Program

What you can expect in the Master’s in Finance Study program

What does the Master’s in Finance program include? When and how can I specialize? How are science and practice linked? What prerequisites should I fulfill to be admitted to the program? We answer these and other questions here, give you an insight into what you can expect in the Master's program - and show you why the University of Hohenheim is the right choice.
 
 Program content | Requirements | Combining theory and practice | Why the University of Hohenheim?
 

Program content

Financial basics, various options for specialization

With that Master’s program in Finance, you choose a program that adapts your needs for further education. Within two years, you can deepen your previous knowledge from your studies and professional activity in the field of finance while you continue to work. The study content of a total of 90 credits (compulsory) is taught in seminar weeks and weekend blocks (Friday to Sunday or Thursday to Saturday).

In the first semester, you will learn important methodological and financial fundamentals and interrelationships. After that, you will deepen your knowledge of financial management and financial institutions. At the same time, we strengthen your management skills to prepare you for management, consulting, and decision-making positions in the financial industry, among other things.

All the knowledge you acquire during your studies is further deepened with a strong practical focus in seminars, business games, and project modules. To this end, the University of Hohenheim cooperates with Stuttgart Financial, the platform for financial topics in Baden-Württemberg, and the Berufsbildungswerk der Versicherungswirtschaft Südwest e.V. Thanks to the commitment of these institutions, intensive cooperation with the entire spectrum of the financial sector in the greater Stuttgart area and beyond is possible. In this way, the strong practical orientation of the study program is ensured in addition to the scientifically based teaching.

You can individually shape your professional profile in the specialization area with the help of the free electives and in this way set specific focal points. For this purpose, we cooperate with the Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich and its renowned lecturers.

The following free electives are available in the specialization area:

  • Corporate Finance
  • Data Analysis
  • Current Trends in Finance and Insurance
  • Value-based Management of Insurance Companies
  • Corporate Governance
  • Risk Management
     

The following elective is available for a fee in the specialization area:

  • Stock Exchange Trading Course (Stuttgart/Frankfurt, 6 days, 6 credits, March/September)
     

In the final Master's thesis, you will apply the skills you have acquired during your studies to current challenges in the financial sector and develop scientifically sound solutions.

You want to know more?

Detailed information about the course and structure of the degree program can be downloaded here (in German):

Schedule

Module handbook

Examination regulations

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Requirements

What you should bring with you

The Master’s in Finance program is aimed at young professionals who have already acquired relevant prior knowledge during their studies and at least one year of professional experience. You want to know if this is the further education program that best suits you? Here you will find the most important information on formal and personal admission criteria at a glance.

The formal requirements are:

  • Completed Bachelor's degree with a standard period of study of at least 6 semesters (180 - 210 credits)
  • Degree in the fields of business and economic sciences, business administration, economics, legal sciences, or other areas
  • At least one year of professional experience in the area of finance

In addition, it is important to us that you are particularly motivated for program. Studying part-time can be downright exhausting, and your enthusiasm won't always be the same. That's why it's helpful to think deeply about your motivation before applying. If you have a clear sense of purpose, you will stay engaged over the course of your studies. To see that, we would like to have a letter of motivation from you with your application materials. It should be no longer than 5000 characters (with spaces).

You should also meet the following requirements:

  • Deep interest in topics related to financial management 
  • Enjoyment of complex challenges
  • Good knowledge of English, as part of the program is in English
  • The possibility to participate regularly and reliably in the seminar weeks and weekend blocks
  • Self-discipline and the ability to motivate yourself, even with the double burden of studying and holding a job

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Linking theory and practice

Focus on practice: Solve practical problems in finance using scientifically sound methods

As a finance manager, you will deal with complex challenges on a daily basis. To enable you to analyze and solve these problems competently, we provide you with comprehensive theoretical knowledge based on the latest research. This is combined with a strong hands-on approach and practical teaching components, optimally preparing you for challenges in everyday professional life.

Expand competences

The program is explicitly designed to prepare you for management positions in banks, building societies, and insurance companies or other financially relevant positions in the economy. To do this, you will expand your knowledge from your previous studies and initial work experience with a sound scientific focus - without losing sight of the practical side of things. In the elective module area, you decide on individual specialization subjects and can, for example, take a stock exchange trader course and other specialization subjects. But that's not all: In addition to the content of your studies, you also have the opportunity to strengthen your soft skills or acquire new ones through the university's F.I.T. continuing education program. The Innovation Greenhouse supports you in all matters relating to sustainable business start-ups and financing.

Learning from practice

Among other things, it is the close cooperation with the financial sector that makes the Master's in Finance program so attractive and unique. Our lecturers bring the best of both worlds and are not only active in research, but also in business. In addition, there is the cooperation with financial players in the greater Stuttgart area, which provides valuable direct contacts thanks to the commitment of Stuttgart Financial and the Berufsbildungswerk der Versicherungswirtschaft Südwest e.V.. This allows you to apply what you have learned directly to current financial challenges. More practical relevance is hardly possible!

Strengthening language skills

In an increasingly globalized economy and especially in the field of finance, English language skills are indispensable. Besides international companies and global financial markets, there are few other linguistic boundaries when it comes to finance. Some contents of the Master's program are therefore taught in English. You improve your previous language skills in a targeted manner and additionally strengthen them with sector-specific vocabulary. You would like to acquire further language skills? For this purpose, the Language Center at the University of Hohenheim offers various semester and intensive courses that you can take individually during your studies.

Research during the program

Scientific methods and the latest research results are an important basis for your later work. That's why we don't just teach theoretical knowledge, you can also develop this further in concrete research projects, for example as part of your Master's thesis. For example, you will analyze complex issues from your everyday work in finance and use the research methods learned in your studies to analyze them and develop solutions.

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Why study at the University of Hohenheim?

What makes our program unique?

There are many universities that offer a continuing education program in finance. so why study here in Hohenheim? What makes our Master’s in Finance so special? We have compiled the most important advantages for you at a glance.

  • This is a part-time program that allows you a high degree of flexibility. You don't have to give up your current job and can still continue your education intensively on a university level. In this way, you can combine financial and life-planning freedom with the advantages of face-to-face study. Having a family is not an issue for the program.
  • As an AACSB member (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the University of Hohenheim is part of an exclusive network of international business schools - a quality feature with an excellent international reputation.
  • You learn theory, methodological knowledge, and practical aspects from top lecturers. Our lecturers are active in research and at the same time experienced in practice - and always have their eye on current issues and financial problems.
  • Practical orientation is not only important to us, it is also lived out in our program. Cooperation with the financial sector in Stuttgart, seminars, business games, and more are designed to apply your theoretical knowledge directly to concrete financial problems.
  • From the second semester onwards, you can specialize according to your interests and inclinations and thus enhance your profile.
  • We specifically strengthen your management skills during your studies and prepare you for corresponding positions in the financial sector.
  • You make important contacts and build relevant networks for your professional activities and further career.

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Cooperation with BWV Südwest e.V.

The Master’s in Finance is a continuing education program within the framework of what is called the external examination  according to Sec. 33 of the State Higher Education Act (Landeshochschulgesetz, LHG) Baden-Württemberg. The program is jointly organized and conducted by the University of Hohenheim and the Berufsbildungswerk der Versicherungswirtschaft (BWV Südwest e.V.). Both cooperation partners are responsible for different tasks:

  • The University of Hohenheim is responsible for the content of the program, admission to the program, the selection of lecturers, and conducting examinations. The continuing education program is regulated by examination regulations of the University of Hohenheim and leads to a regular Master's degree (degree: Master in Finance, M.Sc.), which also entitles the student to apply for a doctorate. The University of Hohenheim thus awards the academic degree. The program is fully integrated into the quality management of the University of Hohenheim, e.g. with regard to the evaluation of courses and the internal accreditation of the program.
  • BWV Südwest e.V. takes over the complete administration of the program (including registration). It is your professional contact for all questions and concerns regarding the program’s organization.

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