CODE
63428-SYF
ENTRY

Sept 2024 Entry

STUDY MODE
Full-time
DURATION

2 years

CREDIT REQUIRED

Normally 70 credits, depending on the student's qualifications (plus 2 training credits).

PROGRAMME INTAKE
13 senior year places
FUND TYPE
Government-Funded
  • For more programme information, please visit www.polyu.edu.hk/ama/study/ug/senior-year/isfa/.

  • The exact study duration and number of credits to be transferred will depend on the entry qualifications of individual AD/HD admittees.

  • To recognise outstanding non-JUPAS admittees, the Department offers a one-off entry scholarship for non-JUPAS applicants. Please find the details here, which is subject to change and will be announced on this website in due course.

Application Deadline
Non-JUPAS Local Senior Year Admissions
2024-02-06
About Programme
Specific Notes
How to Apply
Aims & Characteristics

Programme Aims

To produce graduates with strong mathematical and statistical skills and a thorough understanding of their applications in the world of modern investment and finance analytics. The programme develops students’ abilities in quantitative analysis, data analytics, critical thinking and communication skills, which will enable them to develop an outlook and a methodology that are valuable in pursuing careers in business and financial-related fields.

 

Characteristics

This programme focuses on the study of modern data analytics needed in the finance industry. Its curriculum covers areas such as big data analytics, business intelligence and customer relationship management, machine learning, algorithmic trading and artificial intelligence, which will strengthen students’ data interpretation and analytical skills and support them to develop careers in the evolving investment and finance industries.

Recognition & Prospects

Career Prospects

The programme is designed to develop students’ skills in quantitative analysis, data analysis, critical thinking and communication, which enable them to pursue careers in business- and finance-related fields such as data analytics, risk management or financial product development and pricing.

 

In addition to the finance-related fields, our programme also supports graduates pursuing careers in information technology, scientific research, education, marketing and consultancy. Many of our graduates have found employment in prestigious financial institutions and renowned corporations throughout the Asia Pacific area.

 

Professional Recognition

On the completion of programme, graduates are expected to receive partial exemption from the professional assessment of:

 

• Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute*
• Hong Kong Statistical Society (subject to confirmation)
• Royal Statistical Society of the UK (subject to confirmation)

 

*For details, please refer to the following website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ama/study/ug/ds_scheme/.

 

The ISFA programme is affiliated with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. This affiliation demonstrated that the ISFA curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.  The curriculum has been acknowledged as covering at least 70% of the CFA Program Level I Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) topics. Through participation in the affiliation program, CFA student scholarship is available to ISFA students.

Curriculum

Students entering the 4-year scheme programme through senior year places are considered for credit transfers based on their academic performance in AD/HD programmes. Depending on the number of credits transferred, students will follow a reduced curriculum of 60 to 75 credits.

 

Students will study advanced subjects in investment science, finance analytics and computer science, including Elective Subjects.

 

In the final year of study, students complete a Capstone Project in which they tackle a problem or research topic in investment science/applied mathematics/statistics, consolidating discipline-specific knowledge, concepts and generic skills developed through different stages of the programme.

 

For details, please refer to the website: www.polyu.edu.hk/ama/study/ug/senior-year/isfa/


 

 

Credit Required for Graduation

Normally 70 credits, depending on the student's qualifications (plus 2 training credits).

Scheme/Programme Leader(s)

Programme Leader

Dr Sze Nung-sing, Raymond
BSc, MPhil, PhD

Deputy Programme Leaders

Dr He Daihai
PhD

Assistant Programme Leader

Mr Leung Man Kin, Adam
BSc, MPhil

Entrance Requirements

Entrance Requirements

An appropriate Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma in mathematics, statistics, science, information technology, business or engineering from a recognised institution.

Enquiries

For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel.: 2766 6946; email: isfa.info@polyu.edu.hk)

Student Message

In the past 4 year, I have had a memorial university life with AMA and gained insights from various perspectives. This programme consolidates my concepts on basic mathematics theories and algorithm. I also learned statistical and financial models in senior years. Through practical application, we understand how real-life situations can be explained or diverse from models. Besides, the knowledge from computing courses also enables me to work more effectively on data handling. Living in big data era, catching up with the trend of data processing is essential and would surely benefit us in many aspects such as technology development or even in financial industry. AMA’s professors and officers are very friendly. We as students always have chance to express our opinions towards curriculum design of our study programme. We are encouraged to join workshops or training courses offered by Department, such as Advanced Excel or Python. Moreover, exchange study and internship opportunities are always opened for us to strengthen our learning experience and find our true selves. Many of us have identified our career path after taking internship. I plan to pursue further study and gained support from professor for taking a Master’s degree.

Studying in AMA is unforgettable to me. In addition to pursuing knowledge, I also gain precious friendships and memories from taking the role of President of the Departmental Society of Applied Mathematics (DSAM). Having the chance to organize different student events and make contribution to my fellow classmates is not only an honor but also giving me a sense of belonging to AMA. All of these memories have definitely made my university life a lot more fruitful.

Heidi Wan

AMA offers diverse learning opportunities e.g. computer programming workshops andinternship. This programme has prepared me well with Data Analytic skills, which greatly support my job as a Customer Value Management Officer in a bank upon my graduation. 

Cheryl Wong

I am grateful for the opportunities to gear up myself with the most sought-after Python skill in this programme. I have had an enjoyable study experience at PolyU and built a close rapport with AMA professors, staff and my fellow classmates.

True Yip

Data Analytics turns a massive amount of data into insightful and valuable information, which benefits companies for future business development. The Data Science and Analytics programme has trained me with the knowledge and analytical skills that greatly support my future career.

Brian Ngai

This programme combines mathematical knowledge with computer programming skill and emphasizes its application in various industries. Studying in AMA is enjoyable. In addition to the classroom study, AMA organizes a wide range of training and workshops to prepare us for our future career development. I have made the most out of my study and become well prepared for future challenges.

Jeffrey Tsang

The ISFA programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses statistics, finance, and computer programming, equipping me with practical skills applicable to data analysis. My U-life has been bothwas memorable and challenging. Through academic studies, exchange experiences, and work opportunities, I have witnessed achieved personal growth and an enhanced my ability to independently tackle complex problems.

So Tze Yau

I chose ISFA programme due to its strong emphasis on Mathematics and Statistics. This programme provided training in fundamental mathematical concepts such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics which have equipped me with practical quantitative skills that are invaluable for my future studies and career. Moreover, ISFA offers a diverse range of courses in Finance and Computer Science, as well as internship and research opportunities which have helped me establish a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in these areas. The lecturers are not only experts in their respective fields but also passionate about in teaching. This creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment. I am truly satisfied with my study experience. 

Kwok Ngok Sang
Additional Documents Required
Transcript / Certificate

Required

Personal Statement

Required. Download Here.

Interview Arrangement
Aims

To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme, and to test their communication skills and general knowledge in finance.

Date of Interview
Between November 2023 and April 2024
Duration

About 30-45 minutes

Medium
English
Mode
Individual interview and/or group interview
Remarks
  • Applicants may be invited to a test and an interview. No make-up interviews or earlier interviews will be arranged for applicants who fail to attend the scheduled interviews.