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Master in Finance

Gain a practical professional profile to navigate today's dynamic financial landscape
duration1 year
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember & April
FormatFull-time
Optional tripsLondon, New York, Ghana & Frankfurt
duration1 year
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember & April
FormatFull-time
Optional tripsLondon, New York, Ghana & Frankfurt

NAVIGATE A DYNAMIC FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE WITH A UNIQUE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

The Master in Finance gives you the expertise and insights into financial markets to make an impact on economic decision-making and excel in today’s finance industry. ​

Finding your role in your chosen profession can seem daunting, but challenges and aspirations are what help you find your purpose and enrich your career path. The Master in Finance offers you the opportunity to specialize according to your strengths and career objectives. From investment banking to digital finance, you can delve into advanced financial concepts and theories in financial modeling, leveraged finance and investments, portfolio management, equity and credit research, real estate investments, quantitative equity strategies, as well as how to apply algorithms to trading. Whichever route you use, we help you become an expert in your field and mold your unique value to potential employers. ​

Ultimately, the key to making an impact and reaping rewards in your career is to be proactive and take advantage of all the opportunities available to you. At IE Business School, we strive to support you in finding your purpose, identifying your best assets, finding challenges that propel your skills and aligning these skills with your desired career path. ​

Master in Finance

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

WE’LL GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY

Finance can be a challenging and competitive environment, where you need to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills to succeed. The Master in Finance will give you a holistic overview to guide you in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of finance.​
​We will be your trusted companion throughout this process and will collaborate with you to understand your unique identity and design your career roadmap. We will guide you as you embark on a personalized academic journey.​

THE NEXT BEST YOU 

At IE Business School, education is more than just a degree. It is a transformative experience that shapes your personal and professional identity. We understand that every individual is unique, with their own strengths, ambitions and areas for growth, and the Master in Finance is designed to help you find your purpose and discover how you can make an impact. This journey will push you to your limits, but that is exactly what is needed to bring out the best in you. Are you ready to reveal the next best version of yourself? Join us and we will help you find your purpose, how your career can give you a sense of meaning and how you can make a difference.

YOUR CAREER 

When choosing something as important as a career, there are so many options and so much information. We help you cut through the noise. Let us help you get to know yourself better, explore your options and get on the career path that’s right for you. Using the insight gleaned from our connections to the business community and analysis of the labor market, we help you curate your future-proof career path and sharpen the set of skills that recruiters are after. Find what’s best for you and pursue it.

YOUR IMPACT 

What does it take to change the world? Your impact depends on your ideas, behavior and digital skills. No matter the context, top companies, startups and social enterprises strive to find people who can make big things happen, professionals who can harness available resources to forge solutions to real-world challenges. From creative thinking to alliance building and data-driven decision-making, this program will give you what you need to become a high-impact business professional.

YOUR PURPOSE 

On massive societal challenges ranging from climate change to inequality, there’s no question that the business community will play a pivotal role. What that role will look like depends on you, on the individuals driving forward companies and sectors. That’s why we are passionate about guiding you to find your deeper purpose, refine it, align it with your career and make the world a genuinely better place. It’s not a platitude; it’s our commitment.

Julia Sy

Julia Sy

Program Specialist

NEED HELP FIGURING OUT WHAT’S NEXT

“I am seeking for a unique program that can elevate my career and pave the way for a successful future in finance through practical and theoretical experience to make an impact in business and society. However, I feel unsure about where to begin.” We’re here to help and guide you through this transformational journey.​

Overview

WHO IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE RIGHT FOR? ​

Top-performing students with a love for numbers and a passion for finance, who thrive when presented with a challenge.

Analytical thinkers who stay up-to-date with the latest financial news and cutting-edge trends. ​

Ambitious leaders who are determined to make a name for themselves in the industry, create a difference in society and achieve prosperity for society.​

Motivated future executives who dream of building a network of finance professionals from around the globe and acknowledge that having access to a leading careers department is key to achieving professional goals. ​

Visionaries and game-changers who want to propel their finance career to the top and make a meaningful impact by accessing unique opportunities.​​

GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Barbara Huerta, the Academic Director of the Master in Finance program, provides a comprehensive overview of the curriculum and unique features offered.

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What will your future classmates look like?

Academic Background (%)
Business, Economics & Finance
Engineering
Others
Geographic distribution (%)
Europe
Spain
Asia
Africa & Middle East
Latin America
North America
International Students (%)
International students
Spanish students
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0-8
years of professional experience
0-8
years of professional experience
24
average age in the classroom
31
nationalities in class

Master in Finance Rankings IE

Get to know more about IE Business School’s placement in international rankings.

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Master in FinanceWorldwide
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EUROPEAN BUSINESS SCHOOLIn Europe
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BEST ENTREPRENEURSHIP TEACHINGin the world - 1st in Europe
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Program Structure

EXPLORE THE MASTER IN FINANCE​

You have the opportunity to tailor the program to suit your professional goals through four different tracks that will open the door to a career-boosting specialization. You can choose from the following tracks:​

INVESTMENT BANKING & PRIVATE EQUITY

GLOBAL MARKETS & ASSET MANAGEMENT​

REAL ESTATE FINANCE & ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS

FINANCIAL ANALYTICS & DIGITAL FINANCE

MASTER IN FINANCE OPTIONAL TRIPS

LONDON

The optional trip to the heart of London’s financial district gives students the chance to discover how internationally renowned financial companies are run. This will be done through visits to institutional investment management organizations, brokerage firms, professional financial advisory companies and firms in other areas.

NEW YORK

New York is undoubtedly a highlight of IE Business School’s Masters in Finance programs. Immersed in one of the world’s top financial centers, students have the opportunity to visit leading companies and take a tour of the New York Stock Exchange.

GHANA

Participate in a microfinance project based in Ghana and experience the powerful impact of social entrepreneurship. This enriching opportunity will help build your professional profile while displaying your passion to improve the world around you.

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University private degree

This is a University Private Degree from IE University*, and taught in IE Business School. More information  on what earning a University Private Degree from IE University entails.

*IE University is a University officially recognized by the Spanish education authorities, allowed to grant both Official University Degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees), which are specifically regulated and accredited by Spanish Ministry of Education and University Private Degrees (Master), which are specifically designed by the University towards the professional application of their studies and the constant update of higher education, preserving the educational standards of excellence of IE University. Both types of degrees are equally backed by the rigor and prestige of IE University.

Empowered women in finance

Alumni and current students from IE University discuss what it's like to be a woman in finance, how the sector is moving toward gender diversity, and how IE Talent & Careers team helped them launch their careers.

YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD OF WORK​

Discover where the Master in Finance can take you. Gain exclusive insights and explore the career paths our alumni are taking to help you plan your next step.

ACADEMIC PARTNERS​

As your success is our focus, we have developed three exciting modules to propel you toward the next step of your career development:

Partnership with CFA and CAIA

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The Master in Finance is a comprehensive program that will prepare you to become a game-changing financial practitioner in today’s high-octane environment. By partnering with the world-recognized organizations CFA and CAIA, we are able to provide students with several benefits throughout their journey. We accept exams as valid entrance tests, allowing you to build on the knowledge gained in an entirely new finance program. On the other hand, any students or members of the association who wish to take their exams during the Master in Finance will benefit from scholarship opportunities. And, to ensure a maximum chance of success, we offer specific exam-preparation electives.

CFA INSTITUTE

The CFA exams are the most renowned qualifications for finance professionals worldwide. To achieve CFA partnership status, the CFA conducts in-depth auditing of the program’s finance contents, as well as of the teaching faculty. IE Business School’s finance programs enjoy this status, thereby ensuring our Master in Finance a place among the world’s most prestigious educational programs—and a leading position in terms of ethical and professional standards. This not only further increases IE Business School’s prestige within the financial world, but also adds value to your career.

CAIA ASSOCIATION

This academic partnership constitutes a major step in their efforts to promote the common core mission of contributing to the education of investment professionals in the area of alternative investments. IE Business School is the first business school in the world to offer CAIA members—and candidates that passed Level I—scholarships to study a Finance program at our school. Eligible candidates that receive admission will be able to benefit from a scholarship. Additionally, top students of our Master in Finance will receive a full scholarship to sit for the CAIA exams. As part of the scholarship, our students will benefit from special enrollment conditions, affecting the enrollment fee as well as the standard examination fees.

Partnership with other business schools

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At IE Business School, we embrace collaboration as an opportunity to unite innovative minds and explore new, eye-opening perspectives. For this reason, Master in Finance students have the option of joining other outstanding institutions to gain the most holistic educational experience possible.

LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL

Thanks to a new partnership agreement, our Master in Finance students can apply to take an elective module at London Business School and experience a week in one of the world’s most important financial hubs. Students at IE Business School and London Business School will have the opportunity to study, work and liaise at each other’s campuses during the elective stage. This will allow them to participate in academic sessions, expand their international networks in the financial field, visit companies and meet with recruiters to boost their professional careers.


FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE & MANAGEMENT

The IE Business School and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management exchange program allows students to enhance their academic experience in preparation for upcoming success. Students from each institution can swap campuses for an extended period to participate in academic sessions, company visits and meetings with recruiters to help build their professional profile and boost their careers in the finance sector. Aside from the long-term exchange program, there is also the option to take part in a one-week trip to the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, where students can broaden their network and explore new insights.



HKUST Business School

The exchange program between IE Business School and the School of Business and Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST Business School) is an exciting opportunity for students to broaden their personal and professional horizons. Students can immerse themselves in the rich culture and dynamic business environment of Hong Kong, where they will remain for the entirety of their elective period, engaging in academic sessions, workshops and meetings with leading industry practitioners. In this way, students can network with local recruiters and build international connections that will continue to serve them long after they return to IE Business School.

Company project collaboration with top financial institutions​

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To ensure continuous progress, academic institutions must constantly innovate alongside successful companies. At IE Business School, we accomplish this through a process we call the Company Project Collaboration.

As part of your final exam, you will have the opportunity to undertake a corporate project that consists of the valuation of a listed company. We have reached agreements with top financial institutions like Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Finance division, Equita, Nomura and Jefferies to carry out corporate valuation projects. Our partners will choose one company to be valued by the team, while providing assistance throughout the process.

Company Project Collaboration creates a highly employable cohort as students have the opportunity to work on real-life projects and gain real-life experience.


OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU​

DISCOVER OUR FACULTY​

In the Master in Finance, our faculty’s commitment to you goes far beyond teaching. Their mission is to help you understand the person you are now and guide you on the path to the leader you want to become in the finance sector.

From working with you to reveal your strengths and identify your career goals, to helping you refine how to make the impact your sense of purpose demands—or even discovering what that purpose is—they’re on hand to challenge you to think about yourself in new ways, learn the skills you need for your financial career and become the next best you. Drawn from all over the globe, our faculty brings expertise from a vast range of industries, roles and functions, meaning they’re equipped with the real-world experience to help you succeed.

LIVING YOUR MASTER IN FINANCE​

Experience outside the classroom

Personal and professional transformation go hand-in-hand on the journey to the next best you. Studying in the heart of Madrid, you’ll find yourself surrounded by opportunities for both. Spain’s capital combines the dynamism of a global city with the inspiration of a cultural hotspot. Famed for its student-friendly environment, Madrid’s bustling daytimes, vibrant nightlife and thriving alternative scene make it the ideal city in which to immerse yourself. Spain is rapidly becoming an important financial hub, as well as an excellent location to build connections with like-minded thinkers and launch your impactful career. ​

GET INVOLVED

Transformation begins with discovery. Embrace your passions and unearth new ones by making the most of each and every experience. Choose from more than 120 clubs, which could include picking up a new sport, collaborating with other women in business or innovating with AI and robotics. Our vibrant campus life keeps you in the loop, enhances your well-being and empowers your personal development.

NURTURING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

The path to discovering your purpose and guiding your career with an entrepreneurial mindset is about gaining the skills and abilities you need to succeed. As an immersive, well-rounded program, the Master in Finance offers you access to a global network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and versatile leaders who provide their expertise to help you turn your ideas into a reality. To accomplish this, we provide a home to business at every stage of development, including in-house startup incubators and entrepreneurship and innovation centers designed to expose our students to the full breadth of academic and professional experiences. ​

Study At IE because Madrid is...

CULTURE

Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, exploding with music, art, history and gastronomy. In this city that never sleeps, you can find whatever suits your interests and budget — everything from alternative culture hubs to some of the world’s most spectacular museums, world-class theater to the raw power of flamenco or all-night dancing. Whether you are on our central campus, exploring one of the city’s iconic neighborhoods or enjoying a cold drink and tapas on a sunny terrace, you will always feel at home in Madrid.  

ACTIVE ​

Madrid’s energy fuels movement. One of the world’s greenest cities, it contains massive central parks ideal for walking, running and cycling. Just north of the city, you’ll find a stunning mountain range where you can hike, climb and even ski in the winter. Rather watch sports? Madrid is famous for its world-class teams and tournaments. Venturing further, in just a two-hour train ride, you can access a whopping nine UN World Heritage Sites. Want to go further still? Madrid’s an ideal base to explore Morocco, as well as a variety of other destinations in Europe. 

FRIENDLY AND DIVERSE

Madrid is a multicultural city that prides itself on openness. Discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, religion or race is not tolerated. Instead, the city celebrates the diversity of its residents. Head to the neighborhoods of Lavapiés or Malasaña to experience the city’s rich cosmopolitan influences and enjoy food and culture from all corners of the world. Or check out the stylish barrio of Chueca to explore the heart of the city’s vibrant LGBT+ community. No matter who you are, you’re sure to fit right in.  

Madrid is life

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LARGEST CITY IN THE EU ​
With a population of 3.2 million, only Berlin is larger ​
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LARGEST CITY IN THE EU ​
With a population of 3.2 million, only Berlin is larger ​
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HIGHEST-RANKED EUROPEAN CITY FOR HUMAN CAPITAL AND LIFESTYLE ​
Source: Financial Times FDI Cities and Regions of the Future 2020/21 ​
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BEST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR EXPATS ​
Expat City Ranking 2022 highlighted Madrid’s climate, leisure options, and cost of living ​
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15000
BARS & RESTAURANTS ​
One for every 211 inhabitants: El Mundo ​
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BARS & RESTAURANTS ​
One for every 211 inhabitants: El Mundo ​
300000 
TREES IN MADRID, MAKING IT ONE OF THE GREENEST CITIES ON EARTH ​
Source: Comunidad de Madrid ​
20ºC
Average anual temperature
Plus an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine per day ​

DUAL DEGREES WITH THE MASTER IN FINANCE

Success in today’s ever-changing world relies on your ability to be dynamic and versatile. IE Business School has combined its two greatest strengths—management and finance—to create two dual degree programs designed for tomorrow’s business leaders.

Complete the highly comprehensive program in under two years.

Polish your financial knowledge without neglecting your directorial abilities – and reach new career heights.

Enjoy the endless benefits of a flexible program tailored to your needs.

Live and breathe the latest trends in the business and financial world.

Learn from world-renowned professors and business leaders.

Unsure if this is the right program to help you on your professional journey?

DISCOVER OUR BLOG!

Are you ready to learn what it means to be part of IE University? Discover our student life, explore the career paths ahead and find out all you need to know about your program from those who know it best. 

Uncover the IE experience.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the Master in Finance take to complete?

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Our Master in Finance is a full-time, one-year program.

Is a Master in Finance worth the effort?

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Absolutely! With a Master in Finance, you’ll have an extremely attractive professional profile that will help you launch a career in the sector. Click here to see how some of the program’s alumni are getting on, and how they’ve leveraged the benefits of the program in their professional lives.

Do I need previous work experience to study the Master in Finance?

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A background in finance is helpful, but not essential. Students of the program come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including engineering and business. What we’re looking for is a real passion for finance; somebody who’s up-to-date with the latest developments in the financial sphere and who enjoys working with numbers.

What’s the difference between the Master in Finance and the Master in Applied Economics?

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The Master in Finance is a firsthand examination of the modern realities of the financial markets, covering the latest developments in corporate finance, global assets, private equity and alternative investments. The Master in Applied Economics is more focused on the practical application of economics in monetary and fiscal policy, and how the discipline can solve key economic challenges for states and businesses.

How do I apply for the Master in Finance?

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Our admissions process is entirely online. Go to our online application page and you can get started straight away.

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