Why FAR?

Would you like to

  • model cyber attacks or forecast Tesla shares?
  • work in risk management at a bank or in the actuarial department of an insurance company?
  • price telematics tariffs in an InsurTech or develop investment strategies in a FinTech using Twitter data?

Then why not enrol on the Master’s programme in Mathematical Finance, Actuarial Science and Risk Management – FAR for short – at HTW Berlin. 

The FAR Master’s programme 

  • provides expertise in quantitative methods, regulation, valuation methods for financial instruments, risk models, profitability, liquidity and risk policy.
  • deepens knowledge of the mathematically-oriented programming language R. You will practise implementing seminar topics in R in a series of exercises. The course has access to real-world financial data from Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters.
  • demonstrates machine learning methods for finance and risk management applications.
  • teaches you how to find mathematical solutions to the question of an optimum portfolio, the calculation of credit defaults and the modelling of loss figures taking account of extreme events – to name just a few examples.

Programme content

  • Compulsory modules: Stochastic Processes, Time Series Analysis, Quantitative Risk Management, Stochastics of Financial Markets, Actuarial Methods of Personal Insurance, Financial Intermediation and Regulation, Economics and Financial Markets

  • Subject-specific elective modules from the areas of 
    • Actuarial Science
    • Mathematical Finance and Risk Management
  • Supplementary modules (e.g. foreign languages)

After my Bachelor’s degree in mathematical statistics, FAR was the logical choice for me. The curriculum matches my interests. It includes many challenging subjects that require knowledge of mathematics and programming languages such as R and Python. Interesting elective modules on modern finance are also offered.

Maria, Studentin

[Translate to Englisch:] Maria

Practical orientation

 

  • Strongly application-oriented: Theoretical knowledge is taught using practical examples – unlike a pure mathematics degree. The focus is on banks and insurance companies. 
  • Accreditation of degree modules for the DAV (German Association of Actuaries) actuarial training course
  • Cooperation with practice partners, e.g. with Deloitte Germany, Eurex (with the possibility of an additional qualification), the non-profit, student-led association Berliner Börsenkreis, the German Society for Insurance and Financial Mathematics (DGVFM), the German Association of Actuaries (DAV)
  • Lectures by external experts provide practical insights
  • Exercises in small groups
  • Lecturers come directly from the field

Gain international experience!

The FAR Master’s programme offers students various opportunities to gain international experience during a semester abroad. Modules completed in this context can count towards the degree result in consultation with the examination board. Our partner universities are:

 

If you are thinking of going abroad in the second semester, you should contact the HTW’s International Office directly after your admission to the Master FAR Master’s programme, i.e. before starting your studies, as the application process can be very lengthy.