Sept 2025 Entry
2 years
Normally 70 credits, depending on the student's qualifications (plus 2 training credits).
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.
What's New
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.
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:
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute*
• Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI)^
• Hong Kong Statistical Society (subject to confirmation)
• Royal Statistical Society of the UK (subject to confirmation)
*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.
^Graduates with economic/finance or relevant degree qualification could apply for license bypassing Licensing Examination for Securities and Futures Intermediaries Paper 1 only and would be exempted from Papers 7 & 8. Student should submit his application to HKSI. Exemption will be considered for candidates who achieve satisfactory results in specified papers. For details, please visit this link.
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/
Normally 70 credits, depending on the student's qualifications (plus 2 training credits).
Programme Leader
Dr Sze Nung-sing, Raymond
BSc, MPhil, PhD
Deputy Programme Leaders
Prof. He Daihai
PhD
Assistant Programme Leader
Mr Leung Man Kin, Adam
BSc, MPhil
Entrance Requirements
An appropriate Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma in mathematics, statistics, science, information technology, business or engineering from a recognised institution.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (tel.: 2766 6946; email: isfa.info@polyu.edu.hk)
I am a graduate of the Investment Science and Finance Analytics (ISFA) programme, which has equipped me with a solid foundation in finance and mathematics. Beyond the theoretical aspects, my major has instilled in me a data-driven mindset, enabling me to analyze financial trends and make informed decisions. This knowledge has been instrumental in my career in the banking industry.
As a management trainee at The Bank of East Asia, I can utilize the skills gained in ISFA to tackle complex financial modelling and statistical tasks. Additionally, ISFA has fostered my understanding of the importance of digital transformation in the financial industry, allowing me to navigate the evolving landscape with confidence.
Having graduated from the Investment Science and Finance Analytics (ISFA) programme, I am equipped with the skills and knowledge in the areas of Mathematics, Finance, and Computing, allowing me to excel in various positions as a Graduate Associate at HKEX.
During my study at the Department of Applied Mathematics (AMA), I not only benefited from attending lectures and receiving guidance from esteemed professors but I was also encouraged to explore various domains including entrepreneurship, community service, internships, and research projects. With the all-round development and resources provided by AMA, I have been able to learn and apply what I learned, strengthening my professionalism in the financial industry.
The Investment Science and Finance Analytics (ISFA) programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses statistics, finance, and computer programming, equipping me with practical skills applicable to data analysis. My university life has been both memorable and challenging. Through academic studies, exchange experiences, and work opportunities, I have experienced personal growth and enhanced problem-solving skills.
I chose the Investment Science and Finance Analytics (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. These 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 teaching. This creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment. I am truly satisfied with my study experience.
Required
Required. Download Here.
To evaluate the potential for and interest of applicants in the programme, and to test their communication skills and general knowledge in finance.
About 30-45 minutes
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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.
