Master in Finance
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NAVIGATE A DYNAMIC FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE WITH A UNIQUE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
The Master in Finance gives you the expertise and insights into financial markets needed to make an impact on economic decision-making and excel in today’s finance industry. Shift your mindset toward tech and AI to gain a competitive edge.
From investment banking to digital finance, you can delve into advanced financial concepts and theories in financial modeling, leveraged finance and investments, global markets, asset management, private markets, consulting, corporate finance, trading and more. Whichever area you specialize in, we help you become an expert in your field.
As our focus is your success, our IE Talent & Careers team plays a large role in your academic journey. We have a specialized Master in Finance team ready to help you make connections and land your dream job.
WE’LL GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY
Finance can be a challenging and competitive environment, where you need to ensure that you are equipped with the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical skills to succeed. The Master in Finance will give you a holistic overview to guide you in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of finance.
We will be your trusted companion throughout this process and will collaborate with you to understand your unique identity and design your career roadmap. Our Talent & Careers team will serve as active participants in your journey, offering their knowledge of the current demands of the fast-paced market. As a well-oiled unit, the faculty and staff at IE University will guide you as you embark on a personalized academic journey.
THE NEXT BEST YOU
At IE Business School, education is more than just a degree. It is a transformative experience that shapes your personal and professional identity. We understand that every individual is unique, with their own strengths, ambitions and areas for growth, and the Master in Finance is designed to help you find your purpose and discover how you can make an impact. This journey will push you to your limits, but that is exactly what is needed to bring out the best in you. Are you ready to reveal the next best version of yourself? Join us and we will help you find your purpose, how your career can give you a sense of meaning and how you can make a difference.
YOUR CAREER
When choosing something as important as a career, there are so many options and so much information. We help you cut through the noise. Let us help you get to know yourself better, explore your options and get on the career path that’s right for you. Using the insight gleaned from our connections to the business community and analysis of the labor market, we help you curate your future-proof career path and sharpen the set of skills that recruiters are after. Find what’s best for you and pursue it.
YOUR IMPACT
What does it take to change the world? Your impact depends on your ideas, behavior and digital skills. No matter the context, top companies, startups and social enterprises strive to find people who can make big things happen, professionals who can harness available resources to forge solutions to real-world challenges. From creative thinking to alliance building and data-driven decision-making, this program will give you what you need to become a high-impact business professional.
YOUR PURPOSE
On massive societal challenges ranging from climate change to inequality, there’s no question that the business community will play a pivotal role. What that role will look like depends on you, on the individuals driving forward companies and sectors. That’s why we are passionate about guiding you to find your deeper purpose, refine it, align it with your career and make the world a genuinely better place. It’s not a platitude; it’s our commitment.
Overview
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 allows for even more flexibility.
The spring intake begins in April and is best for candidates from a wide range of backgrounds with some work experience. This intake will give you the space and time to prepare your application and arrive feeling incredibly prepared for your journey. The 15-month program leaves room for you to add your specialization to your academic schedule and offers the option of completing a dual degree with the Master in Economics.
The fall intake kicks off in September and is best for candidates ready to dive directly into finance after their undergraduate studies. This intake works very well with dual degree candidates’ schedules, and its 10-month design is directly aligned with recruiters’ calendars.
WHO IS THE MASTER IN FINANCE RIGHT FOR?
Top-performing students with a love for numbers and a passion for finance, who thrive when presented with a challenge.
Analytical thinkers who stay up-to-date with the latest financial news and cutting-edge trends.
Ambitious leaders who are determined to make a name for themselves in the industry, create a difference in society and achieve prosperity for society.
Motivated future executives who dream of building a network of finance professionals from around the globe and acknowledge that having access to a leading careers department is key to achieving professional goals.
Visionaries and game-changers who want to propel their finance career to the top and make a meaningful impact by accessing unique opportunities.
IE TALENT & CAREERS: ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN YOUR JOURNEY
The team at IE Talent & Careers focuses on helping students find their place in the professional world through personalized advice from our finance specialization team. From courses in global markets & asset management and private equity & investment banking to real estate & alternative investments, the Talent & Careers team will equip you with the skills to build a stand-out resume and confidently walk into your interviews.
The Master in Finance doesn’t end with graduation. You can continue your learning with online modules and additional courses designed to keep you up to date with market trends. Plus, you’ll be connected with our huge alumni network through ongoing events. IE Talent & Careers is there with you every step of the way.
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, Economics & FinanceEngineeringOthers
- Geographic distribution (%)EuropeSpainAsiaAfrica & Middle EastLatin AmericaNorth America
- International Students (%)International studentsSpanish students
- 0-8years of professional experience
- 24average age in the classroom
- 31nationalities in class
Master in Finance Rankings IE
Get to know more about IE Business School’s placement in international rankings.
Program Structure
EXPLORE THE MASTER IN FINANCE
The Master in Finance gives you the opportunity to earn a degree, as well as a unique specialization. The core modules cover the fundamentals of finance, industry technology, corporate finance and global markets. After the core modules, you’ll begin your specialization track, selecting from three unique options. The track you choose will be reflected on your diploma.
Finally, you’ll have the option to add additional certificate or an internship to your study plan. Designed in alignment with IE Talent & Careers, the three specialization tracks are your opportunity to take a deeper dive into your subject of interest.
You can choose from the following tracks:
INVESTMENT BANKING & PRIVATE EQUITY
GLOBAL MARKETS & ASSET MANAGEMENT
REAL ESTATE FINANCE & ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS
- START MODULE
- CORE PERIOD
- SPECIALIZATION PERIOD
- FINAL EXAM
- PROGRAM ADD-ONS
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 (ONLINE)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
EXCEL BASICS
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to properly use Excel spreadsheets. Following the course, students will be able to develop flexible and consistent budgeting models, dashboards and sales reports. They will also be able to analyze ratios, income statements, scenarios, income tables and more with Excel—one of the most widely used and valued tools by professionals.
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.
*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 to improve 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.
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.
FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE & MANAGEMENT
The IE Business School and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management exchange program allows students to enhance their academic experience in preparation for upcoming success. Students from each institution can swap campuses for an extended period to participate in academic sessions, company visits and meetings with recruiters to help build their professional profile and boost their careers in the finance sector. Aside from the long-term exchange program, there is also the option to take part in a one-week trip to the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, where students can broaden their network and explore new insights.
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. We have reached agreements with top financial institutions like Deutsche Bank’s Corporate Finance division, Equita, Nomura and Jefferies to carry out corporate valuation projects. Our partners will choose one company to be valued by the team, while providing assistance throughout the process.
Company Project Collaboration creates a highly employable cohort as students have the opportunity to work on real-life projects and gain real-life experience.
OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
DISCOVER OUR FACULTY
In the Master in Finance, our faculty’s commitment to you goes far beyond teaching. Their mission is to help you understand the person you are now and guide you on the path to the leader you want to become in the finance sector.
From working with you to reveal your strengths and identify your career goals, to helping you refine how to make the impact your sense of purpose demands—or even discovering what that purpose is—they’re on hand to challenge you to think about yourself in new ways, learn the skills you need for your financial career and become the next best you. Drawn from all over the globe, our faculty brings expertise from a vast range of industries, roles and functions, meaning they’re equipped with the real-world experience to help you succeed.
LIVING YOUR MASTER IN FINANCE
Experience outside the classroom
Personal and professional transformation go hand-in-hand on the journey to the next best you. Studying in the heart of Madrid, you’ll find yourself surrounded by opportunities for both. Spain’s capital combines the dynamism of a global city with the inspiration of a cultural hotspot. Famed for its student-friendly environment, Madrid’s bustling daytimes, vibrant nightlife and thriving alternative scene make it the ideal city in which to immerse yourself. Spain is rapidly becoming an important financial hub, as well as an excellent location to build connections with like-minded thinkers and launch your impactful career.
GET INVOLVED
Transformation begins with discovery. Embrace your passions and unearth new ones by making the most of each and every experience. Choose from more than 120 clubs, which could include picking up a new sport, collaborating with other women in business or innovating with AI and robotics. Our vibrant campus life keeps you in the loop, enhances your well-being and empowers your personal development.
NURTURING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
The path to discovering your purpose and guiding your career with an entrepreneurial mindset is about gaining the skills and abilities you need to succeed. As an immersive, well-rounded program, the Master in Finance offers you access to a global network of successful entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and versatile leaders who provide their expertise to help you turn your ideas into a reality. To accomplish this, we provide a home to business at every stage of development, including in-house startup incubators and entrepreneurship and innovation centers designed to expose our students to the full breadth of academic and professional experiences.
Study At IE because Madrid is...
CULTURE
Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, exploding with music, art, history and gastronomy. In this city that never sleeps, you can find whatever suits your interests and budget — everything from alternative culture hubs to some of the world’s most spectacular museums, world-class theater to the raw power of flamenco or all-night dancing. Whether you are on our central campus, exploring one of the city’s iconic neighborhoods or enjoying a cold drink and tapas on a sunny terrace, you will always feel at home in Madrid.
ACTIVE
Madrid’s energy fuels movement. One of the world’s greenest cities, it contains massive central parks ideal for walking, running and cycling. Just north of the city, you’ll find a stunning mountain range where you can hike, climb and even ski in the winter. Rather watch sports? Madrid is famous for its world-class teams and tournaments. Venturing further, in just a two-hour train ride, you can access a whopping nine UN World Heritage Sites. Want to go further still? Madrid’s an ideal base to explore Morocco, as well as a variety of other destinations in Europe.
FRIENDLY AND DIVERSE
Madrid is a multicultural city that prides itself on openness. Discrimination due to gender, sexual orientation, religion or race is not tolerated. Instead, the city celebrates the diversity of its residents. Head to the neighborhoods of Lavapiés or Malasaña to experience the city’s rich cosmopolitan influences and enjoy food and culture from all corners of the world. Or check out the stylish barrio of Chueca to explore the heart of the city’s vibrant LGBT+ community. No matter who you are, you’re sure to fit right in.
Madrid is life
- 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.
Unsure if this is the right program to help you on your professional journey?
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.