Program 

Program Details

The Master program in Banking and Finance is a two-year, 120 ECTS program, constructed around four semesters. The academic year is divided into two semesters, the winter term (October - January) and summer term (March - July).

The first two semesters consists of compulsory courses that lay the foundation and provide the fundamental building blocks in Financial Markets, Corporate Finance, and Financial Intermediation. The third semester consists of electives, where students can choose from a broad range of courses, which provide them with the possiblity to specialize in certain fields of study. During this semester, students are also encouraged to participate in an international study program. The fourth and final semester is dedicated to the writing of the Master thesis.

Most modules require 5 ECTS and are split into a lecture (3 ECTS) and a seminar (2 ECTS). The lectures are designed to introduce theories and methods of the respective field of study, whereas the seminars are meant to deepen that understanding via presentations, discussions and practical implementations of theoretical concepts. Since the Master Banking and Finance is planned as a Program over 2 years, the schedule detailed below is also equal to the recommended/usual schedule.

Structure and Content

Studienplan

Prerequisite of the modules:

At the beginning of the first semester and before all other courses start, the module „Principles of Financial Economics and Financial Intermediation” has to be completed. To do so, one has to pass exams for each of the three parts of the module as well as examinations within the module. This is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Master’s program. Please consider the module’s dates. A late start of the master program is not possible.

Please find typical questions in the exams of the module „Principles of Financial Economics and Financial Intermediation” [here].

First semester

The first semester consists of the following five core modules:

  • Principles of Financial Economics and Financial Intermediation *
  • Financial Reporting
  • Derivatives
  • Methods of Empirical Finance
  • Mathematical Finance

* Completion is mandatory to attend the following modules in the first semester.

Second semester

The second semester consists of the following six core modules:

  • Coporate Finance
  • Asset Allocation and Wealth Management
  • Market Efficiency
  • Applied Empirical Finance
  • Management of Financial Institutions
  • Ethical and Methodological Aspects in Banking and Finance

A pre-requisite for attending theses courses is successful completion of all courses offered in the first semester.

Third semester

In the third semester you have to choose six elective courses. At least 15 ECTS have to be from the field of banking and finance. Courses which are regularly offered include Corporate Valuation, Experimental Finance, Applied Risk Management, as well as Recent Topics in Banking and Finance.

The remaining 15 ECTS can be either from the field of banking and finance as well or from elective courses in other master programs at the Faculty of Business and Management.

A pre-requisite for attending theses courses is successful completion of all courses offered in the first semester.

Fourth semester

During the fourth and last semester, students are expected to write their Master's Thesis. The topic ought to be from the field of a mandatory or elective module. Students are encouraged to propose the topic themselves, but can also choose from a set of exemplary research questions in coordination with their supervisor.

The thesis is an academic and scientific work and is thought of as an attestation of the student's ability to apply theoretical and methodical instruments on a specific research question. It requires a workload of 25 ECTS.

Qualification Profile 

The financial services sector offers a number of challenging, fascinating and demanding fields of activity. The Master program in Banking and Finance qualifies students for assuming demanding tasks in the financial services sector like analytical, managerial or consulting activities within

  • banks
  • insurance companies
  • investment corporations
  • financial departments of private and public companies
  • ...

Furthermore, given the scientific and theoretical skills acquired during the program, graduates also are able to pursue an academic career within the field of Banking and Finance.

Goals

The Master program in Banking and Finance is aimed for equipping students with a broad knowledge and competence in the fields of problem solving and detailed analysis based on theoretical as well as methodical expertise. This competence qualifies students

  • to deal with scientific problems on their own,
  • to critically assess scientific knowledge,
  • to apply obtained findings to new research contexts,
  • to take up further doctorate or PhD studies,
  • to handle major problems in their practical field of activity in a scientifically sound and professional manner,
  • to apply their broad knowledge, which exceeds the area of Banking and Finance, to various professional fields,
  • to soundly reflect ethical as well as social consequences and premises of the application of their knowledge.

Consequently, the Master program in Banking and Finance is the right choice for students who aim for assuming leading, targeting, analysing and consulting activities in the financial services sector, in particular, in private and public companies, administrative bodies or international institutions, (investment) banks, insurance companies and investment companies.

Academic Degree

The degree "Master of Science" (MSc.) is awarded to students on successful completion of the entire program. 



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