanding of the recent developments in financial services and corporate practices in China. 

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Module 5A - Risk Management in Financial Institutions (2 credits)

The course covers state-of-the-art and new developments in major areas of risk management in financial institutions and business firms in general - credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, sovereign risk, strategic risk, and reputation risk. Emphasis is placed on risk integration. 

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Module 5B - FinTech: Digital Currency, Blockchains, and the Future of Financial Services (1 credit) 

The course will introduce the current state of FinTech and discuss how financial institutions and their stakeholders are being affected by new technologies. Students will understand how traditional business models are being impacted by the application of new technologies and how financial innovation impacts money and payment systems. The course offers a combination of case studies, lectures, and guest speaker sessions, and will identify current trends and opportunities with the FinTech ecosystem. 

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Module 5C - Topics in Financial Markets and Governance (1 credit) 

A capstone module covering advanced topics in finance, the selection of which depend on market developments and students' interests. The course builds on material covered in the other courses in the program, and is taught at the research-driven frontier. 

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Module 6 - Integrative Project Presentation (4 credits) 

The aim of the project is to enable students to apply what they have learned in each course and to draw on their practical experience in the global banking and financial markets. Students work in groups on a team project throughout the year that culminates with a presentation to a panel of faculty. 

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