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Master in Finance

Gain a practical professional profile to navigate today's dynamic financial landscape
duration10 months
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember & April
FormatFull-time
Optional tripsLondon, New York, Ghana

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FINANCIAL LEADERS

Our Master in Finance equips you with the expertise and vision to lead in the world of finance. Build a strong foundation in finance while sharpening critical skills like negotiation, problem-solving, data-driven decision-making and collaboration under pressure. Through immersive, real-world simulations and global add-ons—from New York to Frankfurt—you’ll test new strategies, gain international exposure and develop a mindset to thrive in fast-paced environments.

IE Talent & Careers ensures your learning aligns with your own ambitions and the latest market demands. You’ll benefit from tailored career guidance, finance-specific coaching, monthly strategy sessions and an assessment center simulation. With the support of a global network and insights founded on years of industry experience, we help you define your career path and equip you with the confidence, connections and capabilities to stand out.

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Want to know more?

PROGRAM OVERVIEW OF THE MASTER IN FINANCE​

Core period, tracks, electives, certifications—what’s the difference? Here’s a primer to help you make the most of your time in the Master in Finance.

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Program Structure

Program Structure
10 months
START MODULE
CORE PERIOD
SPECIALIZATION PERIOD
FINAL EXAM
    Start Module description
    PRE-PROGRAM QUANTITATIVE METHODS
    PRE-PROGRAM TALENT & CAREERS
    ESSENTIALS OF ACCOUNTING
    INTRODUCTION TO VALUATION
    INTRODUCTION TO PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
    ECONOMIC & MARKET UPDATES
    TRADING ROOM ESSENTIALS
    CASE METHOD
    FINANCIAL MATHS & ESSENTIALS OF QUANTITATIVE METHODS
    Term 1 Description
    JOB SEARCH STRATEGY IN FINANCE
    ACING THE FINANCE INTERVIEW
    ASSESMENT CENTRE SIMULATION
    FINANCIAL PLAYERS AND INSTITUTIONS
    INTRODUCTION TO FINTECH
    CORPORATE FINANCE
    FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
    QUANTITATIVE METHODS I
    FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS
    FIXED INCOME FUNDAMENTALS
    PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
    ECONOMICS
    PRESENTATION SKILLS
    ECONOMIC AND MARKETS UPDATES
    DERIVATIVES & RISK MANAGEMENT
    REGULATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
    ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN FINANCE
    PURPOSE IN ACTION
    WELLBEING IN PRACTICE
    MONTHLY SESSION WITH HEAD OF MIF FROM T&C
    Term 2 Description
    ADVANCED CORPORATE FINANCE
    FINANCIAL MODELING
    QUANTITATIVE METHODS II
    FINANCIAL PROGRAMMING
    ASSET ALLOCATION
    the ECONOMIC AND MARKETS UPDATES
    NEGOTIATION
    ESG & IMPACT INVESTING
    PLAN B - OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND STRUCTURED PROGRAMS
    BIG DATA IN FINANCE
    AI & MACHINE LEARNING IN FINANCE
    Description of the electives
    INVESTMENT BANKING & CORPORATE FINANCE
    PRIVATE EQUITY
    INVESTMENT & ASSET MANAGEMENT
    DERIVATIVES
    HEDGE FUNDS
    SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
    FINTECH
    Program Structure
    10 months
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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.

    GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

    Discover more about the comprehensive curriculum and unique features of the program from an academic perspective.

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    WORK WITH TOP FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

    Work with top firms like EQUITA, Deutsche Bank, Nomura, JLL, Pictet, Alantra and more on real corporate valuation projects. As your final challenge, you’ll partner directly with industry leaders, testing your skills, applying your knowledge and delivering results that stand up in the real world.

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    BEYOND THE PROGRAM

    YOUR MASTER IN FINANCE JOURNEY

    • 1

      Gain Foundation & Specialized skills

    • 2

      TRAVEL TO AN INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION


    • 3

      CHOOSE A SPECIALIZATION TRACK OR GO ON EXCHANGE

    • 4

      ADD-ON AN INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION

    • 5

      GRADUATE AND START YOUR CAREER

    OPTIONAL TRIPS: EXPERIENCE FINANCIAL EDUCATION BEYOND BORDERS

    The Master in Finance journey will take you on exclusive international trips. See inside top financial institutions and experience what drives global markets firsthand. Each destination offers a different lens into how finance powers the world, helping you shape your global career, your way.

    • LONDON

      Step into one of the world’s most influential financial capitals. Explore London’s dynamic markets through visits to leading investment firms, brokerage houses and advisory companies. Meet analysts, portfolio managers and research directors, and see how theory translates into market impact.

    • NEW YORK

      Immerse yourself in the home of Wall Street, the beating heart of global finance. Visit the New York Stock Exchange, connect with industry leaders and uncover how trading strategies and investment operations drive the world’s largest economy. Here, insight meets opportunity.

    • GHANA

      Experience finance with purpose. In partnership with Financiers Without Borders, you’ll contribute to microfinance initiatives that support local entrepreneurs and drive growth. Apply your financial expertise to real-world challenges—and make an impact where it matters most.

    GO ON EXCHANGE WITH TOP FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

    During Term 3, Master in Finance students can join short exchanges at leading institutions in Frankfurt, London and Hong Kong—top destinations where you can deepen your financial expertise, expand your international network and gain firsthand insights into key regional markets.

    • FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE & MANAGEMENT

      Experience Europe’s financial capital through specialized electives at Frankfurt School, connecting with top industry professionals and a dynamic international network.

    • Logo of the London Business School on a blue background.

      LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL

      Study in one of the world’s most influential financial hubs, connecting with global finance leaders and getting an up-close look at London’s markets.

    • The logo of HKUST Business School.

      HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (HKUST)

      Immerse yourself in Asia’s financial powerhouse, joining workshops and sessions with top practitioners while expanding your global professional reach.

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    CERTIFICATES

    Personalize your Master in Finance with optional certifications in Sustainable Finance or Financial Technologies & AI—giving you deep, specialized knowledge in key aspects of modern finance, and a competitive edge in the job market.

    Sustainable Finance: Sustainability has become an essential topic in every industry, including finance. This certification keeps your knowledge up-to-date in a changing market.

    Financial Technologies & Artificial Intelligence: This certification takes you on a deep dive into today’s digital tools. Update your skills and stay at the cutting edge of financial technology.

    If you choose to add a certification, it will be reflected on your diploma at the end of the program.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Some of the roles our alumni have gotten are investment banking associate, credit risk manager, private equity associate, M&A analyst, audit analyst, banking analyst, equity research analyst, valuation and modeling analyst and growth equity analyst.

    • Countries with global financial hubs—such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Spain—are excellent places for studying finance. Spain offers unique advantages through IE Business School, with its location in Madrid providing direct connections to both European and international markets. Our strong partnerships with global institutions and diverse student body make this an ideal place to develop the skills, global outlook and professional network needed for an international career.

    • A master’s in finance focuses on financial markets, investment analysis and corporate financial strategy, preparing students for careers in banking, asset management and consulting. A master’s in accounting, meanwhile, emphasizes auditing, taxation and financial reporting, leading to careers in accountancy or corporate compliance. At IE Business School, the Master in Finance equips graduates with advanced technical and strategic skills to navigate global markets, beyond the narrower scope of accounting.

    • A master’s in finance is more applied, focusing on investment strategies, capital markets and corporate financial decision-making. A master’s in economics is more theoretical, emphasizing economic modeling, policy analysis and macroeconomic trends. IE Business School's Master in Finance prepares graduates for fast-paced roles in banking and investment, while economics graduates often pursue careers in research, government or international organizations. The two fields complement each other but serve different career paths.

    • Yes, finance requires a solid foundation in mathematics, particularly in areas like statistics, probability and quantitative analysis. However, you don’t need to be a mathematician to succeed. The Master in Finance at IE Business School provides the tools and training to strengthen your numerical skills while applying them directly to financial decision-making. The program ensures you can handle technical challenges confidently, regardless of your starting point.

    • IE Talent & Careers is dedicated to providing advice and guidance on your professional journey. Throughout the year, the team hosts a series of valuable networking events to help you connect with top employers and recruiters. Our most recent networking events have been attended by recruiters from J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, Citi and Barclays, among others.

      You also have access to countless job opportunities via the IE Career Portal. Our advisors are always available to offer valuable career tips, help you perfect your resume and job applications, and refine your interview techniques.

    • With a holistic, transferable skill set, graduates of the Master in Finance are highly in demand in the professional world. Our alumni work in a variety of top companies, including some of the giants of the financial world such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank and EY. Some have also used their entrepreneurship skills to found their own startups.