Finance and Banking

The Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Banking at Pompeu Fabra University offers students a comprehensive education in the essential principles and practices of modern finance and banking sectors. Designed to prepare graduates for dynamic careers in financial institutions, investment firms, corporate finance departments, and regulatory bodies, this program combines a solid theoretical foundation with practical applications. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as financial markets, investment analysis, financial management, banking operations, risk assessment, and financial regulation. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills, including econometrics, financial modeling, and data analysis, enabling students to interpret complex financial data accurately and make informed decisions. Additionally, the program includes courses on international finance, banking technology, and ethical considerations in financial services, equipping graduates with a global and responsible outlook. The program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced faculty members who are active researchers in the fields of finance and banking. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, workshops, and conferences, gaining practical experience and establishing valuable industry connections. The program also promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, essential for thriving in a competitive financial environment. Graduates of this degree are well-positioned to pursue careers in financial analysis, investment banking, asset management, financial consulting, and risk management, among others. Pompeu Fabra University's strong ties with the financial sector, combined with its innovative teaching approaches and commitment to research excellence, make this program an ideal choice for students aspiring to excel in the financial industry.

Essentials

• Financial Econometrics - José Olmo (University of Southampton)
• Financial Accounting and Analysis - Javier Gomez-Bizcarri (UPF)
• Macroeconomics and International Finance - Oriol Aspachs (La Caixa) and Sofia Rodriguez (Banc de Sabadell).

Finance

• Investments - José Suárez-Lledó (Caixabank)
• Financial Management - Filippo Ippolito (UPF)
• Derivatives and Risk Management - Manuel Moreno (University of Castilla-La Mancha)

Banking

• Financial Markets and Institutions - Enrique Benito (Deloitte)
• Financial Institutions Management - Silvia Holgado (BBVA) and José Luis Peydró (UPF)

Elective courses

There will be a presentation of electives at the end of the first term so that students can get a better understanding of their choices. Students may choose 4 out of the following 6 electives:

• Corporate Valuation
  • Corporate Valuation - Albert Banal-Estanol (UPF) and Jacobo Cuadrado
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Reorganizations
  • Mergers & Acquisitions - Michael Counihan (UPF)
  • Bankruptcy and Corporate Reorganization - Victor Garrabou von Trotha (Seaport Group)
• Regulation and Governance
  • Banking Regulation and Supervision - Sergio Vicente (Carlos III)
  • Corporate Governance - Andrea Polo (UPF)
• Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Finance - Filippo Ippolito (UPF)
• Benchmarking and Management Control
  • Benchmarking and Management Control - Mircea Epure (UPF)
• Pricing and Revenue Optimization
  • Pricing and Revenue Optimization - Mihalis Markakis (UPF)

MSc Thesis

• MSc Thesis Advising: Guidelines and Accompanying Course - Luz Parrondo (UPF)

Requirements

• To have finished or be in the last year of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, students should come from any of the following academic fields of study:Economics,Business Administration,Engineering,Mathematics,Physics
• Applicants with a different academic background will be asked to provide proof of sufficient quantitative and analytical training by presenting a 600 or higher GMAT score.
• Applicants who are currently studying the last year of their Bachelor's Degrees will need to have finished their university studies and obtained their final diploma before the beginning of the program.
• Applicants who finished their Bachelor's Degrees some time ago should preferably not exceed 3 years of working experience in a position relevant to the program's field.
• Pay the admission fee by credit card or bank transfer (120 €)
• Have an admission interview (Skype)
• Scanned copy of the student's Bachelor's Degree
• Scanned copy of the Transcript of Records. Make sure that it includes your GPA (Grade Point Average).
• Scanned copy of the student's Passport/ID
• Official proof of English: TOEFL CBT: > 235, TOEFL PBT: > 575, TOEFL IBT: > 100, IELTS: > 6.5, CAE: C1
• Presentation letter or video
• Photo (.JPG)
• CV (written in English)
• 2 letters of recommendation (1 academic letter mandatory)
• GMAT:
  • Required for students from non-analytical Bachelor's Degrees (Humanities, Communication, Tourism, Law, Politics etc.)
  • Strongly recommended for science students (Biology, Pharmacy, Medicine, etc.) and students whose analytical background is not duly justified (on the Transcript of Records or by work experience).
  • Not required for students from analytical related Bachelor's Degrees (Economy, Business and Administrations, International Business, Statistics, Engineering, Maths, Physics, etc.)
  • For the MSCIB - Although GMAT is not strictly required, analytical skills and business experience will be positively evaluated.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• UPF Partner Universities.Check if the university where you took your undergraduate studies is a UPF partner university and obtain a 10% discount on your master's tuition fees. Ask your Program Advisor for more information.
• Talent Scholarships. Apply for one of our Talent Scholarships, specifically awarded to master students who can demonstrate an exceptional academic, professional or personal trajectory.
• External Financial Aid. Consult the list of external entities and institutions that offer financial aid to students who want to enrol on a master program or a postgraduate course.
• Discounts. Benefit from our student discounts if you are an alumnus, belong to the UPF community or work for one of our collaborating institutions.
• Bank Loans. Inform yourself about the bank loans with advantageous conditions that UPF Barcelona School of Management has set up with the main Spanish financial institutions.

The Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Banking at Pompeu Fabra University offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the core principles of financial management, banking operations, and economic analysis. Designed to prepare students for careers within financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and corporate finance departments, the program combines theoretical foundations with practical skills to meet the demands of a dynamic global financial environment. Throughout the course, students explore key areas such as financial markets, investment analysis, risk management, financial regulation, and banking techniques, gaining a thorough understanding of how financial systems operate both locally and internationally. The curriculum incorporates advanced quantitative methods, fostering analytical and problem-solving skills essential for financial decision-making.

Students benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge of economics, law, and technology to adapt to technological innovations in the financial sector, such as fintech and digital banking. The program emphasizes ethical considerations, compliance, and sustainable finance, reflecting contemporary trends in the industry. Practical training is a cornerstone of the degree, with opportunities for internships, project-based learning, and interactions with industry experts, which help bridge academic concepts with real-world applications. Pompeu Fabra University also leverages its strategic location in Barcelona, a major financial hub, to facilitate networking and employment opportunities.

Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue diverse career paths, including financial analysis, banking, asset management, consultancy, or further specialization through master's programs. The university's commitment to maintaining high academic standards and fostering innovation ensures that students graduate with a competitive edge in the financial sector. The program is also accredited for its quality and relevance, aligning with European and international financial education standards, and integrating a global perspective into its curriculum to prepare students for international finance markets.