The Faculty of Finance (FOF) at City University of Macau (CityU) is the first higher education institution dedicated to finance studies in the local community and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, offering bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs with a unique curriculum setting. These programs provide cutting-edge knowledge and insights on the evolving development of the financial market, while also meeting market demands and contributing to social development. Through a collaborative education model that integrates industry, academia, and research institutions in Macao and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, FOF is dedicated to enhancing the quality and qualifications of modern financial talents, paving the way for the future development of the financial industry in the region.
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A Comprehensive System for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD Education that Aligns with Industry Demands and Development
FOF cultivates financial talents through innovative methods, offering Bachelor of Applied Economics program, Master of Science in Finance program, and Doctor of Philosophy in Finance program.
Bachelor of Applied Economics program serves Macao’s economy and the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area via its cultivation of high quality talents. The curriculum covers comprehensive knowledge in economics and finance. Students can also join the elite class, which is conducted in small class sizes with English instruction. To enhance the learning experience, FOF also provides academic advisors for students in need.
Master of Science in Finance program focuses on cutting-edge and professional knowledge, covering not only traditional financial subjects but also modern financial disciplines such as financial technology, green finance, and financing leases. Emphasizing experiential learning, the program aims to cultivate globally-minded professionals by providing innovative learning practices through financial simulations, lectures, and field research.
Doctor of Philosophy in Finance program aims to cultivate high-caliber financial professionals with strong academic foundation and practical know-hows. The faculty members encourage students to conduct cutting-edge research in fields such as financial technology, modern finance, and the economy or finance of the Greater Bay Area, and publish papers in leading journals. FOF regularly invites senior professionals from the academic and industrial sectors to share research findings on cutting-edge financial topics, cultivate students’ comprehensive knowledge and application skills in finance, and host academic salons to enhance their academic literacy and research abilities.
Accreditation and Ranking: Leading Global Institution for Financial Education
In 2021, FOF has obtained the Silver Status of the Business Graduates Association (BGA) in recognition of its professional setup and high-quality internationalization. In 2022, the Bachelor of Applied Economics program has been included in the university alliance project of the CFA Association, further showcasing its strength in financial education. According to the latest announcement from Scimago Lab, the “Economics, Econometrics and Finance” subject has been included in the 2023 Scimago Institutions Rankings. It has been ranked among the top 20% of universities worldwide and top 100 among Asian universities.
Deepening Industry-Academia Collaboration, Breaking New Grounds for Practical Perspectives
FOF is committed to promoting cooperation between enterprises, academia, and research, and actively promoting cooperation between Hengqin and Macao. Currently, the faculty has formed a strategic alliance for industry-academia collaboration with 18 financial institutions in Macao and the Greater Bay Area. At the same time, it has also jointly established training bases with the Hengqin Innovative Institute for Finance and Management (HIIFM), the Hengqin-Macau Youth Entrepreneurship Valley, Silk Road Entrepreneurship Education Network (Macau) Base, and the Silk Road Entrepreneurship Education Network Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Finance Managers Talent Development Demonstration Base. Through close cooperation with the industry at home and abroad, it strives to enhance students’ employability. Through this integrated educational model, it not only enhances students’ comprehensive qualities, but also serves the financial industry via excellent talents.
To enhance students' practical abilities and international perspectives, FOF regularly invites senior executives from financial institutions and experienced professionals to give lectures. Together with its summer internship programs, the postgraduate students are able gain valuable experience in the financial industry and building their competitiveness.
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Building Future Together - Promoting Innovative Joint Research
FOF is committed to serve the industry with its academic output. In each academic year, it will carry out joint research projects with different financial institutions to explore the latest developments and cutting-edge issues. In 2021, FOF collaborated closely with Luso International Banking Ltd. to guide doctoral students in conducting research on cross-border wealth management and individual financial management for elderly care. This not only deepened students' understanding of professional knowledge but also provided valuable market insights and strategic recommendations for financial institutions.
In 2022, FOF collaborated with Hengqin Life Insurance Co., Ltd. to conduct in-depth research on family financial behaviors. These projects included research on financial behavior of family residing in Hengiin, financial behavior of family residing in Macao, and cross-border family insurance in Hengqi.
By engaging students in research projects, FOF not only provided academic guidance and practical opportunities for students but also facilitated cooperation and exchange with financial institutions, helping to cultivate innovative and practical talents.
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High-End Conference for Academic Exchanges
FOF regularly invites industry experts and senior professionals to share cutting-edge knowledge and industry developments with students, helping them understand the current development and future trends of the financial industry in Macao, helping them to lay a solid foundation to navigate future career challenges. In addition, FOF also organizes and partners with a variety of large-scale international academic conferences, such as the “Annual Silk Road Entrepreneurship Education Network Conference,” the “Seminar on Urban Economic Research and Cooperation in the Greater Bay Area and Training of Economic and Management Personnel,” and the “Academic Conference on Economic Development in China and the Region of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in the New Era (2023) and Economics Workshop of Guangdong-Macao Universities.” These conferences serve as a platform for academic and scholarly exchange to discuss the development of the financial profession, helping students foster their talents.
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True Knowledge Comes from Practice: Achieving Success in Multiple Competitions
FOF has always been an active supporter of financial-related extracurricular competitions, promoting teaching and learning, and encouraging students to sharpen their professional skills and overall quality through competitions. In recent years, students have won numerous awards in various financial competitions in Macao, mainland China, and internationally, including the “CFA Investment Analysis Competition,” “Xiamen International Bank Financial Cup,” and the “Zhuhai-Macao-Hengqin University Students Finance Knowledge Competition.” These honors not only demonstrate students’ excellent performance in practical and hands-on skills but also serve as strong evidence of its teaching quality.
Additionally, FOF regularly participates in community-related financial research projects, cultivating the entrepreneurship among faculty and students, fulfilling social responsibilities and duties, and serving the community through research and teaching. The institute has also organized and participated in research projects sponsored by public entities, including the Macao Foundation, Talent Development Committee, and Education and Youth Development Bureau.
Finance Laboratory: Promoting Practices and Research Capacity
FOF is dedicated to providing a first-class learning environment. In the Finance Laboratory, students are able to deepen their understanding of financial theory and practical operations. The equipment also support thesis writing and project research, significantly enhancing students’ practical, research, and innovative abilities.
The Finance Laboratory is equipped with a variety of advanced teaching software, including the Quantitative Investment Terminal (Quantrader), Virtual Exchange System, Market Communicator Standard Edition, as well as the flagship platforms Eikon from Bloomberg and Refinitiv and the CSMAR data service. These softwares allow students to view real-time stocks, funds, bonds, financial derivatives, listed companies, economics, industries, and high-frequency data, enabling them to engage in comprehensive securities investment training that includes watching the market, trading, analyzing, and scoring. By doing so, FOF aims to provide experiential learning and cultivate students' abilities through a diverse, exploratory, and self-motivated learning model.
Let’s see what the newcomers have to say about their learning experiences!
First-year student Shen Yunwen, Bachelor of Applied Economics
Through the professional courses and participation in the JUIG investment competition, I have gained a more comprehensive understanding of finance. It is a highly integrated field that combines theory and practice and demands a high level of literacy. Additionally, joining the student association has also improved my organizing and management skills, as well as socializing skills.
First-year student Deng Zhuonan, Master of Science in Finance
During my time at the university, I have had many heart-warming experiences and have also felt chillax. This sense is derived from the lively classroom atmosphere and various extracurricular activities, which have helped me discover and cultivate my interests, allowing me to focus on learning and make it easier.
First-year student Yu Xiaoyuan, Doctor of Philosophy in Finance
FOF is a young and promising institute, and I have met patient, fair, humble, and knowledgeable professors who are willing to solve my puzzles. The curriculum not only includes rigorous academic courses but also lectures that encourage lively discussions to broaden our horizons, giving doctoral students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge academic fields and collaborate with elites from various industries.
Innovating Industry-Academia Collaboration, Embarking on Your Journey of Exploring Finance! Welcome to Faculty of Finance at City University of Macau!
Program Offerings:
Bachelor's degree program: Applied Economics
Master’s degree program: Finance
PhD program: Finance
