Financial Management

Financial Management at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers students a comprehensive and practical education designed to prepare them for careers in the dynamic world of finance and business. The program emphasizes developing analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a thorough understanding of financial markets, accounting, investment analysis, risk management, and corporate finance. Students are equipped with the latest financial tools and technologies, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and provide sound financial advice in a variety of organizational contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with real-world applications, ensuring graduates can effectively solve complex financial problems, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand global financial trends.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities for internships and practical projects that enhance their understanding of real financial environments. The program also fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and communication skills essential for leadership roles in finance. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members with practical industry backgrounds, ensuring that learning is aligned with current market needs. The program prepares students for careers in financial consulting, banking, asset management, corporate finance departments, and entrepreneurial ventures. Graduates will also be well-positioned to pursue professional certifications such as CFA or ACCA.

The program combines classroom learning with seminars, workshops, and case studies, allowing students to develop a holistic approach to financial management. It also encourages international perspectives, giving students insight into global financial systems and cross-cultural business practices. The diverse student body and collaborative atmosphere foster networking opportunities and diverse viewpoints. Upon graduation, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive financial industry and to contribute effectively to the success of organizations worldwide. The program is designed to be flexible, with options for specialization and electives, enabling students to tailor their education to their individual career goals.

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.