ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
School of Economics
Language(s) of Instruction
French
Overview
The Banking Risk Analysis track of the MBFA Master’s program trains professionals and researchers specializing in banking and financial risk analysis as well as data science. It combines modern programming, statistical methods, and the analysis of large financial databases to address the sector’s emerging challenges.
The program takes into account developments in the banking and finance sectors, the complexity of international transactions, and new prudential regulatory requirements such as Basel III—particularly regarding liquidity risk and asset-liability management (ALM)—as well as proficiency in artificial intelligence tools. Classes in quantitative subjects are held in the Trading Room.
The program is highly career-oriented thanks to partnerships with banking institutions, presentations by industry professionals, conferences on big data and AI, and applied projects, all of which facilitate access to internships andemployment. The majority of graduates enter the workforce within six months, with an employment rate of over 80 percent.

The Benefits of the Training Program
- A RARE SPECIALIZATION IN THE OCCITANIE REGION
- ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE SKILLS
- MANAGING VARIOUS FINANCIAL RISKS
Objectives
The objective of this program is to equip students with three types of skills: expertise in quantitative methods (econometrics, analysis of large databases, etc.), expertise in banking and financial risk analysis and banking regulation, and proficiency in computer tools (R, VBA, Python, etc.).
- Equip students with the skills necessary to pursue careers as risk analysts (analyzing various types of risk: credit risk analyst, operational risk analyst, compliance risk analyst, liquidity risk analyst, asset-liability management (ALM) specialist, risk manager within banking and financial institutions, etc.) ) so they can propose tailored solutions in the field of risk management (assessing the risks of complex products, designing structured products or complex portfolios, etc.).
- To equip students with the skills needed to conduct research within public organizations and to understand regulations as well as financial and banking operations, in order to identify, assess, and model risks, and to evaluate financial and banking products.
- Master financial modeling tools and banking econometrics, which will enable you to apply for positions as a market trader, portfolio manager, financial risk analyst, and in back-office roles.
- Master the artificial intelligence tools needed to apply for jobs as a data analyst or data scientist.
-Gain technical training focused on working with large financial databases at various frequencies, using the most powerful software available
- Acquire sufficient knowledge to apply for the doctoral contract competitive exam and/or to enroll in a doctoral program.
- Have computer skills and know how to model and use computer tools, software, or software packages commonly used in the industry (SAS, VBA, etc.).
- The ARB training program implementstools to support student success. The program includes guidance from professionals to help students prepare for internship and job searches. The initiatives implemented are as follows: CV and cover letter development, preparation for internship searches, and job interview preparation. Workshops on job search strategies (resumes, cover letters, etc.) are organized, as well as sessions to prepare for job interviews (the hiring process, types of interviews, etc.). In addition, mock interview sessions with a recruiter (a professional) and a faculty member from the master’s program are scheduled.
Expertise and Skills
Expertise
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Analyzing and Modeling Banking and Financial Risks
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Analyze and process large financial databases
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Developing and Evaluating Complex Financial Products
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Use financial and econometric modeling tools
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Use computer-based decision-support tools (SAS, R, Python, VBA)
- Use financial analysis tools
Skills
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Proficiency in Quantitative Methods and Banking Econometrics
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Expertise in Financial Risk Management and Analysis
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Knowledge of banking operations and regulations
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Proficiency in IT and statistical tools applied to finance
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Ability to analyze, synthesize, and conduct applied research
- Master's Degree in Financial Analysis
International Dimension
Starting in their second year, students can spend a year (two semesters) at one of the 60 universities with which the School of Economics has partnerships through the ERASMUS+, inter-university agreements, and CHARM-EU exchange programs.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
Master’s programs at the School of Economics are structured over two years and four semesters and are based on an assessment system designed to measure students’ learning progress in a gradual and comprehensive manner. At the end of each semester, the skills, competencies, and knowledge acquired in each course unit (UE) are assessed in one of two ways: through continuous assessment or a final exam.
Continuous assessment allows for regular monitoring of student progress through various forms of evaluation: proctored exams, graded tutorials, presentations, projects, document analyses, and active participation in class. This approach encourages regular attendance, consistent work, and the gradual acquisition of skills.
The final exam, on the other hand, consists of a written or oral test administered at the end of the semester. Its purpose is to assess the student’s overall mastery of the concepts taught and their ability to apply their knowledge in a structured and in-depth manner.
Special Features
Students with disabilities, young entrepreneurs, and elite athletes can receive personalized support.
This may take the form of academic accommodations, pedagogical adjustments, or specific rights, in order to enable students to best balance their personal or professional commitments with their university studies. Depending on the situation, these measures may include an adapted class schedule, modified assessment procedures, attendance accommodations, individualized support, or dedicated support services.
Program
The program lasts 2 years, or 4 semesters
120 ECTS
Choose one of the following two options:
Financial English 1
2 creditsSpanish 1
Theoretical Econometrics
5 creditsMarket Finance
4 creditsMonetary and Financial Macroeconomics
3 creditsForecasting Methods
5 creditsAlgorithms and Programming
3 creditsData Mining and Big Data
Data Warehouse
The Economics of Bancassurance
3 credits
Optional
Choose one of the following two options:
Financial English 2
2 creditsSpanish 2
2 credits
Introduction to Stochastic Calculus
4 creditsCorporate Finance
4 creditsIntroduction to SAS / Excel VBA
2 creditsBanking Techniques
3 creditsTime Series Econometrics
5 creditsTechnical Analysis
2 creditsApplied Econometrics Project
5 creditsFinancial Mathematics Using Excel VBA
3 credits
Professional Development Conferences
Financial Markets and Financial Theory
2 creditsNumerical Methods in Banking "VBA"
2 creditsTrading Algorithm
1 creditPortfolio Management Using R
1 creditFinancial Analysis (Bank of France)
1 creditPrimary stock market: initial public offering
0.5 creditsStochastic Calculus
2 creditsOperational and Compliance Risks
2 creditsFinancial English
1 creditIntroduction to Artificial Intelligence in Python
0.5 creditsExploratory Statistics (SAS)
1 creditComputer Skills (VBA)
1 creditFinancial Big Data
1 creditCredit Risk
2 creditsCybersecurity and Cryptography
1 creditApplied Econometrics in Finance
2 creditsEconometrics of Financial Markets
2 creditsAsset-Liability Management (ALM)
2 creditsInterest Rate Risk
2 creditsFinTechs, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrencies
1 creditNumerical Methods in Actuarial Science "VBA"
2 creditsProgramming in R
Banking and Insurance Regulations
1 credit
Introductory Research Seminars
CHOICE 1
30 creditsChoose 1 or 2 out of 2
Research thesis as part of a research track
30 credits3- to 6-month internship
30 credits
Admission
Admission Requirements
- For the Master 1 program: Applicants must hold or be in the process of earninga bachelor’s degree (or equivalent, bac+3) in economics, a MIASHS bachelor’s degree, or a similar degree recognized in France or Europe.
- For the Master 2 program: Applicants must have completed at least 4 years of higher education (Bac +4 / 240 ECTS) in fields related to economics or similar disciplines. A strong academic record and, in some cases, professional experience are highly valued.
economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/candidatures/
Registration Procedures
First year of the master's program
If you wish to apply for admission to the first year of a master's program, you must submit your application through the Mon Master platform .
Second year of the master's program
To gain admission to the second year of the master's program based on academic equivalence, the ecandidat application process is required.
For more information: economie.edu.umontpellier.fr/candidatures/candidatures-et-admissions/
Target Audience
Students from the Montpellier Academy, the Occitanie region, France, and abroad
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are set each year by the Ministry of Higher Education. They are accompanied by the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).
The entire program is free for students receiving scholarships.
Capacity
40
Recommended Prerequisites
A strong background incomputer science, mathematics, statistics, econometrics, financial analysis, and probability is essential.
And then
Continuing Education
Master’s degree graduates can continue their studies, notably bypursuing a Ph.D. in economics, either in France or abroad, particularly those interested in research or higher education. Additional specialized programs (university degrees) may also be considered depending on one’s career goals.
Employment Placement
Objectives of the Master's Program
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Career Goal: Direct Entry into the Job Market
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Purpose of the program: Students may continue on to a doctoral program depending on the quality of their applied research thesis
Audience and Objective
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Training for senior executives pursuing careers in the banking and financial sectors
Career Opportunities (Main)
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Risk Analysis and Management (Credit, Operational, Liquidity, Compliance)
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Compliance, Internal Control, and Audit
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Portfolio Management and Structured Finance
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Data, Statistics, and Information Systems (Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Analyst)
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Market-related roles (trading, middle/back office, quant assistant)
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Financial and Wealth Management Advice, and Banking and Insurance
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Research and Higher Education
- Wealth Manager
- Financial Analyst
Institutions and Employment Sectors
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Commercial and Investment Banks
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Central Banks and Public Institutions
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Asset Management Firms and Insurance Companies
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Audit, Consulting, and Accounting Firms
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Major Financial Institutions
- Private or public companies
https://osipe.edu.umontpellier.fr/masters/