Financial Management

The MBA programme Financial Management is a general management programme with a specialisation on the fundamental principles of finance, accounting and budgetary control. The following areas are examined: the role of money and financial markets, financial analysis, risk management, the function of investment markets and decision-making techniques (including behavioural and information management tools) necessary for the effective management of a company's resources. The goal of the programme is to provide students with the set of skills required for a CFO position.

The growing number of German "hidden champions" - small and mid-sized companies, often family owned - with increasingly international business and their corresponding opportunities and problems is a further element of the programme. In addition to the theoretical and practical contents of the programme relating to financial tasks of companies, strong emphasis is given to the development of the students' social competencies and intercultural skills.

As the programme is internationally oriented, it is especially open for foreign students. The current classes contain 27 different nationalities. German language skills are not required at the beginning of the programme. All compulsory classes are held in English. German language classes are offered at various levels of proficiency for those with no or minor German language abilities. In order to fully take advantage of all potential opportunities for the internship in the third semester, it is strongly recommended that students develop adequate German language skills during the first year. This will help them be able to communicate well within the company.

Educational organisation

The MBA programme in Financial Management comprises four semesters (including one company internship semester) and contains the following courses:

Basic Subjects of General Management:
Human Resource Management and Leadership
International Accounting and Controlling
International Tax and Legal Systems
Intercultural Management and Ethics
Business Policy & Strategy and International Marketing
Information and Communication Systems

Core Subjects of Financial Management:
Fundamentals of Financial Management and Economics
Corporate Finance and Financial Analysis
Financial Markets and Institutions
Treasury Management
Risk Management

Application of Financial Management:
Management of Projects and Business Simulation

In addition to the compulsory subjects above, you will be able to select four electives. In the third semester, the company internship semester takes place. The fourth semester is focussed on writing the Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

German students participating in the MBA Financial Management programme will do the internship semester abroad. Foreign students will stay in Germany for their internship semester.

Internships

A company internship of 20 weeks is required as part of the Financial Management programme following the second semester. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. After its 15 years, the programme has developed a large internship database and will provide substantial contact data.

Forms of assessment

At the end of each semester, written exams (or additional test formats, like case studies, student projects, and seminars) take place. The average course scores five ECTS. Some electives are credited three ECTS. The course overview provides detailed information about the ECTS structure.

Course objectives

• Skills in models and techniques in general with a special focus on financial management topics
• Ability to identify, analyse, and solve business problems in an international context
• Intercultural capabilities

Language requirements

Proficiency in the English language is required to understand, speak and write at Master's programme level (i.e. TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (Internet-based) or equivalent).

Academic requirements

Applicants are required to hold a Bachelor's degree (or higher) in the field of business administration. Alternatively, applications are possible with an equivalent entrance qualification (Bachelor) in another proficiency and additional work experience of two years minimum.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 95 EUR per semester. Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transportation in the Coburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

To cover personal expenses while studying in Coburg, we recommend a budget of around 670 EUR per month for accommodation, living costs, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

There are job opportunities in the city of Coburg and limited placements at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Typically, companies compensate students during their company internship semester in Germany (a typical arrangement would be 800 to 1,000 EUR per month).

Arrival support

We offer an orientation week for new students at the end of September. Therefore, we strongly recommended that students arrive in Coburg during the first half of September.

Activities during the orientation week include a welcome breakfast, "survival training" for international students, support, assistance with how to complete forms, introduction to ODI Computer Services, health insurance application, introduction to the university library, visiting the local government office for residents, how to open a bank account as a foreign national, etc. Furthermore, we provide arrival support in Coburg. Students also receive help with luggage transport, etc.

Services and support for international students

Foreign students are supported by a student tutoring and counselling system. A social and cultural activities programme especially for foreign students is organised to support their integration process.

We offer you a first-class education with individual support. Unlike larger universities throughout the world, at University of Applied Sciences and Arts, our moderate size allows for a great student-professor ratio and enables you to encounter an open ear anywhere on campus.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 220 EUR. Private housing can be found on the Internet at http://www.studenten-wg.de.

Apartments are offered to the students in the residences on the campus, with a total capacity of 450 single apartments with kitchen, bathroom/toilet and modern facilities. The apartments must be rented for one full semester (minimum of six months: September - February and March - August). No partial lease is possible. Apartments can also be found in the centre of Coburg close to the university. The International Office of the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts helps students to find accommodation.