Master in Finance
- Home
- The Programs
- Masters
- Master In Finance
NAVIGATE A DYNAMIC FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE WITH A UNIQUE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
The Master in Finance gives you the expertise and insight into financial markets needed to influence economic decision-making and excel in today’s finance industry. This program delves into the latest trends in finance—including sustainability, technology and AI—to sharpen your competitive edge for the digital future.
- Practice with today’s most popular financial tools and gain real-world experience in our state-of-the-art Trading Room.
- Expand your expertise with a broad portfolio of skill-building electives and choose from certifications in Finance Technologies & Artificial Intelligence or Sustainable Finance.
- Focus and deepen your skills by choosing one of three unique specialization tracks: Investment Banking & Private Equity, Global Markets & Asset Management, or Real Estate Finance & Alternative Investments. Whichever you select, we’ll guide you to become an expert in your field.
- Benefit from IE Talent & Careers’ dedicated support throughout your academic journey. Our specialized Master in Finance team is ready to help you make connections and secure the career opportunities you’re striving for.
WE’LL GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY
Finance can be a challenging and competitive environment, and you must ensure 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. Our Talent & Careers team will serve as active participants in your journey, offering their knowledge of the current demands of the fast-paced market. Meanwhile, our experienced faculty will share valuable insight gained from working with the industry’s top players, helping you develop practical skills in a real-world environment.
The combined expertise of our faculty and staff at IE University will support you throughout your personalized academic journey.
BOOK A CALL WITH ME
CHAT WITH ME
Overview
TWO INTAKES FOR MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
TWO INTAKES FOR MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
The Master in Finance offers two intakes, designed to maximize your selected track and elective courses. The opportunity to choose your intake grants you even more flexibility.
- The Fall intake, is a 10-month program that kicks off in September and is ideal for candidates ready to pursue a finance master’s degree directly after their undergraduate studies.
- The Spring intake begins in April and it is more likely to have experienced students during this intake. This intake will give you the space and time to prepare your application and arrive feeling equipped for your journey. The longer, 15-month April intake will have the Investment Banking & Private Equity and Real Estate & Alternative Investments courses integrated within the Core Period. Therefore, April intake students will have the option to choose the Global Markets & Assset Management track in the third term.
- Both intakes allow for a Dual Degree Option with either the Master in Management, the International MBA or the Master in Business Analytics and Data Science.
WHO IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE RIGHT FOR?
- IT'S FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO...
…are top-performing students with a love for numbers and a passion for finance, who thrive when presented with a challenge. 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, create a difference in their community and achieve prosperity for society.
- ARE LOOKING TO...
… propel their finance career to the top and make a meaningful impact by accessing unique opportunities. Motivated to build 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.They strive for roles such as: Investment Banking Advisor, M&A Analyst, Corporate Finance Analyst, Equity Trader, Consultant, Real Estate Asset Manager and more.
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.
What will your future classmates look like?
- Academic Background (%)Business,EngineeringOthersEconomics & FinanceScienceLegal
- Geographic distribution (%)EuropeSpainAsia PacificAfrica & Middle EastLatin AmericaNorth America
- International Students (%)International studentsSpanish students
- 2AVERAGE YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 24average age in the classroom
- 28nationalities in class
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
Program Structure
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.
- START MODULE
- CORE PERIOD
- SPECIALIZATION PERIOD
- FINAL EXAM
- PROGRAM ADD-ONS
- CORE PERIOD FOUNDATIONS
- TERM 1
- Term 2
- TERM 3
- CERTIFICATES
- ELECTIVES
The Start Module is an introductory period of face-to-face sessions held in April for the spring intake and virtual sessions held in August for the fall intake. During this module, participants will explore the foundations of a series of topics including fundamental technical finance knowledge, investment banking and capital markets. They will also dive into the essentials of valuation, markets, financial accounting and economics.
The Start Module is designed to prepare participants to successfully face job interviews after graduation. We will help you brush up on your CV and cover letter creation skills, as well as provide the necessary tools you will need to be competitive in the job market.
PRE-PROGRAM QUANTITATIVE METHODS
This pre-program provides participants with the basic tools necessary to garner meaningful insights from quantitative information, which is crucial for making informed business decisions. Serving as a prequel to our Quantitative Finance courses, the pre-program also helps participants hone fundamental numerical skills required for a strong performance in the core period.
The pre-program is a gateway to basic mathematical concepts and managerial statistics. You will explore linear equations, probability theory, descriptive statistics, as well as simple linear regression analysis in an interactive way, giving you the confidence for your future finance, economics, accounting and operations management courses.
PRE-PROGRAM TALENT & CAREERS
Career Success is a comprehensive mandatory course designed in collaboration with top recruiters, alumni and education providers with a clear goal: equipping Master in Finance students with key skills they will need to succeed in their Career Strategy. The foundations acquired through the classes during the academic year will be complemented by advising sessions (group and one-onone) with general and sector-specific advisors, as well as with the numerous employer relations activities that Talent & Careers brings to students (Job Postings, Talent Forums, Events, and Networking opportunities, among others). We know that to succeed professionally, an early start can make of a big difference. Thus, this pre-program aims to support students setting up the bases for their career development and providing them with a head start of their Career Success.
ESSENTIALS OF ACCOUNTING
This program teaches participants the main accounting concepts over the course of three sessions. Through a practical approach, you will understand the fundamentals of the financial accounting process as well as how to interpret financial information. This pre-program will dive into the main accounting issues companies deal with, including financial statement analysis and the relationship between accounting and markets.
INTRODUCTION TO VALUATION
Spread across three modules, the Introduction to Valuation program introduces participants to the analytical tools and methods used to value companies in real-life situations. The first module is dedicated to intrinsic valuation modeling techniques, the second explores comparable companies’ methodologies, and the third focuses on valuation in the context of M&A. The program uses a strong practical approach and will be based in Excel.
INTRODUCTION TO PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
This program gives you the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to create and manage a portfolio. Providing you with an analytical background and practical experience, you will learn about investment policy statements, asset returns/risks, and approaches to managing and analyzing equity portfolios.
CAREER ACCELERATOR BASICS
Throughout the program, you will be coached by experts from the IE Talent & Careers department on a variety of topics. These will be highly technical sessions related to finance, in topics ranging from how to prepare an effective CV, writing a cover letter, networking effectively and how to prepare for the Assessment Center simulation. You will also be advised on the resources available for students through the IE Talent & Careers department, as well as liaise with external industry professionals to understand how different sub-sectors of the finance industry work.
ECONOMIC & MARKET UPDATES
Understanding the interaction between macro and markets is a surefire way to boost your employability. Topics covered in this course will prepare you for complex questions that come up in interviews and for the world of work. You will learn to form, present and defend your viewpoint on the future of macro and finance, to identify and analyze both data and current global market shifts and their implications, and about how macro and markets interact.
TRADING ROOM ESSENTIALS
The IE Trading Room pre-program provides students with the analytical software and research used by professional money managers. This course will explore Bloomberg, FactSet, and MATLAB—tools that provide access to financial, market, business, economic and security pricing information. You will learn to use the various analytical features to analyze portfolio risk, performance and securities including stocks, bonds, commodities, options and futures, currencies and more.
CASE METHOD
The objective of this workshop is to provide students with an introduction to the Case Method of learning that includes the three learning stages: Individual preparation, small group discussion and large group discussion.
FINANCIAL MATHS & ESSENTIALS OF QUANTITATIVE METHODS
The objective of this course is to give an introduction to the fundamental principles of asset valuation on the basis of Time Value of Money and Net Present Value, as this forms the foundation of the investment appraisal framework used by most companies. Thanks to this course, students will become more comfortable with NPV calculations as well as shortcuts, and this knowledge will prove useful for the core courses within the program.
Students can choose from individual or group options for their final exam to best suit their interests. Individual options include writing a practice case, completing a Portfolio Management Practicum, or solving an academic case. Group options include participating in the CFA Competition, Corporate Group Valuation, Academic Research, or a Microfinance Consulting project in Ghana.
COMPANY PROJECT COLLABORATION
Undertake real corporate projects, providing the valuation of a listed company. Top financial institutions like Deutsche Bank, Arcano, Pcitet, Equita, Alantra, Nomura and JLL will choose one company to be valued by the team, while providing assistance throughout the process. This will offer you the opportunity to work on real-life projects and gain real-life experience.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECT
Topics must be related to an aspect of macroeconomics or another financially significant area. This is completed under the supervision of a professor.
VALUATION REPORT
Students perform a valuation analysis of a company owned by a private equity firm. This is completed under the supervision of a professor.
MICROFINANCE PROJECT IN GHANA
This option involves taking part in a consultory microfinance project in collaboration with Financiers without Borders. It includes a trip to Ghana to gain first-hand insight into the local financial climate and is guided by an experienced instructor.
CFA RESEARCH CHALLENGE
A competition between university-sponsored teams that research a designated publicly traded company. The competition includes the preparation and presentation of a written research report to a panel of judges. There is a local competition for Spain and Portugal. Winners move to the European regional level, and then to the global level.
WRITE A CASE STUDY
Students could also write a case study on finance, accounting or macroeconomics based on a situation they deem interesting and suitable. This needs to be a decision-driven case, not a descriptive one.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM
The Final Exam is a Full Client Meeting Pitch Book, or what would normally be presented to an institutional client by a professional buy-side firm. It also includes a stock pitch to illustrate the investment approach.
Our program add-ons comprise a selection of diverse opportunities to forge key connections while gaining practical experience in real-world situations. Whether they are talks and conferences, exchange programs with top institutions, a microfinance project in Ghana or other eye-opening trips to global financial centers, these add-ons are springboards to a lifetime of career success.
*Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students enroll in a specific track, that track will not run that academic year.
FINANCIERS WITHOUT BORDERS IN GHANA
The Microfinance Technical Assistance Project provides both an unforgettable, real-world experience for Master in Finance students, and positive impact for microfinance initiatives in Ghana. In a collaboration between IE Business School and Financiers without Borders, student teams spend four months analyzing Ghanaian MFIs, visiting the country to meet the management and staff and assess the current financial conditions.They identify challenges and opportunities and put into practice their classroom learning to drive sustainable development. As well as gaining valuable, practical experience for their CVs, students develop key competencies such as teamwork, leadership and empathy, and help microentrepreneurs in a very real sense.OPTIONAL TRIP TO NEW YORK
Immersed in one of the world’s top financial centers, you will have the opportunity to visit leading companies and take a tour of the New York Stock Exchange. As part of the network-expanding experience, you will meet major financial players, such as analysts, portfolio managers, directors of research, traders and strategists.
OPTIONAL TRIP TO 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. In addition, students will further increase their investment knowledge and expand their international network by meeting one-on-one with eight to ten industry professionals, including analysts, portfolio managers, directors of research and strategists.
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.
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.
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.
FUNDAMENTALS
This module provides essential finance knowledge, building strong foundations so that students can get the most out of their studies.
- Economics
- Financial Accounting & Analysis
- Financial Statements Analysis
- Financial Players & Institutions
- Fixed Income Fundamentals
- Quantitative Methods I & II
CORPORATE FINANCE
The courses in this module build a thorough understanding of the principles of project appraisal and firm valuations. They cover the main corporate principles, including financial structure, payout policies, and actions to increase a company’s value using discounted cash flows and multiples-based methods.
- Financial Modeling
- Corporate Finance
- Advanced Corporate Finance
GLOBAL MARKETS
These courses analyze the framework for financial decision-making through a deep understanding of the principles of financial and portfolio management. An introduction to economics for markets and quantitative finance tools builds knowledge about equities, fixed income, derivatives and other investments.
Once students consolidate market rules, they will gain expertise in advanced topics including risk management and asset allocation, risk governance and programming in Python.
- Portfolio Management
- Derivatives and Risk Management
- Asset Allocation
- ESG & Impact Investing
TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCE
These courses bring the reality of today’s fast-moving tech into the classroom. The advancements in technology have shifted the way in which the industry moves, making it imperative that students understand payments, wealth management, cryptocurrencies, financial programming, machine learning, AI algorithms and more.
You will learn the fundamentals of the tech used in the market today, while also taking a deep dive into how to use today’s cutting-edge tools effectively. From fintech and Python to AI and language models, you’ll be prepared for the tech challenges ahead.
- Introduction to Fintech
- Financial Programming
- AI and Machine Learning in Finance
In this period, you are equipped with the core fundamentals of finance. The subjects will cover today’s financial market, fintech, corporate finance and financial accounting and analysis. This will lead into an exploration of quantitative finance, economics, risk management, AI, ethics and the soft skills necessary to succeed in the industry.
JOB SEARCH STRATEGY IN FINANCE
Designed and taught by the specialist team at IE Talent & Careers, this session brings program alumni to share their tips and tricks on thriving in the market. From the political side of entering the world of finance to creating a perfect cover letter and resume, this course prepares students for what’s to come in their careers.
ACING THE FINANCE INTERVIEW
Designed by the IE Talent & Careers team, this session consists of two lectures on how to ace interviews. Focused on teaching you the details of technical interviews, as well as on the soft skills needed to impress human resources, this session allows you to confidently walk into the interview process.
ASSESMENT CENTRE SIMULATION
The assessment simulation is a weekend event in which students compete in teams and experience a real-life interview simulation. Students will face different scenarios, like interviews, on their own, and their scores will pool together with their team. This session is a hands-on, interactive simulation, designed to prepare students to face real-world challenges.
FINANCIAL PLAYERS AND INSTITUTIONS
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how financial markets work and what alternatives are available to break into the financial industry. It will cover the insights and differences between institutions, divisions and businesses. Topics range from corporate finance and auditing to asset mangement and alternative investments.
INTRODUCTION TO FINTECH
The financial industry is experiencing an important moment of disruption caused by technology. Blurring the frontiers between industries, new entrants, both startups and big technology players, are now participating in activities which were traditionally reserved for banks. During this course we will analyze some of the changes that are happening in areas such as payments, wealth management (with the introduction of robo-advisors) or peer-to-peer lending. We will also analyze how particular technologies, such as Blockchain, are reshaping the industry. Finally, we will pay special attention to key aspects such as regulation and security, which are essential for any player operating in the financial sector.
CORPORATE FINANCE
This course explores the foundations of financial theory through the analysis of a business’ financial situation and drivers of the cost of capital, the evaluation of capital investment decisions, and the determination of the optimal capital structure. The course will also cover advanced corporate finance topics like dividend and buyback policy, corporate restructuring, issuance of securities, agency problems, asymmetric information and executive compensation policies.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
It is a fundamental course for any professional who wants to work in the financial world, it involves learning the language with which financial information is communicated to the markets. It constitutes the basis to continue building all the other Corporate Finance subjects.
QUANTITATIVE METHODS I
The main objective of this course is to equip students with the analytical skill set to use quantitative models with a special focus on finance. The main contents it covers are i) Decision theory (application to option valuation); ii) Introduction statistics: indexes, histograms, correlations; iii) Time series and Forecasting (regression) – continued in Quant II; iv) Lineal optimization models: Modeling complex decisions - continued in Quant II; and Risk Analysis.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS
The course prepares students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate financial statements. It will cover advanced accounting issues such as revenue and expense recognition, business combinations, income tax, financings such as capital leases and bonds, among others.
FIXED INCOME FUNDAMENTALS
The course teaches students the basics of fixed income including the main concepts as well as instruments and tools used to analyze and value these kinds of securities. Additionally, students will learn why fixed income is one of the foundations needed to truly comprehend the capital market and the daily evolution of world economies.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The purpose of the course is to provide students with analytical background and practical experience for creating a portfolio. The course has two main components. First, students will learn how to create a portfolio from a macro perspective. Second, students learn how to select ETFs and other securities for a portfolio.
ECONOMICS
The course will provide students with a framework to understand how macroeconomic variables and government actions affect business activity and investment decisions. Through a practical approach, students will analyze the main macroeconomic variables and their impact in finance.
PRESENTATION SKILLS
What you say, how you say it and how you make it relevant to your audience is the difference in turning an idea into a powerhouse. Many ideas don’t succeed because they aren’t presented in a dynamic and convincing way. Presentation skills rank among the most practical for financial managers. During this course, participants will learn how to be a more confident, dynamic and persuasive speaker. They will practice style skills, and how to structure complicated messages, control their stress and answer tough questions.
ECONOMIC AND MARKETS UPDATES
These monthly sessions will allow students to understand the recent macro and microeconomic events which are impacting financial markets and their foreseeable evolution. Issues such as inflation, economic growth, bank solvency, M&A trends and commodities evolution will be discussed in a dynamic way so that students stay ahead of trends in the industry.
DERIVATIVES & RISK MANAGEMENT
This course will analyze the foundations of derivatives, their valuation, and how they are used to manage risk and make investment decisions. Participants will learn about management of financial risks, as well as the different techniques available to measure such risk. The course will also cover risk evaluation both in financial and nonfinancial institutions, and the role of risk management within the overall corporate strategy.
REGULATION IN FINANCIAL MARKETS
Is regulation part of the problem or is it part of the solution to the current crisis? How will the unprecedented ongoing changes in regulation affect the global financial landscape? By approaching the previous questions, we will provide an overview of the main ongoing regulatory initiatives and analyze the rationale behind them, as well as their potential impact on the financial markets. We will focus on how international regulators are monitoring systemic risk and how the players in the financial markets need to implement risk management processes and controls.
For a future fund or portfolio manager, this course will be helpful to provide a global framework of how regulation and risk management will affect their investment and funding decisions. For a future compliance officer, chief risk officer or chief operations officer, this course will offer a deep analysis of current and future regulations and how they may affect financial institution strategies.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN FINANCE
Every financial decision requires not only that professionals maximize investment and shareholder value, but also that they act in accordance with their code of conduct. Professional success, in the long term, will be measured on the capacity to stick to basic principles, which is easier said than done, especially when doing so is not profitable in the short term. This course allows participants to take the time to share their experiences and to go through real case examples and solutions.
PURPOSE IN ACTION
Focused on teambuilding, this course places students in a real-life project that gives back to the community, allowing them to leave a lasting legacy. Activities consist of using tools, wood and other materials to handbuild new and usable spaces that will benefit and improve people´s lives.
WELLBEING IN PRACTICE
Well-being in practice is designed to introduce the concept of well-being and its impact on our ability to thrive, be healthy, connect and contribute to our learning and community. Through a scientifically grounded and holistic approach, this workshop focuses on developing skills that enhance performance and happiness. These include being present, cultivating curiosity, engaging in reflection and increasing self-awareness.
CAREER ACCELERATOR
The Career Accelerator allows students to dive into the current happenings in the finance world and understand its trends. Through hands-on activities and real-world cases, students will get a firsthand look at the labor market.
MONTHLY SESSION WITH HEAD OF MIF FROM T&C
The monthly sessions with IE Talent & Careers give students the opportunity to follow up with the head of the Master in Finance of the IE Talent & Careers team. These sessions will highlight key terms and trends for students to use during their application process.
The second core period expands upon the knowledge gained in the first, deepening students’ expertise in Corporate Finance and Global Markets. Courses will cover financial modeling and valuation from the Corporate Finance perspective, asset allocation from a Global Markets viewpoint, and technology courses focused on finance. Additionally, with visits to New York, London and Ghana, students will get a firsthand look at key financial players in dynamic global environments.
ADVANCED CORPORATE FINANCE
This course builds on previously acquired financial accounting and financial modelling concepts. It covers main valuation techniques, Valuation by discount cash flows: DCF, discounted free cash flow to equity (FCFE), dividend discount model (DDM); Adjusted Present Value (APV) Economic Value Added (EVA); Leverage Buy Out Models (LBO); and Relative valuation by comparable trading companies and precedent transactions.
FINANCIAL MODELING
This course will deal with the effective construction of financial models as the key basic tool for financial analysis, data modeling, valuation of companies and debt, and corporate finance exercises. The course will equip participants with a solid understanding of the modeling process, not only focused on building models, but also on understanding complex modeling exercises.
QUANTITATIVE METHODS II
The main objective of this course is to equip students with the analytical skill set to use quantitative models with a special focus on finance. The course will go over topics covered in Quantitative Methods I more in-depth. Main contents to cover are i) Decision theory (application to option valuation); ii) Introduction statistics: indexes, histograms, correlations; iii) Time series and Forecasting (regression) – continued in Quant II; iv) Lineal optimization models: Modeling complex decisions - continued in Quant II; and Risk Analysis.
FINANCIAL PROGRAMMING
The course introduces computer programming and its use in Finance. At the end of this course, students will be proficient in Financial Excel, and Python software. Specific areas like Hedge Funds, Efficient portfolio theory or Derivatives pricing will be covered.
ASSET ALLOCATION
This course takes a look at the real challenges faced by chief investment officers when allocating funds in global portfolios. The course will not deal with the art of specific stock or bond selection, but will examine the key drivers of major capital flows between asset classes, which are crucial to any top-down investment process. In this context, participants will look closely at the relationship between data publication, monetary policy and market performance, and will develop an integral framework with which to characterize the fundamental backdrop at any given time.
ECONOMIC AND MARKETS UPDATES
These monthly sessions will allow students to understand the recent macro and microeconomic events which are impacting financial markets and their foreseeable evolution. Issues such as inflation, economic growth, bank solvency, M&A trends and commodities evolution will be discussed in a dynamic way so that students stay ahead of trends in the industry.
NEGOTIATION
This course aims to increase the students' negotiating efficiency and their ability to manage power and influence others.
Throughout the course, students will internalize the key points of the negotiation process, paying special attention to both the verbal and non-verbal elements of communication and persuasion, and learn to manage power and build alliances within any organization that aspires to continuous improvement and adaptation to change.
ESG & IMPACT INVESTING
This course aims to help students become more familiar with ESG criteria—a set of standards that are becoming increasingly important for the financial industry. The course is divided into six study sessions in which students will develop their understanding of current market dynamics related to ESG criteria and impact investing.
PLAN B - OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND STRUCTURED PROGRAMS
The alumni panel brings Master in Finance graduates to the stage to give their top tips on landing a role in the finance market.
CAREER ACCELERATOR
The Career Accelerator allows students to dive into the current happenings in the finance world and understand its trends. Through hands-on activities and real-world cases, students will get a firsthand look at the labor market.
BIG DATA IN FINANCE
The rapid expansion of Big Data is revolutionizing the way businesses operate and process information across industries and regions. This course provides a practical perspective, focusing on managing diverse data sources and machine learning models to address critical questions related to finance, economics and geopolitics. We will delve into applied finance, assess media perceptions of sustainability and climate change, measure the economy in real-time and much more.
AI & MACHINE LEARNING IN FINANCE
The course will teach how to apply both structured and unstructured data as an input to Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning algorithms, covering Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing techniques. The primary purpose of the course is to gain knowledge on how the algorithms work, facilitating their economic and financial interpretation.
The third period gives you several opportunities to personalize your learning. First, you will choose your specialization track from three options: Global Markets & Asset Management, Investment Banking & Private Equity, or Real Estate & Alternative Investments. Then, you can choose from our selection of electives or opt for one of our two certification options (either Sustainable Finance or Financial Technologies & Artificial Intelligence) to complete your required credits.
TRACKS
Once you choose your track, you must take all of the courses within that track. You will select the rest of the required credits from a broad academic offering. The third period is guided by the IE Talent & Careers specialization team, ensuring you are supported on your journey toward your professional goals. When you complete the program, you will receive a diploma for the Master in Finance and your specialization.
Once students choose a track, it is compulsory to take all the courses of that track. The rest of the credits required during the third period will be chosen from a broad academic offer. We will guide students through the seven modules to help them reach their professional career goals.
*Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students enroll in a specific track, that track will not run that academic year.
INVESTMENT BANKING AND PRIVATE EQUITY
- Equity & Debt Capital Markets
- Leveraged Finance
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Modelling Leveraged Buyouts
- Private Equity
GLOBAL MARKETS & ASSET MANAGEMENT
- Equity & Credit Research
- Hedge Funds
- Portfolio Management & Construction I
- Portfolio Management & Construction II
- Asset Pricing
REAL ESTATE FINANCE & ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS
- Public Real Estate Markets
- Private Real Estate Markets
- Infrastructure Investments
- Venture Capital
- Private Credit
During the specialization period, you also have the chance to earn one of two optional certifications: Sustainable Finance or Financial Technologies & Artificial Intelligence. If you choose to add a certification, it will be reflected on your diploma at the end of the program.
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.
Modules are linked to careers and provide students with some guidance about which electives to choose, depending on their job preferences. Electives contained in each module are not compulsory, so students may choose electives from different modules if they wish.
*Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students enroll in a specific track, that track will not run that academic year.
To complete the minimum compulsory credits of the elective period, students will have the opportunity to choose—given that 15 students select the same elective—between the following modules:
INVESTMENT BANKING & CORPORATE FINANCE
This elective provides an in-depth exploration of crucial finance areas essential for corporate growth and investment decisions. It is designed to equip students for high-impact roles.
PRIVATE EQUITY
This module belongs to the Corporate Finance field, and offers you the possibility to learn how to create value through acquisitions. You will need to learn how the private equity industry works and its strategies.
INVESTMENT & ASSET MANAGEMENT
If you want to become a specialist in financial markets working as a trader or a portfolio manager, this module will fulfill your knowledge needs, covering topics such as the asset management industry, analysis and selection of funds, foreign exchange and advanced financial tools like alpha generation, factor investing and other intelligence tools for the financial professional. On top of that, you will have the opportunity to go deeper into behavioural finance and macro matters—which are fundamental for the understanding of financial markets.
DERIVATIVES
The derivatives market will offer you appealing career opportunities in a very specialised field of finance. By learning fixed income and advanced derivatives, or strategic equity solutions, you will get the advantage as a financial professional.
HEDGE FUNDS
If you decide to invest in hedge funds you will need further knowledge about how they operate and their arbitrage strategies. You will need to acquire advanced knowledge about quantitative finance.
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
This module will give you the tools to understand how financial markets can support environmental and social goals. You will learn how to drive value creation while promoting long-term sustainability, enabling you to align financial performance with societal progress.
FINTECH
This module explores how technology is transforming the financial industry, from digital banking to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. This course will provide you with the knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving field, positioning yourself at the forefront of financial innovation.
*Providing an enriching learning environment is one of our priorities. With this in mind, if only a small number of students enroll in a specific track, that track will not run that academic year.
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 for improving the world around you.
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
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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. From investment banking to consulting, asset management to global markets, we provide the resources and contacts you need to make informed decisions about the career path that’s right for you. At IE University you’ll have direct access to top companies through various recruitment events organized by IE Talent & Careers, as well as personalized career guidance from experienced advisors with experience in your field. 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. What’s more, we create events such as the Investment Banking Day and Asset and Wealth Management Day put you in contact with leading companies like Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Rothschilds & Co., Goldman Sachs, Blackrock and more through our recruitment and networking events.
YOUR PURPOSE
On massive societal challenges ranging from climate change to financial inclusion, 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. The first step in discovering your purpose and your niche is to know yourself, which is why we give you the resources to explore your passions and interests. At IE University, we’re passionate about guiding you to find your deeper purpose, align it with your career and make the world a genuinely better place. It’s not a platitude; it’s our commitment.
- 2LARGEST CITY IN THE EU With a population of 3.2 million, only Berlin is larger
- 2HIGHEST-RANKED EUROPEAN CITY FOR HUMAN CAPITAL AND LIFESTYLE Source: Financial Times FDI Cities and Regions of the Future 2020/21
- 5BEST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR EXPATS Expat City Ranking 2022 highlighted Madrid’s climate, leisure options, and cost of living
- 15000BARS & RESTAURANTS One for every 211 inhabitants: El Mundo
- 300000TREES IN MADRID, MAKING IT ONE OF THE GREENEST CITIES ON EARTH Source: Comunidad de Madrid
- 20ºCAverage anual temperaturePlus 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.
Discover related programs to the Master in Finance
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
Who is the Master in Finance for?
The Master in Finance is a one-year, full-time program taught in Madrid. Highly specialized, it is geared towards analytical thinkers, visionaries and ambitious future executives who are passionate about numbers and want to make a meaningful impact in the world of finance.
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.
Do I need previous experience to study the Master in Finance?
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 enjoys working with numbers.
What is the difference between the Master in Finance and the Master in Applied Economics?
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. On the other hand, 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 the Spring and September intakes differ?
The Spring intake is slightly longer, with the Master in Finance lasting 15 months. This means you have more time to prepare for recruitment season, which tends to start in September. There are also more courses to explore in April, with Investment Banking, Private Equity and Real Estate included in the core period. Moreover, it will generally give you more breaks over the year.
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.