General

What kind of personality is suitable for this major?

We select students who are strong in mathematics. Basically, students need to be broad-minded to understand courses offered by five different departments. Personality types are not a criterion for selection.

Admission Requirements

Do I have to apply for this major?

Yes. You would need to apply for it after completing one year's study in NUS. We would then appraise your results together with the other applicants in the selection process. We would only consider students who have read a prescribed list of qualifying modules (at NUS) and who do well enough to qualify for Honours programme later on.

What are the qualifying modules?

They are
-  MA1101R Linear Algebra, and
-  MA1102R Calculus, and
-  CS1101 Programming Methodology, and
-  MA2216/ST2131 Probability.

Can I submit my application even if I have not read all four qualifying modules?

We will not consider incomplete applications at all so there is no point in submitting application if you have not read all four qualifying modules. No exceptions will be granted.

I have completed my second year in NUS. Can I still submit my application if I'm interested and/or have done well in related modules?

We will only consider applicants who have completed only first year in NUS at the point of application due to the nature of the course structure.
 

How would I know for sure that I stand a chance in being admitted? Based on my results?

The selection of students depends very much on the number of students who express interest to read and apply for this major. We are unable to give a definite answer until all applications are reviewed.

When would I know if my application is successful?

Successful applicants will be notified via email after the selection process has completed.

Are all applicants required to be interviewed?

Not necessarily. The review committee will usually select some students for interview and the criteria for selection may not be the same for every intake as it depends on the number and quality of applications.

If I were unsuccessful in gaining admission, can I appeal for reconsideration or apply again in the following year?

In general, appeals or reapplications would not be considered.

Career Prospects

What sort of career prospects would I have in Singapore?

We expect students to have good opportunities in the finance and banking sector. Career prospects would be better as Singapore becomes the financial and IT centers in Asia and the demand for graduates in quantitative finance background increases. 

What starting salary should I expect upon graduation with this major? In terms of job prospects, how does this programme compare with other degree programmes that may not be related to the banking industry?

Your job prospects and salary structure would be determined by the market. If you are considering reading other degree programmes, you should consult the relevant academic advisors and decide for yourself, a path that best suits your interest and needs.

Module & Tutorial Registration

I was asked to indicate my major during online registration. But the application outcome is not known yet, and the system does not allow me to declare CF/QF as my major. Why is this so and what should I do?

You are not allowed to declare this major online as it is a restricted major programme, and is allocated to successful applicants upon admission to the programme.

In order to proceed with module registration, simply select any other majors as a dummy. Selecting other majors will not affect your application in any way.

Once the application outcome is known, successful applicants would be allocated with this major in the system. They would then need to ensure that they declare the correct major during online registration. 

What should I indicate for my major during online registration if I wish to double major in this and another subject, but the application outcome is not known yet?

Simply declare the other subject as your major first and add on this major later on if you are admitted. As long as you have indicated a major, you would be able to proceed with module registration. 

Should I register for the business modules as Unrestricted Elective Modules (UEMs) or regular modules?

You would have to go through the bidding process in CORS.

Do I have to bid for the compulsory business and computer science modules?

Yes.

Some modules that I want to read are not listed for bidding. What should I do?

Modules that are not listed for bidding or not listed in the timetable are usually not offered in that semester. Refer to our Module Information page for the most updated list of modules being offered.

When should I register for tutorials?

Refer to instructions and schedule for CORS. Most tutorial and lab registration will be done via CORS, unless the lecturer informs students of other modes of registration. You should, therefore, pay attention during the first few lectures when such announcements may be made.

How do I sign up for tutorials?

Refer to instructions for CORS for online registration. For other modes of registration, consult the lecturer.

When would I know if I have been allocated the tutorial group that I have registered for?

For registration done via CORS, refer to online instructions. For other modes of registration, consult the lecturer.

I have timetable clashes with the available business module tutorial time slots. What should I do?

As the time slots are given to us by the School of Business with fixed quota, we are unable to request for more places in each slot. You should, therefore, try to work around the available time slots.

If there are no suitable time slots despite making adjustments, you may have to consider reading the module in another semester.

Why are the tutorial timetables for some business modules in 3-hour blocks

These modules adopt sectional teaching, meaning lectures and tutorials are conducted at the same time in the  3-hour block. The lecture and tutorial blocks will match on the timetable. You only need to register for one block for online module registration and tutorial. 

Course Requirements/Combinations

Am I allowed to count towards UEM (unrestricted elective modules), the core and elective modules from other faculties that are required in this major?

As long as the modules are not offered by Faculty of Science, these modules may be used to count towards UEM. However, the credits of modules taken from other faculties may only be counted ONCE for either UEM or to fulfill the major requirements.

Can I read this as a first major with Mathematics or Applied Mathematics as a second major?

Yes. However, the course structure for this major is very packed due to its multidisciplinary nature. As such, you would have time disadvantage if you were to read such a combination.

If you insist on reading such a combination, note that only the three modules - MA1101R, MA1102R, MA1104/MA1104S - and at most two other modules may be used to satisfy both major requirements.

This is only applicable for students reading this double major combination under the old structure. It does not apply for the new second major programmes.

There are so many versions on CS1101. Which one should I be reading?

CS1101C and CS1101S are different versions of CS1101 that are offered to selected group of students. Their course content vary slightly from CS1101.

CS1101X/Y/Z are simply different lecture groups of CS1101 and students may choose to read any of these groups. While students with experience in programming  or who are confident to be in a class of students with experience in programming may register for CS1101X, those without experience should go for CS1101Y or CS1101Z. Read more about CS1101X here.

I'd like to read a primary major in Quantitative Finance with a second major in Statistics. Are there any special conditions to fulfil?

You must satisfy all the following conditions:

1.  You may use the following five modules to count towards the graduation
     requirements of both majors:

     - {CS1101/CS1101C/CS1101S}

     - MA1101R

     - MA1102R

     - MA2108/MA2108S  

     - MA2216/ST2131

2.  You are not allowed to use modules other than those listed above to count
     towards the graduation requirements of both majors;

3.  You must read 3 additional MA or ST modules at level 2000 or above, and which
     are not overlapping with any other modules used to satisfy the respective primary
     major or second major requirements.

I'd like to read a a primary major in Quantitative Finance with a minor in Statistics. What are the common modules that I can use to fulfil both sets of graduation requirements?

Only MA1102R and ST2131/MA2216 can be used to satisfy both major and minor requirements.

Graduation

I understand that B.Sc. with major in quantitative finance is an honours track programme, but can I exit earlier with a B.Sc. degree?

Yes, if for various reasons, you decide not to pursue the B.Sc. (Hons) degree, you may opt to exit with a B.Sc. after fulfilling the relevant graduation requirements.

Industrial Attachment

Will I get a change to do industrial attachment in the banking and finance industry to enhance my prospects?

Industrial attachment is not a graduation requirement. Nevertheless, students who have completed at least four semesters of study may be recruited as interns - some companies request for the department to nominate students to take part in their internship programmes during May-July vacation period.

Send us an email if you have further queries