DID YOU KNOW?
In 2024, Munich Business School secured the top spot among private universities of applied sciences in the field of business administration from a recruitment perspective for the fifth time in a row.
A degree in finance offers many exciting opportunities and opens up a wide range of career paths. Here are six compelling reasons why studying finance is worthwhile:
Financial experts are in demand, and this is also reflected in their salaries. Particularly in the areas of investment banking and asset management, there are lucrative earning opportunities that increase with experience and specialization.
Financial markets are globally interconnected, and companies are looking for experts who are familiar with the world. With a degree in finance, you have the opportunity to work internationally, be it in financial centers such as London, New York or Singapore.
The world of finance is constantly changing – from new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to sustainable investments (ESG). Those interested in innovation will find exciting challenges and development opportunities here.
A degree in finance prepares you for numerous professions – be it in corporate finance, investment banking, controlling or financial advice. The broad apprenticeship allows you to work in different industries, from start-ups to large corporations or banks.
The studies will provide you with analytical skills, problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of economic interrelationships. These skills are not only in demand in finance, but also in many other areas such as corporate strategy or consulting.
A good knowledge of finance not only helps companies, but also you personally. You will learn how to handle investments, build wealth and minimize financial risks – valuable skills that prepare you for a secure financial future.
Below you can find out what advantages MBS offers you in your finance studies.
In the following, we will briefly explain the concepts mentioned in Finance Study.
Concentrations are advanced topics that you can choose within your study program to specialize in specific areas such as marketing, finance or entrepreneurship. In some programs, you can even choose more than one Concentration.
Elective courses give you the opportunity to choose the modules that match your interests and career goals, allowing you to tailor your studies to your individual needs. In many degree programs, you can choose more than one elective course.
A degree program with an international focus prepares you for the challenges and opportunities of global markets through intercultural content, languages and often international experiences such as semesters abroad.
A semester abroad allows you to study at a partner university in a foreign country, gain international experience and improve your language and intercultural skills.
An internship is a practical experience in a company where you apply your theoretical knowledge, gain professional insights and make valuable contacts.
A Master Top-up program enables students with a first university degree to obtain a full Master's degree in a short period of time by completing only the missing modules.
A mentoring program connects you with experienced professionals or alumni who are ready to provide valuable advice, career tips, and personal support.
Studying in English means that some or even all courses and exams are offered in English, which broadens international career opportunities and strengthens language skills.
A pre-51Ʒ's program prepares prospective students for a 51Ʒ's Program by teaching them the basics and improving their language and subject knowledge.
A scholarship is a financial award given to students based on merit, need, or special qualifications to reduce the cost of studying.
A university's accreditations serve as a crucial benchmark for the quality and recognition of its study programs. Institutions such as the German Council of Science and Humanities, the Ministry of Education and FIBAA, as well as respected international accreditation organizations such as AMBA and AACSB, evaluate academic excellence, practical relevance and compliance with global standards. Universities like Munich Business School are continuously committed to extending existing accreditations and acquiring new ones. In the following, we provide an overview of the most important accreditations for your finance studies at MBS.
| Munich Business School | Public German Universities | |
|---|---|---|
| State Accreditation | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| FIBAA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| AACSB | ✔️ | ❌ |
| AMBA | ❌ | ❌ |
MORE INFO?
If you would like more information about the rankings and accreditations of Munich Business School, please visit our dedicated page.
Accreditations and Rankings of MBSThese are the companies that regularly work with Munich Business School students.
210
6 Semesters + 51Ʒ's thesis
German/English
Full-time Study
51Ʒ of Arts (B.A.)
Integrated
Built-in
February & September
Are you interested in the details? Here you will find our detailed course of studies for the 51Ʒ International Business at MBS, where you can choose the “International Finance” specialization and thus receive an optimal finance degree.
Pick 1 out of 6:
Pick 1 out of 6:
Complete your first internship in the lecture-free period between the second and third semester
Pick 1 out of 6:
Feel more connected to the MBS community by actively participating in a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
20 ECTS from the field of international business studies at the partner university
Duration: 10 Weeks
In the International Innovation Management concentration, you will learn to manage innovation processes from the idea to marketing. You focus on customer needs, use market research and current methods such as design thinking. You will research technology trends and implement your own innovation projects in groups.
In this concentration, students learn the basics of market-oriented business management. The focus is on marketing & sales in the digital age. The course covers strategies such as market analysis, brand management and the optimal marketing mix, including market research and sales management. The goal is to secure long-term success on a national and international level.
In the International Finance concentration, students acquire in-depth knowledge in controlling, corporate finance and asset management for the global context. The focus is on modern methods and tools, including investment calculations, financing decisions, foreign trade financing and risk assessment on an international level.
In the International Procurement, Production and Logistics concentration, students learn to efficiently manage global supply chains. The focus is on optimizing the flow of goods and services in times of globalization and digitalization. The aim is to supply end customers on time, cost-effectively and in high quality.
In the International Human Resources Management and Leadership concentration, students acquire in-depth knowledge of strategic human resources management at an international level. The focus is on the role of employees as critical success factors, as well as on topics of leadership and development of employees.
Deepen your accounting knowledge from the first part of the MBS program and learn, for example, about the structure, concept and elements of accounting according to IFRS.
Feel more connected to the MBS community by actively participating in a variety of extracurricular opportunities.
Select from the following languages: Arabic, Russian, French, Chinese, Spanish, German
Pick 1 out of 3
Pick 1 out of 3
Choose a seminar that matches your concentration and prepare yourself optimally for your bachelor thesis.
Further individualize your studies and deepen the areas you are particularly interested in, such as:
At the end of your studies, you will understand the importance of ethical decisions in the business world, which has been addressed in different courses in all semesters. Regardless of the level – company, leader or individual - ethical behavior in the sense of our MBS value act responsible is crucial!
Select from the following languages: Arabic, Russian, French, Chinese, Spanish, German
Duration: 10 Weeks
Last but not least: Writing your 51Ʒ Thesis.
"There is an appropriate balance of subjects with hard and soft skills, with important courses such as finance and equally important courses such as agile management or resilience management. Depending on your focus, you can dive deep into different areas.
The mandatory 30-week internship provides a good balance to the theory."
E. on
A finance degree program imparts a wide range of perspectives, skills and knowledge that are important for working in the financial market. Here are some typical subjects covered:
✓ Business Studies and Economics: Corporate Finance and Financial Planning, Controlling and Cost Accounting, Accounting and Annual Financial Statement Analysis, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
✓ Financial Markets: Function and Structure of Capital Markets, Trading in Financial Instruments (Stocks, Bonds, Derivatives), Fundamentals of Exchange Trading
✓ Corporate Finance: Capital Structure and Financing Sources, Investment Appraisal, Liquidity Management and Cash Flow Analysis
✓ Risk Management: Analysis and management of financial risks, hedging strategies, dealing with credit risks and market volatility
✓ Investments & Portfolio: Investment planning and diversification, valuation of assets (e.g. stocks, real estate), strategies for portfolio optimization
✓ International Finance: Exchange rate dynamics and their implications, international capital markets, global risk management
✓ Financial mathematics & statistics: calculation of interest, pensions and depreciation, risk and probability models, statistical methods for financial data analysis
✓ Accounting & controlling: financial reporting and analysis, international accounting (IFRS, HGB), strategic controlling
✓ Financial technology (FinTech): introduction to digital tools and technologies, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, automated trading platforms
✓ Law & Regulation: Financial law and compliance, regulations such as Basel III and MiFID II, ethics and sustainability in the financial sector
✓ Practical projects: analysis of financial reports, simulation of investment decisions, practical projects with banks or companies
✓ Specializations: financial engineering (financial models and new instruments), behavioral finance (psychological aspects of investments), financial data science
A degree in banking and finance opens up numerous career opportunities in a range of different sectors. Our alumni are sought-after experts in companies, banks and financial institutions. Here are six interesting professions that you can pursue after studying banking and finance:
Controllers monitor and control the financial development of a company. They analyze cost structures, create budgets and provide a basis for management decision-making. Their work is essential for a corporate strategy that is successful in the long term.
Financial analysts examine financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and support companies or investors in making informed decisions. They work in banks, investment funds or business consultancies and help to ensure that capital is used profitably.
Risk managers identify, assess and minimize financial risks for companies or banks. They analyze market developments, implement risk management strategies and ensure that financial losses are avoided or reduced.
Treasury managers are responsible for a company's liquidity and cash management. They ensure that sufficient capital is available to finance ongoing business operations, and optimize cash flows and currency risks.
Financial advisors support private or business clients in investing, retirement planning and asset management. Wealth managers often work for banks or independent financial service providers and help their clients develop optimal financial strategies.
Investment bankers advise companies on financing decisions, mergers and acquisitions. They analyze markets, evaluate companies and structure capital procurement. Lucrative career opportunities are available in major financial centers such as Frankfurt, London and New York.
DID YOU KNOW?
To find out more about the professions of Investment Banker, Controller, Risk Manager and other Business Studies professions, visit:
Business Administration Jobs| Prerequisites | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level positions | about € 40.000 - 70.000 per year |
| Mid-career level | about €70.000 - 120.000 |
| Executive level | about €120.000 - 250.000 + |
| Industry | Industry-dependent – e.g. higher in Banks & Investment |
| Location | Higher in metropolitan areas like Munich or Frankfurt |
| Experience | In most cases, the more experience, the higher the salary |
| Qualifications | In most cases, the more qualifications, such as a master's degree, the higher the salary |
After studying finance, you can work in areas such as investment banking, portfolio management, corporate finance, risk management or controlling. Jobs in asset management, fintech or management consulting are also open to you. Your tasks range from analyzing and optimizing financial processes to developing investment strategies or innovative financial technologies.
A degree in finance gives you knowledge of financial markets, corporate finance, investments and risk management. You will learn how to manage capital efficiently, analyze risk and make strategic financial decisions. It combines economics, mathematics and technology to prepare you for versatile careers in the financial world.
To become a corporate finance manager, you usually need a degree in finance, business administration or a similar field, supplemented by relevant practical experience in corporate finance or controlling. Additional qualifications such as a master's degree or certificates (e.g. CFA), as well as analytical skills and strategic thinking, will help you to grow into this role.
A degree in finance and accounting offers you a solid foundation for understanding, managing and optimizing financial processes in companies. It prepares you for a wide range of well-paid career paths and gives you the skills to make strategic decisions using numbers and ensure financial stability.
In financial management studies, you will learn how to analyze, plan and efficiently manage financial resources. This includes topics such as investments, risk management, corporate finance, financial markets, and how to create and interpret financial reports.
A finance degree is an academic program that focuses on the analysis, management, and planning of financial resources. It provides students with comprehensive knowledge of financial markets, investments, risk management, corporate finance, and economics. The aim of a finance degree is to understand the mechanisms and strategies behind the optimal management of capital – whether at a personal, corporate, or governmental level. The program often combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications and promotes analytical thinking as well as skills in mathematics and statistics. It is an excellent foundation for careers in banking, management consulting, investment or financial management of large companies.
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In our exclusive and non-binding information material, you can find out everything you need to know about:
Here is a detailed overview of the requirements and personal qualities that are helpful for successfully completing a degree in finance:
In Germany, there are a number of opportunities to study finance, both in public and private institutions. The courses available range from bachelor's and master's programs to specialized courses of study. Here is an overview:
51Ʒ's degree in finance
The bachelor's degree in finance offers a basic education in finance, economics and related fields. Possible courses of study:
Master's degree in finance
A master's program deepens knowledge and allows students to specialize. Popular courses:
Dual study programs
A dual study program combines theory with practical experience in a company. Popular programs:
MBA in Finance
An MBA program is ideal for professionals who want to further their education in the financial sector. Focus:
International programs in Germany
Many universities offer finance programs in English to attract international students:
With such a wide range of study options, Germany offers an excellent base for a career in finance, regardless of your level of education or professional goals.
Studying business administration with a focus on finance gives you a broader and more versatile foundation than a finance-only degree. While a specialized finance degree is heavily weighted towards financial topics such as markets, investments, and risk management, business administration also covers important areas such as marketing, human resource management, logistics, and corporate strategy. This comprehensive education makes you more flexible and gives you the opportunity to work in different functions within a company later on, not only in finance.
With a business degree, you can choose finance as your major and still rely on a broader understanding of business processes, which will help you make better financial decisions in the larger business context. Furthermore, many employers appreciate the versatility of a business degree, as it shows that you are not only able to analyze numbers, but also understand economic interrelationships and think strategically. This can be especially helpful if you aspire to leadership roles that require a broad perspective.
Munich Business School not only offers you a first-class business administration degree, but also focuses it on international business so that you can pursue your chosen career anywhere in the world after graduation. The MBS Master in Finance offers many highlights such as semesters abroad, internships, business projects, plenty of networking opportunities and much more. At Munich Business School, you can expect small study groups, dedicated teachers and award-winning programs. But more importantly, your name matters to us. Here, you are not an anonymous member, but the driving force that motivates us every morning. As a small, private university, we take time for your concerns and offer you a customized study experience. Our lecturers have extensive practical experience and teach you skills that really count. In addition to in-depth business knowledge, we also promote values and abilities that bring you closer to sustainability and social responsibility as a future finance expert and optimally prepare you for a wide range of professions.
MBS offers students numerous advantages that are only possible thanks to the structure of a private university of applied sciences. You will benefit from the following advantages during your studies at Munich Business School:
Professors with business experience and guest lectures by specialists
Small class sizes & support through networking events, for example
in finance and management
A broad business degree and specialized knowledge through interesting areas of focus
Students from around the world & a business project
A finance degree program is divided into different phases that impart both fundamental knowledge and specialization. The exact sequence varies depending on the university and the study model (bachelor's, master's, dual study), but typically follows this pattern:
51Ʒ's degree (BSc or BA)
Master's degree (M.Sc., M.A. or MBA)
Additional options and degrees
With its clearly structured design and targeted preparation for entering the workforce, a degree in finance is an excellent foundation for a successful career in the financial world.
The Munich Business School in Numbers
Here is a clear table of job opportunities after a finance degree, the typical tasks and the possible starting salaries:
| Job position | Responsibilities | Starting salary (gross/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment banker | Company valuations, conducting IPOs, advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) | €60,000–80,000 |
| Financial analyst | Analysis of financial markets and instruments, valuation of stocks and bonds | €45,000–65,000 |
| Portfolio manager | Creation and management of investment portfolios, monitoring of returns and risks | €50,000–70,000 |
| Risk manager | Analysis and management of risks, development of hedging strategies | €45,000–55,000 |
| Controller | Monitoring budgets and costs, creating reports and analyses | €40,000–50,000 |
| Auditor | Auditing annual financial statements, providing advice on tax and regulatory matters | €45,000–60,000 |
| Financial Consultant | Advice on financial matters (e.g. investments, corporate finance) | €50,000–70,000 |
| FinTech specialist | Development of digital financial solutions, working with blockchain, AI and data analysis | €50,000–70,000 |
| Treasurer | Managing a company's liquidity, managing currency and interest rate risks | €45,000–60,000 |
| Asset Manager | Managing large asset portfolios, advising institutional investors | €50,000–65,000 |
| Corporate Finance Manager | Planning and implementing financing strategies, optimizing capital structure | €45,000–60,000 |
| Financial Data Analyst | Analyzing large amounts of data to support financial decisions, creating forecasts | €50,000–70,000 |
| M&A advisor | Advising on mergers and acquisitions, valuing companies and creating deals | €60,000–80,000 |
| Credit manager | Assessing customers' creditworthiness, monitoring and managing credit | €40,000–55,000 |
| Private Banker | Asset management for wealthy private clients, development of individual investment strategies | €50,000–65,000 |
| Management Consultant (Finance) | Optimizing financial processes, strategic consulting for companies | €50,000–70,000 |
| Compliance Manager | Monitoring compliance with legal requirements, developing compliance guidelines | €45,000–60,000 |
| Quantitative analyst | Developing mathematical models for financial forecasting, optimizing trading strategies | €60,000–90,000 |
If you would like more information about the professions of project manager and marketing manager, please take a look at our corresponding job profile:
Business Management Careers
