International Finance

The Master in International Finance at the Berlin School of Economics and Law is designed for students from Germany and abroad who are interested in an international and interdisciplinary programme in finance. The Master's programme comprises advanced finance courses, enabling students to expand and deepen their theoretical and practical skills in both traditional and innovative financial management methods. The programme focuses equally on corporate and capital market finance. Graduates of the Master in International Finance will have acquired extensive expertise in finance, and the skills to effectively take on demanding financial management tasks in a variety of sectors.

Structure:
The first and second semesters move from foundation modules to specialised, in-depth studies. The third semester is reserved for researching and preparing the thesis. If a student takes a placement, the programme extends from three to four semesters. Teaching is entirely in English, giving students an opportunity to sustainably improve their comprehension and speaking skills in an English context. This approach also reflects the standard requirements for applicants hoping to work in international companies.
Classes are conducted in a combined lecture/seminar format in which students are expected to play an active part. Case studies form a major part of teaching, since this allows the acquired expertise to be applied to real-life issues and problems in practice.
The language of instruction is English.
Placement: all students who did not complete a placement of at least six months in advance of their studies must undertake a placement during the third semester.

Educational organisation

Curriculum:

First Semester:

• Module 1: International Corporate Finance
• Module 2: Econometrics
• Module 3: Financial Economics
• Module 4: Corporate Financial Theory and Policy
• Tutorial seminar

Second Semester:

• Module 1: International Accounting
• Module 2: Financial Risk Management
• Module 3: Management of International Asset Portfolios
• Module 4: Business Ethics for Finance
• Tutorial seminar

Third Semester:

• Colloquium
• Master's thesis

Forms of assessment

Combined examinations, such as:

• presentation and a term paper
• presentation and a colloquium
• presentation and an oral exam
• written examinations

In every semester students receive 30 credit points (6,5 credit points for each major course in the first two semesters and 4 credit points for each tutorial seminar). In the third semester, students can earn 24 credit points for the Master's thesis and 6 credit points for a seminar on research methods.

Course objectives

Successful students in this programme are awarded an internationally recognised Master of Science (MSc) degree by the Berlin School of Economics and Law. The International Finance programme is diverse and provides the skills necessary for graduates to effectively take on a wide variety of challenging tasks in companies who are active in international markets and financial institutions. Furthermore, the Master of Science (MSc) is recognised as qualifying graduates to apply for posts in the German senior civil service (in line with the joint guidelines agreed on by the Standing Conference of the Interior Ministers of the Federal States (Innenministerkonferenz) and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Federal States of the Federal Republic of Germany (Kultusministerkonferenz)).

Language requirements

Excellent English skills must be proven with English tests (TOEFL - min. 95 (iBT)/IELTS - min. 6.0).

Academic requirements

Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

• Bachelor's or equivalent degree
• placement (at least six months) in a financial context; if not proven, a placement has to be undertaken during the third semester
• evidence of modules in the following subjects in the undergraduate degree: basic lectures in finance and investment theory, corporate finance, macroeconomics (or comparable courses)
• at least 210 ECTS credit points (applicants with 180 ECTS credit points will be required to obtain the additional 30 credit points by completing a placement in the third semester. The programme will then last four semesters.)
• proof of English proficiency (TOEFL - min. 95 (iBT)/IELTS - 6.0)
• CV and letter of motivation in English
• GMAT - voluntary option - at least 600 pts.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 300 EUR (subject to change without notice) per semester cover fees for the student services organisation and student parliament groups as well as the cost of a semester ticket which allows students to use the Berlin Public Transport (BVG) for six months.

Costs of living

The cost of living in Berlin is estimated at approx. 850 EUR per month. This includes rent in a student residence hall (private accommodation costs from 300 to 500 EUR per month), living expenses, health insurance, books and material, and incidental expenses.

Job opportunities

There are many job opportunities for students in Berlin.
Non-EU students are permitted to work within specified limits.

Arrival support

The Study Office offers an orientation day to new students and assists with administrative matters such as residence permits, insurance, etc.

Services and support for international students

You will be supported by the Study Office at the Berlin School of Economics and Law.

Accommodation

Student Services ("Studentenwerk") and other institutions currently offer some 15,600 rooms in student residence halls throughout Berlin.