Program Overview
The Master of Finance - Beijing program develops critical skills needed to thrive in the finance sector today and for the future: strong technical expertise in management concepts, best practices, analysis and strategies, and the ability to lead effectively in a management role.
Celebrating a Decade
Milestones
2013
Initial MOE Approval
Master of Finance - Beijing was approved by China’s Ministry of Education (MOE), initiating a significant educational collaboration between Canada and China.
2014
The Inaugural Class
The pioneering class of 17 students began their academic journey on the campus of Renmin University in September 2014, setting a precedent of globally oriented educational experience for future classes.
2015
QUAAF Beijing
The establishment of the Queen’s University Alternative Assets Fund (QUAAF) Beijing team enriched the program offering with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world market scenarios.
2017
Executive Section
42 students with advanced leadership and financial expertise joined the very first Executive Section in September 2017.
2018
Smith Alumni China Chapter
The official launch of the Smith Alumni China Chapter enhanced Smith’s global alumni network.
1st MOE Renewal
The program’s accreditation was renewed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in China, affirming a commitment to quality education.
2019
Expanded Career Services in China
In addition to the Smith Career Advancement Centre, the program has expanded its career services for students by incorporating local career coaching providers in China.
Program Size Over 100 Students
The program welcomed 105 students in September 2019, distributing them across two distinguished tracks: the International Section and the Executive Section, marking significant growth in enrollment.
2020
Swift Transition During Pandemic
The Master of Finance - Beijing swiftly transitioned to remote learning amidst the pandemic, adopting measures to ensure seamless continuity and robust online student engagement.
2021 & 2023
2nd and 3rd MOE Renewals
The program’s dedication to excellence was recognized with the second and third renewals by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in China, a testament to our enduring impact.
2024
Decade of Excellence
2024 marks ten years of transformative education delivered by the Master of Finance - Beijing. It is a year for reflecting on collective achievements and looking forward to future successes.
Program Structure
The International section is delivered in English and is designed to prepare you for a career in finance or to continue on to a PhD in a relevant area of study.
The Executive section is designed for senior Chinese business executives to augment their knowledge and experience, and is delivered in Chinese. It provides practical insights and learnings that can be applied to day-to-day workplace challenges. Graduates of this premier China-based western finance program stand out among their peers.
All classes are held on weekends with a few exceptions on weekday evenings.
Students must obtain an overall average grade of B (3.0) or higher, and must successfully pass all 10 courses to earn the Master of Finance degree from Queen's University.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning, or “learning by doing” is one of the most effective ways to learn. Students in Smith’s Master of Finance program not only master the theoretical concepts, but learn how to apply these concepts to real-life opportunities.
Conferences, Workshops and Seminars
- The Guangdong-HK-Macau Great Bay Area Financial Forum
- The Marquee Group Financial Modeling Workshop
- Financial Career in Asia Workshop Series
- Financial Industry in China Workshop Series
- Corporate Visit Programs
Clubs
- Queen’s University Alternative Assets Fund
- Class Executive
- SmithConnect China Chapter
Database Resources
- Bloomberg
- Capitol IQ
- Wiley CFA Preparation Program
The Guangdong-HK-Macau Great Bay Area Financial Forum
The GDP of China's Great Bay Area surpassed the GDP of Canada as a whole in 2020. As a Master of Finance – Beijing student, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Guangdong-HK-Macau (The Great Bay Area) Financial Forum and visit one of the world's newest economics. The forum featured over 500 political and business leaders and academics from around the world.
Queen's University Alternative Assets Fund
QUAAF is the only student-run hedge fund in North America and was the brainchild of four master’s students at Smith School of Business. Through QUAAF, students can analyze investment opportunities, commit real money, and monitor performance. The QUAAF management group includes Master of Finance and Master of Business Administration students, supported by an advisory committee of industry professionals. The fund has been seeded with contributions from alumni and friends of Queen’s University, and all proceeds contribute to the maintenance and expansion of the fund.
Learn more about QUAAF
“The MFin program served as a platform for me to make a smooth transition from my legal background into the financial industry. I was impressed with the passionate teaching of the faculty members who always pushed us beyond our limits and prepared us to tackle the challenges of the industry today.”
Shannon Gong, MFin
Associate, ESG
BCI
Victoria, BC
Partnerships
Smith's Master of Finance is a proud partner of the CFA Institute (Chartered Financial Analyst) and the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association).
CFA Partner
The Chartered Financial Analyst charter is the gold standard for investment practice, demonstrating expertise, experience, current practice, timeless investment principles, and a commitment to exemplary ethical standards. CFA Program Partner status is awarded to high profile universities of global stature that embed a significant percentage of the CFA Program Candidate Body of KnowledgeTM (CBOKTM) into their degree programs.
CAIA Academic Partner
The CAIA Charter is the educational benchmark for the alternative investment industry, which includes hedge funds, commodities and managed futures, private equity, credit derivatives and real estate. The CAIA Association® academic partnerships are awarded to accredited academic institutions whose curriculum covers a significant portion of the subject matter addressed in the CAIA program.
