Overview
A Master in Finance is a specialized graduate degree focused on developing advanced skills in financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and financial markets. This program is designed for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of finance and pursue careers in various financial sectors, such as investment banking, asset management, risk management, and financial consulting. The curriculum typically covers topics such as financial modelling, quantitative methods, financial reporting, derivatives, and portfolio management, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications.
Career Pathways
A graduate of the Master in Finance program could pursue either of the following careers,
- Investment Banking: As an investment banking analyst, one would work on financial modeling, valuation, and analysis for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs), and other corporate finance transactions. Over a period of 5-8 years, one would rise to Vice President and Director and then oversee deal execution, manage client relationships, and lead teams on strategic transactions.
- Asset Management: As a portfolio/asset manager at a hedge fund or corporate bank, one would manage investment portfolios, make buy/sell decisions, and develop investment strategies to achieve financial goals. Another responsibility could also involve equity research wherein one would conduct in-depth analysis of securities, industries, and markets to support investment decisions.
- Treasury Manager: Manage a company’s liquidity, investments, and risk related to financial activities.
- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks within an organization or investment portfolio, while also evaluating and managing the risk of credit exposure to ensure the financial stability of lending activities.
- Consultant: At a consultancy firm such as the MBB or Big 4, one could provide expert advice on financial strategies, risk management, valuation, and capital structure to clients.
- Trader: Execute trades, develop trading strategies, and manage risk in various financial instruments.
- Private Equity and Venture Capital: An analyst would conduct due diligence, financial modelling, and analysis for potential investments in private companies or start-ups.
Schools
The top ranked schools for the Master in Finance program are,
- London Business School (LBS)
London Business School is among the best schools to study finance globally. Its comprehensive finance program with a global perspective and strong ties to the financial hub of London make it on every prospective banker or asset manager. The primary areas of focus in the Master in Financial Analysis program are corporate finance, investment management, financial markets, and private equity. Moreover, students benefit from the proximity to London’s financial district, extensive alumni network, and partnerships with leading global banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, and Citigroup.
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
LSE offers a highly quantitative MSc in Finance program with a strong emphasis on economic theory and financial markets. After completing foundation coursework in corporate finance and asset markets, student can tailor the rest of the program based on their preferences with courses ranging from portfolio management, financial engineering, risk management, derivatives, and sustainable finance among others. Moreover, the school’s extensive research resources, access to London’s financial district, and a strong network of alumni and industry professionals further position LSE as a top school to pursue a degree in finance.
- HEC Paris
The Master in International Finance at HEC Paris provides a comprehensive finance program with a strong focus on international finance and corporate strategy. Students can choose a concentration in either corporate finance or capital markets along with the option to undertake certifications, language courses, and a study trip to London. Students at HEC Paris further benefit from its modern campus, extensive global network, and strong ties to international banks such as BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole, and SocGen.
- ESSEC Business School – France/Singapore:
The Master in Finance program at ESSEC is available to students in either France or Singapore. Students benefit from a two-year program wherein they gain knowledge and skills in foundational finance courses in the first year, complete an internship in the summer, and choose a specialization among corporate finance, financial markets, and FinTech in their second year. The program also organizes study trips to London, Hong Kong, and New York that allows students to understand the opportunities, trends, and challenges that central banks, retail, commercial, and investments banks face on several topics such as data and ethics, climate change, and risk management.
- IE Business School – Spain:
The Master in Finance at IE offers a dynamic finance program with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and global business. This 1-year program allows students to focus on specializations that include investment banking and private equity, asset management, alternative investments, and digital finance. Moreover, study trips to London, Ghana, and Frankfurt provide a holistic learning experience for students. Last, the option to undertake projects at the end of the year or complete the CFA Level I exam further allows students to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom.
- ESADE Business School – Spain:
ESADE’s MSc in Finance program provides a comprehensive finance program with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. Students study foundational courses in finance that include corporate finance, investment management, derivatives, financial modelling, and valuation after which they could choose tracks between investment banking and asset management. Last, the option to complete an in-company project or a thesis further allow students to tailor their curriculum based on their preferences.
- University of St. Gallen – Switzerland
The MBF program is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong focus on foundational finance courses that include corporate finance, financial modelling and valuation, equity and fixed income, derivatives, and investment management strategy. Students are also free to choose electives and an area of concentration based on their preferences. On campus, students in this program also benefit from the school’s extensive research resources, and strong ties to investment, corporate, and commodity trading banks in Zurich and Geneva.
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University – Netherlands
The MSc in Finance and Investments program at RSM is known for its strong academic curriculum and emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and global business within the realm of finance. Students benefit from core courses in financing modelling and valuation, corporate finance, M&A, alternative investments, and risk management. Towards the end of the program, students also write a thesis on their preferred topic. The school’s emphasis on sustainable finance and digital finance draws not only students from over the world but also banks such as ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO given the focus on incorporating ESG and sustainability into daily banking.
In addition to the schools mentioned above, other schools that are highly renowned include,
- Imperial Business School (UK)
- Warwick Business School (UK)
- ESCP Business School (France)
- EDHEC Business School (France)
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (Germany)
- EDHEC Business School (France)
- EMLyon Business School (France)