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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

REAL-WORLD LEARNING FOR THE REAL WORLD OF FINANCE

The Master in Finance is your launchpad into the financial world. You’ll 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. 

 From day one, 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
    CAREER ACCELERATOR BASICS
    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
    CAREER ACCELERATOR
    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
    the CAREER ACCELERATOR
    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

    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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    PROGRAM STRUCTURE WALK-THROUGH

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      core period

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      SPECIALIZATION PERIOD

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      Final exam

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      SHORT EXCHANGES

    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

    YOUR JOURNEY TO PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

    As a Master in Finance student, your professional journey begins with a robust foundation designed to launch your success in the finance industry. Throughout this transformative experience, you’ll benefit from targeted activities and events that enhance your academic learning and build essential career skills. Each term is structured to support your development—from networking and workshops to personalized guidance—preparing you for a smooth entry into the professional world.

    Term 1

    Term 1 focuses on setting the foundations. You’ll also join a range of career-focused events—including Investment Banking Day, Asset Management Day, MBA Talent Day and the Careers Forum—and have monthly sessions with IE Talent & Careers. These forums will be available throughout the program to ensure continuous support and guidance.

    A group of students attentively listening in a modern classroom setting.

    Term 2

    In Term 2, the emphasis shifts to relationship building and professional development. You’ll join the Mentor/Mentee program, the alumni-led Plan B session and the Assessment Center Simulation, along with an optional CFA Research Challenge. You can also participate in optional trips to Ghana, New York and London to build your real-world experience.

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    Term 3

    Finally, Term 3 is all about specializing in your interests. Events like Private Equity Day offer a deep dive into specific sectors. Choose from our career-focused specialization tracks, electives and certifications to tailor your learning to your career goals. The journey culminates in final exams, a networking event and graduation, leaving you ready to jump into an exciting career.


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    A group of graduates wearing caps and gowns during a ceremony.

    MASTER IN FINANCE OPTIONAL TRIPS

    As part of the Master in Finance program, you’ll have the opportunity to take your learning beyond the classroom through optional international trips that offer real-world exposure and hands-on experience in key financial hubs.

    • LONDON

      You’ll explore the heart of the city’s financial district, visiting leading investment firms, brokerage houses and advisory companies. Through meetings with analysts, portfolio managers and research directors, you'll deepen your understanding of global markets and expand your professional network.

    • NEW YORK

      One of the world’s top financial hubs, you’ll tour the New York Stock Exchange and meet major industry players—gaining firsthand insights into US markets, trading strategies and investment operations.

    • GHANA

      Gain a unique perspective on finance, during this trip you can participate in a microfinance project in collaboration with Financiers Without Borders. You'll support local microfinance institutions, apply your finance knowledge to real challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

    EXCHANGE DESTINATIONS

    • EXCHANGE WITH FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE

      Master in Finance students from IE Business School can further expand their international network and enhance their career in a global finance hub. Students have the choice of taking their elective courses at Frankfurt School of Management and Finance and live a different experience in one of the world’s most important financial centers. Course availability is subject to program entry requirements.

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

      EXCHANGE WITH LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL

      Thanks to our exchange agreement with London Business School, Master in Finance students from IE Business School can further expand their international network and boost their career potential in a global finance hub. Students have the choice of taking their elective courses at London Business School and spending a week in one of the world’s most important financial centers. Course availability is subject to program entry requirements.

    • The logo of HKUST Business School.

      SHORT EXCHANGE WITH HKUST BUSINESS SCHOOL

      Students will get the opportunity to complete their elective period at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology - HKUST Business School. They will be able to engage in academic sessions, workshops, and meetings with leading industry practitioners and recruiters to enhance their professional profile and boost their international network.

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

    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

    • Depending on the specialization that you choose, you could work in investment banking and private equity, asset management, fintech, mergers and acquisitions, sustainable finance, venture capital, real estate and a whole host of other possibilities.

    • 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.

    • The knowledge and experience you gain in the program will help you stand out in a competitive labor market, giving you the cutting-edge skills and knowledge to succeed in a diverse range of careers with a high earning potential. You’ll gain acomprehensive understanding of the latest trends in the sector, helping you to stay ahead of the curve. The personalized program will allow you to select a track that best suits your goals, leading to specialized knowledge and expertise that will give you the edge over other candidates.

    • 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.