Gain in-depth knowledge of financial markets, asset management, banking, corporate finance, and insurance.
International:
1 Semester Abroad
This programme provides you with:
a deep insight into financial institutions, asset management, company valuation, empirical finance and other finance-related topics.
an analytical approach that allows you to gather a deep understanding of respective theories and concepts.
a strong focus on application of methods in financial institutions.
a high degree of individuality and flexibility that helps you to realise your potential during your studies.
With regard to the referred multi- and interdisciplinarity we offer a broad range of topics across and within our different finance departments. Therefore, you will be able to either gain a broad knowledge of different finance-related fields or can dig deep into specific fields.
This programme is exactly what I have been looking for, because I don’t need to choose between a strong analytical focus and real-world applicability. It provides me with a deep understanding for the theoretical concepts and a toolkit to work in a broad range of jobs in the finance sector.
This programme is right for you if you:
have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in management, business administration or economics – preferably with a focus in finance.
bring basic financial and statistical knowledge as well as analytical and mathematical skills.
are interested in obtaining a general understanding of finance activities, analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving and bring writing and language skills with you.
are internationally focused as well as open minded, have wide range of interests, and are eager to learn new things.
understand to use your independent working abilities.
are ready to take the next step in your career in a leading finance-related position in the corporate world.
Programme Overview
Preparing you for future challenges
This programme is characterised by its strong balance of theoretical rigor and practical relevance. Both aspects are critical. We build on a strong research reputation, which consistently excels in various competitive research ratings. We regularly publish in the leading academic finance journals globally and present our work at leading conferences.
Moreover, since most of the research is empirical in nature, the collaboration with organisations is natural to the department’s members. The university’s affiliated institutes with strong practical orientations foster a continuous exchange between the academic and business worlds.
Within this programme we focus on financial institutions and market participants, evaluate risk with financial and actuarial concepts, and investigate leasing as well as asset management models. This combination is extremely helpful for gaining per- sonalised competences for your future job in the financial sector or for pursuing an academic career.
Business Simulation Game
Unique teaching methods combine research and practical elements, e.g. case studies in cooperation with companies. In small groups you conduct empirical studies and equity reports and apply theories and concepts in exercise sessions.
As a highlight of the curriculum, you work on current managerial topics in a business simulation game. The goal is to apply scientific theories and methods to the issues at hand and, based on this, derive concrete recommendations. It includes conceptual and application-oriented elements, which include student presentations, case studies, discussions and guest speakers from the field.
In today’s world, every business organisation must be proficient in finance and risk management techniques. Therefore, a thorough and up-to-date understanding of corporate finance, asset management, banking and insurance is indispensable for facing the current challenges in a global market economy.
Link to the practical world
One strong feature of the programme is the practical contact you, as a student, will receive. Guest lecturers and practice seminars establish and promote the direct exchange between companies and students. A large number of company contacts at both the institute and faculty levels enable you to immediately enter the business world.
International
English taught programme
The majority of this master programme is internationally oriented. Many courses deal with topics from the field of international management, and a lot of the case studies focus on globalised companies. Students come from different countries and cultural backgrounds, further fostering internationalisation. Hence, studies occur in an environment that is international and intercultural.
Semester abroad
We strongly encourage you to take advantage of all available opportunities to gain your own international experience. Our cooperation agreements with an extensive number of excellent partner universities worldwide, including Erasmus agreements with a broad range of European universities, provide you with attractive options for spending your semester abroad. Students wishing to organise their semester abroad themselves can do so as a freemover. In addition to a semester abroad, you can enrich your studies by taking part in one of our short programmes such as WiSo@NYC or a summer school abroad, or complete an internship abroad with financial support offered by Erasmus.
Broad international network
With its balanced theoretical and practical approach, the internationally focused master’s programme prepares you for a career in international work environments and enables you to work for internationalised companies. In addition to this, the WiSo Faculty has a strong alumni network of former students working in all business segments across the globe.
Career Opportunities
Skills acquired in the M.Sc. finance programme get you ready for future line and staff positions with respect to a broad set of finance and management related tasks. Potential employers range from start-ups and small/medium sized companies to large and global corporations.
You will leave the University of Cologne successfully prepared for a career in the finance sector—within enterprises, banks, insurance companies and other financial service providers, e.g. investment or leasing companies.
During my studies I was able to deal with the risk management of financial institutions on a scientific basis and to work extensively with complex data and advanced analysis methods. To this day, I especially appreciate the friendships and the professional contacts I made.
Example job opportunities include
Management Consultant
Financial Analyst
Investment Banker
Risk Manager
Financial Auditor
Treasury Management
Asset and Wealth Manage
Trainee Programmes
Consulting
Academic Research
Start-ups
For all those who are interested in academic finance research after finishing their master studies, the finance area provides students who have competitive master scores with the possibility for admittance into a postgraduate programme (Ph.D.). At the same time, the MSc. degree is an excellent base for applying for graduate degree programmes at other national and international universities.
For students the WiSo Student Service Point offers not only advice on studying but also support on all aspects of career choice, career planning and the application process:
WiSo Student Service Point Phone: +49 (0) 221/470-8818
