Master in Business and Finance (research)

The Master in Business and Finance (Research) at Charles III University of Madrid is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced financial and business management principles through rigorous research. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and methodological expertise necessary for conducting independent research in the fields of finance and business administration. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, strategic management, and organizational behavior, all within a dynamic and globally oriented academic environment. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical research applications, preparing graduates for careers in academic pursuits, financial institutions, consultancy, or positions requiring advanced analytical competencies. Throughout the program, students will have access to cutting-edge research resources and collaborate with faculty who are recognized experts in their fields. The program also aims to foster a strong ethical perspective and an understanding of the societal impacts of financial decisions. Graduates of the Master in Business and Finance (Research) will be equipped with the necessary skills to undertake doctoral studies or to excel in professional roles that demand a high level of research proficiency and strategic insight. By integrating academic inquiry with real-world business challenges, the program seeks to produce innovative thinkers capable of contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the financial and business sectors.

The Master is organized in two academic years, each one containing 60 ECTS. The Master prepares students to do research in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Correspondingly, the coursework is organized into different specializations with overlapping courses:

First year (60 ECTS divided in four half-terms)

First semester: core courses for all students

• Term 1: Statistics for Economics and Business, Economics for Business I, Strategic Management
• Term 2: Quantitative Methods, Economics for Business II, Financial Economics

Second semester: core courses by specialization

            Specializations in Accounting & Finance:

• Term 3: Quantitative Methods, Accounting, Corporate Finance I        
• Term 4: Research Methods, Dynamic Asset Pricing, Corporate Finance II           

            Specializations in Management & Marketing:

• Term 3: Quantitative Methods II, Organization Theory, Marketing     
• Term 4: Research Methods, Human Resource Management, Innovation Management  

12 courses of 5 ECTS each

Second year (60 ECTS divided in four half-terms)

The program is flexibly designed to adapt to the student's research interest. Students take some courses in the department and have up to 12 ECTS that can be taken from other Master's programs in the university.

The program suggests courses adapted to different research profiles and students may personalize their profile subject to the director's approval. Some suggested profiles are:

• accounting,
• asset pricing (finance),
• corporate finance & banking,
• quantitative finance & big data,
• strategy entrepreneurship & innovation (management),
• corporate governance & CSR (management),
• personnel management,
• supply chain management,
• quantitative marketing,
• consumer behavior (marketing).

A Master thesis of 15 ECTS must be submitted for public examination at the end of the second year.

REQUIREMENTS

In general, admission requirements to the program entail possession of a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with quantitative training in the fields of economics or business administration, as well as other programs with strong quantitative requirements (statistics, mathematics, engineering ...).

Since all courses are taught in English, it is essential that applicants demonstrate an advanced level of spoken and written English. For this, candidates must certify a minimum score in any of the following tests:

• CEFR: B2
• TOEFL: 550 (Paper Based Test),
• TOEFL: 210 (Computer Based Test),
• TOEFL: 80 (Internet Based Test),
• IELTS: 6.0,

Presentation of CPE (Certificate of Proficiency English) or CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) will also be accepted as a proof of English proficiency. In rare cases, a test conducted by the Language Laboratory of the Universidad Carlos III itself or a personal interview with the director of the Master's program can be taken into account.

 ADMISSION CRITERIA

Admission will be decided by the Master Academic Committee. Candidate selection will be done on the basis of the following criteria:

• Academic record
• Quantitative background of students
• The prestige of the university of origin
• Letters of recommendation and motivation.

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

The deparment offers up to 15 full scholarships which include tuition and a monthly stipend to incoming students. Vistt www.masterbusinessfinance.com for more information.

More information available at the official program's website at www.masterbusinessfinance.com