Master in Finance
Master in Finance
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STAND OUT AND BECOME THE NEXT FINANCE LEADER
STAND OUT AND BECOME THE NEXT FINANCE LEADER
IE Business School’s Master in Finance it’s built for ambitious professionals ready to push their limits, master complex markets and fast-track their growth in global finance. This program delves into the latest trends in finance—including sustainability, technology and AI—to sharpen your competitive edge for the digital future.
- Shape your career your way by specializing in one of three unique tracks: Investment Banking & Private Equity, Global Markets & Asset Management, or Real Estate Finance & Alternative Investments.
- Experience the intensity of working with real data, real tools, and real-world market pressures in our Trading Room.
- Sharpen your competitive edge with a broad portfolio of skill-building electives and choose from certifications in Finance Technologies & Artificial Intelligence or Sustainable Finance.
- Leverage our partnership with the CFA Institute and top global schools for exclusive resources and exchange opportunities.
- Have the opportunity to pursue an optional internship during the electives period or after the program.
- Secure the career opportunities you’re striving for with the resources, events and workshops provided by IE Talent & Careers.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
WHO IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE RIGHT FOR?
WHO IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE RIGHT FOR?
IT'S FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO...
…are top performers with exceptional quantitative skills who thrive under pressure and new challenges. They are analytical thinkers, ambitious leaders, who stay up-to-date with the latest financial news, cutting-edge trends and are determined to make a name for themselves in the industry.
ARE LOOKING TO...
…leverage their ambition and drive to build a high-impact, future-facing career in finance and to gain practical experience, leadership skills and global network that set real players apart.
KEY AREAS
KEY AREAS
FUNDAMENTALS
CORPORATE FINANCE
GLOBAL MARKETS
TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCE
SPECIALIZATION TRACKS
Master in Finance Rankings IE
Master in Finance Rankings IE
Get to know more about IE Business School’s placement in international rankings.
- 6BEST BUSINESS SCHOOLS LISTWorldwideFORBES
- 10BUSINESS SCHOOLSIn EuropeFinancial Times
- 12Master in Finance pre-experiencein the worldFinancial Times
REASONS TO STUDY THE MASTER IN FINANCE
REASONS TO STUDY THE MASTER IN FINANCE
- 01.
Build the profile top companies are looking for
Start strong with a rigorous core that tests your limits and sharpens your financial instincts. Then, tailor your path with specialization tracks and certifications that enrich your profile with skills top firms want.
- 02.
Launch your high-impact career, fast
This is a results-driven program that’s built for impact.You’ll be preparing to land top-tier roles in finance, having access to competitive opportunities and an optional internship that puts your skills to work in the real world.
- 03.
Gain a financial background, build like an entrepreneur
Tap into IE Business School’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and turn ideas into reality through the Venture Lab, M&A Lab and tailor-made electives and certifications. Go beyond the numbers and develop the connections, insights and opportunities to grow your career your way.
- 04.
Gain real-world experience, globally
Take your expertise around the world—to financial hubs like London and New York, and microfinance initiatives in Ghana. Work with top firms, tackle real project challenges and experience finance on a global scale. Go further with short exchanges at top institutions like London Business School, Frankfurt School and HKUST.
- 05.
Become part of a world-class, global network
Go global. Connect with high-performing peers, faculty and industry leaders from 160 countries worldwide. These are connections that open doors, spark deals and shape lifelong success.
YOUR FUTURE NETWORK
YOUR FUTURE NETWORK
STUDENT PROFILE
STUDENT PROFILE
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND (%)
Business,EngineeringOthersEconomics & FinanceScienceLegalGeographic distribution (%)
EuropeSpainAsia PacificAfrica & Middle EastLatin AmericaNorth AmericaInternational Students (%)
International studentsSpanish students
- 2AVERAGE YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 24AVERAGE AGE IN THE CLASSROOM
- 35NATIONALITIES IN CLASS
CAREER OUTCOMES
CAREER OUTCOMES
HERE ARE SOME POSITIONS OUR STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE AFTER THE PROGRAM
HERE ARE SOME POSITIONS OUR STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE AFTER THE PROGRAM
Career Opportunities
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Discover Diverse Career Paths
Discover Diverse Career Paths
Investment banking & private equity
Today’s complex financial world needs professionals who can help people invest in various innovative but profitable ways. Deep dive into investment banking and hone the skills you’ll need to transition to a career in private equity.
With this specialization, you could work in capital and primary markets; underwriting business, advisory, IPO and M&A; equity capital markets (ECM); debt capital markets (DCM); financial accounting and tax planning; project finance, leverage finance; or corporate finance and banking.
GLOBAL MARKETS: SALES & TRADING
Take a leading role in the high-stakes world of global markets, developing and handling transactions for financial institutions, governments and corporate giants.
With a specialization in global markets, you could work in fixed income, currency and commodities; equity; cash, derivatives and structured products; quant, algorithmic and high-frequency trading; prime brokerage services; v clearing and settlement platforms; or exchanges, clearing house and market data.
Asset management
Get ready to manage funds and investment portfolios on behalf of companies and individuals, growing your clients’ value.
An asset management specialization will prepare you to work in pension, macro, value funds and traditional portfolio management; private banking; or high and ultra-high-net-worth individual wealth management.
REAL ESTATE AND ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS
In this volatile market, investors are looking for a surefire way to invest their money. If you are specializing in real estate and alternative investments, you could work in directional, macro, equity, derivatives, commodities, foreign exchange and cryptocurrencies; private equity, private credit, debt, real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy and venture capital; or private banking.
FINANCIAL ANALYTICS AND DIGITAL FINANCE (FINTECH)
This is the next big thing in finance—are you ready to get in on the ground floor?
If this is your specialization, you could work in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, big data, cryptocurrencies, blockchain technologies or digital assets.
CONSULTING
Consulting, particularly in Strategy and M&A, plays a crucial role in shaping the financial landscape today. As companies navigate growth, restructuring and expansion, consultants offer essential expertise to guide critical decisions. With this specialization, you could work in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), financial restructuring, operational optimization or business transformation. Consultants often collaborate with top executives in a range of companies, making for a dynamic career with exposure to various industries and markets.
COMPANIES WHERE OUR MASTER IN FINANCE ALUMNI WORK
COMPANIES WHERE OUR MASTER IN FINANCE ALUMNI WORK
Our school’s Talent & Careers service is open to all current and former students. This department works to guide you through your IE Business School journey, giving you the best work opportunities possible.
Hiring Companies:
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE MASTER IN FINANCE
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE MASTER IN FINANCE
ACADEMIC PARTNERS
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 THE CFA INSTITUTE
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 this world-recognized organization, we are able to provide students with several benefits throughout their journey.
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.
Partnership with other business schools
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.
HKUST BUSINESS SCHOOL
The exchange program between IE Business School and Hong Kong University of Science & 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
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. Previously, students have worked closely with top financial institutions like Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Finance division, Deutsche Bank, Equita, ALANTRA, JLL, Pictet, Arcano, Nomura and Taconic to carry out corporate valuation projects. Participating firms typically 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.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
LONDON EXPERIENCE: DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IN FINANCE
As part of the Master in Finance, our students have the opportunity to travel to London, explore the city and visit top leading companies in the industry. Leverage these diverse trips to develop the skills that professionals are seeking, apply your knowledge, and expand your network through interaction with sector leaders.
Trading ROOM
Deep dive into the opportunity of having classes in the Trading Room at IE Business School. You will be able to enhance your financial skills and knowledge by applying your knowledge in real-world settings.
Benefit from an advanced learning environment where you can bring theory into practice and utilize complex tools that are key for any professional willing to work in the financial markets.
Empowered women in finance
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.
STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES
STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES
At IE Business School, one of our core goals is to blend expert teaching with practical learning, equipping students for real-world success. Our current students in the Master in Finance program are making remarkable strides in their careers, securing prestigious internships and positions at leading global companies.
Learn more about their journeys here:
OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
DISCOVER OUR FACULTY
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 becoming the leader you want to be 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.
MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.
INTERESTED IN STUDYING FINANCE IN NEW YORK?
INTERESTED IN STUDYING FINANCE IN NEW YORK?
Check out the MS in Finance at our partner institution IENYC, focused on building a deep understanding of global financial markets, investment analysis, financial modeling, and risk management to advance your career in finance.
Experience Madrid
Experience Madrid
Madrid is one of the most popular cities in Europe for Gen Z travelers and one of the most student-friendly cities in Spain, with a great, affordable public transport network, cool underground culture and fabulous nightlife. But Spain’s capital is also home to international companies of stature, including Google, Microsoft and Apple, creating a myriad of opportunities for professional experience.
Madrid is in a league of its own and provides the perfect backdrop for rounding off a unique educational experience.
Discover related programs to the Master in Finance
Discover related programs to the Master in Finance
The ultimate guide
The ultimate guide
Everything you need to know about our Master in Finance
DISCOVER OUR BLOG!
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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE?
The Master in Finance at IE Business School is a full-time, 10-month program that takes place in Madrid, with intakes in both September and April. It is designed as an intensive journey that combines advanced technical training, practical learning experiences and direct exposure to the financial industry. The program’s fast pace allows students to quickly transition into highly competitive roles in top firms across the globe.
CAN YOU PERSONALIZE YOUR MASTER IN FINANCE?
This program offers four unique specializations: Investment Banking & Private Equity; Global Markets & Asset Management; Real Estate Finance & Alternative Investments; and Financial Analytics & Digital Finance. There are also several elective modules covering areas such as private equity, fintech and digital finance, derivatives and hedge funds, among others.
HOW CAN I GET A MASTER'S DEGREE IN FINANCE?
To earn a Master in Finance at IE Business School, you need to complete the admissions process, which includes an online application, supporting documents and an admissions interview. Once admitted, you will study advanced financial theory, practical applications and industry-driven challenges. After successfully completing all academic requirements, you will graduate with a master’s degree that prepares you for careers in investment banking, asset management, consulting or corporate finance.
IS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN FINANCE WORTHWHILE?
Yes. The Master in Finance is highly valuable for anyone seeking a career in banking, asset management, consulting or financial technology. At IE Business School, the program offers specialized knowledge, networking opportunities and access to leading recruiters. It significantly increases graduates' competitiveness in the job market, particularly for roles that require advanced technical skills and global perspectives, making it a strong return on investment for ambitious professionals.
DOES THE MASTER IN FINANCE REQUIRE WORK EXPERIENCE?
The Master in Finance at IE Business School is designed for both recent graduates and early-career professionals. Work experience is not a requirement, though it can be beneficial. The program offers pathways and electives that allow students to tailor their learning depending on their background. Whether you come directly from university or with some professional experience, you will gain the skills needed for success in global finance.
WHAT DOES THE MASTER IN FINANCE INVOLVE?
The Master in Finance is a one-year program that takes place in the heart of Madrid. You can enhance your learning with optional trips to various international destinations, including Ghana, Frankfurt, London and New York. With intakes in April and September, this full-time, in-person program is delivered entirely in English.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE MASTER IN FINANCE?
Students of the Master in Finance study a mix of core courses, program add-ons, electives and four distinct specialization tracks: Investment Banking & Private Equity; Global Markets & Asset Management; Real Estate Finance & Alternative Investments; and Financial Analytics & Digital Finance.
The final project is as flexible as the program, allowing you to showcase your expertise through an academic research project, a collaborative project with a real company, a case study, a valuation report, a CFA research challenge, a portfolio management practicum, or a microfinance project in Ghana.
CAN I TAKE A SEMESTER TO STUDY ABROAD DURING THE MASTER IN FINANCE?
IE Business School has ongoing collaborations with leading business schools around the world. These include London Business School and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
Through these partnerships, you can spend an extended period in an institution of your choice to learn, take part in company visits and network with local recruiters to help boost your profile and international network.
WHAT IS BETTER: A CFA OR A MASTER'S IN FINANCE?
The CFA and the Master in Finance serve different purposes. The CFA is a widely-recognized self-study certification for finance professionals focused on investment management. The Master in Finance at IE Business School, on the other hand, provides a broader foundation, covering corporate finance, capital markets, quantitative methods and leadership. Many professionals pursue both, with the master’s degree giving an academic and networking advantage alongside the CFA’s technical focus.