Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
University of Groningenfounded in 1614  -  top 100 university
Close
Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM International Financial Management
Header image DDM International Financial Management
Double Degree master - full-time

DDM International Financial Management

Study International Financial Management in Groningen and Milan and gain an exceptional preparation for a successful career in financial markets, international finance and risk management.

To take part in this programme, you first need to study MSc International Financial Management in Groningen, after which you can apply to study at the School of Banking, Finance and Insurance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.

Gain essential skills required to navigate the world of international finance:
  • make decisions at the strategic level in many private and public organizations that are internationally oriented,
  • choose the appropriate analytical techniques for analyzing and managing international financial decisions and problems,
  • apply the theory of international finance and accounting in practice,
  • carry out research and present your findings on issues in international financial management.
By the end of this double degree programme, you will graduate with two diplomas from two highly ranked universities: MSc International Financial Management from the University of Groningen and Laurea Magistrale in Banking and Finance from the School of Banking, Finance and Insurance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan, Italy).
Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in International Financial Management
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 EC)
Croho code
60683
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • This master's programme combines strategic thinking and innovation to solve real financial challenges faced by companies and investors.
  • Engage in interactive, discussion-driven classes that highlight diverse perspectives. Study global financial challenges , including political risks and intercultural perspectives.
  • Learn from finance professionals who bring real-world cases and practical insights into every course.
  • Become a professional who can understand and apply the latest finance and risk management tools to manage financial activities, build investment portfolios, work for financial intermediaries, and provide consultancy services to different organisations.
  • Work on real-life business cases and extensive datasets to acquire proficiency in data analytics, employing tools such as Stata and Excel.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by AACSB and EQUIS , a distinction achieved by only 1% of universities worldwide, ensuring a high-quality education.

Programme

The Double Degree master's programme is a two-year degree with a study load equivalent to 120 ECTS/120 CFU.

In the first year in Groningen, you gain advanced knowledge in several specific fields in financial management. To specialise in an area of your interest, you can choose from four programme electives, shown in the list of courses below, and a wide variety of general elective courses in topics such as accounting, international banking, inclusive finance, behavioral finance, sustainability in business and economics, energy transition, and many more (check the Ocasys course catalogue for the complete list). You can also specialise in focus areas such as Energy Transition and Climate Change , Leadership and Governance , or Future Prosperity and Sustainability .

For an overview of all the courses taught during the MSc IFM in Groningen, please check the Ocasys course catalogue: https://ocasys.rug.nl/(...)/programme/PROG-6828

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Advanced Financial Management (5 EC)
Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity (programme elective) (5 EC)

You can select at least 3 of 4 programme elective courses.
Financial Markets and Data Analysis (5 EC)
General Electives (10 EC)

Please check the course catalogue for an overview of these electives.
Financial Intermediation and Banking (5 EC)
M&A, Restructuring and Valuation (programme elective) (5 EC)

You can select at least 3 of 4 programme elective courses.
Treasury and Risk Management (programme elective) (5 EC)

You can select at least 3 of 4 programme elective courses.
Thesis (20 EC)
Financial Analysis and Investments (programme elective) (5 EC)

You can select at least 3 of 4 programme elective courses.

You will spend the second year in Milan, taking nine courses (in total 61 CFU). The courses of MSc IFM in year 1 are counted by UCSC as 59 CFU for the Laurea Magistrale in Banking and Finance degree.

The Banking and Finance programme is a specialized degree designed for students who wish to concentrate their career in financial markets and institutions. The programme provides advanced training in the key areas of trading and risk management. A significant feature of this programme is the combination of strong analytical foundations and applications that deal with real-world issues. Students will learn to integrate financial models, firm-specific as well as industry and macroeconomic factors in their decision-making process.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

The DDM programme consists of two phases:

Phase 1 is the first year at UG in Groningen

Phase 2 is the second year at UCSC in Milan

Students at University of Groningen (UG) To be admitted to the MSc IFM programme in Groningen, you need to meet the entry requirements. Please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. Candidates that want to progress to Phase 2 of the programme at UCSC, starting in September, need to apply for admission to UCSC's Laurea Magistrale degree programme in Banking and Finance by the end of April. Students will be selected based on the average GPA of the six compulsory courses in the MSc IFM and must successfully complete the programme by the time of their departure. For more information about UCSC Milan, visit https://international.unicatt.it/(...)-banking-and-finance.

Students at the UCSC Milan Students who are admitted to UCSC Milan and who have successfully completed the required courses of the programme at UCSC, meet the entry requirements of MSc IFM at the University of Groningen. There will be selection criteria decided by UCSC Milan. In case there are more candidates for the programme than places available, candidates will be selected according to selection criteria jointly defined and agreed upon by the partner universities.

Registration procedure

Students have to first apply to the MSc International Financial Management programme first via Studielink and then via the Progress Portal of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply. Once you start the programme in Groningen, you can apply to the Double Degree with Milan.

For more information about the UCSC Milan selection procedure and deadlines, please feel free to contact the programme coordinator dr. H. (Halit) Gonenc at h.gonenc rug.nl.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

The DDM programme consists of two phases:

Phase 1 is the first year at UG in Groningen

Phase 2 is the second year at UCSC in Milan

Students at University of Groningen (UG) To be admitted to the MSc IFM programme in Groningen, you need to meet the entry requirements. Please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. Candidates that want to progress to Phase 2 of the programme at UCSC, starting in September, need to apply for admission to UCSC's Laurea Magistrale degree programme in Banking and Finance by the end of April. Students will be selected based on the average GPA of the six compulsory courses in the MSc IFM and must successfully complete the programme by the time of their departure. For more information about UCSC Milan, visit https://international.unicatt.it/(...)-banking-and-finance.

Students at the UCSC Milan Students who are admitted to UCSC Milan and who have successfully completed the required courses of the programme at UCSC, meet the entry requirements of MSc IFM at the University of Groningen. There will be selection criteria decided by UCSC Milan. In case there are more candidates for the programme than places available, candidates will be selected according to selection criteria jointly defined and agreed upon by the partner universities.

Registration procedure

Students have to first apply to the MSc International Financial Management via Studielink and the Online Application System (OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply. Once you start the programme in Groningen, you can apply to the Double Degree with Milan.

For more information about the UCSC Milan selection procedure and deadlines, please feel free to contact the programme coordinator dr. H. (Halit) Gonenc at h.gonenc rug.nl.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202601 September 2026

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 21400full-time
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2695full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 22200full-time

The tuition fees above are for the one year of studying in Groningen. For an estimation of the total tuition fees for the double degree, please see DD fees.

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

As a graduate, you will be ready to take on roles in financial management in various settings, from start-ups to multinational companies, financial institutions, and consultancy firms. Whether your ambition lies in corporate finance, banking, or asset management, this programme opens doors to exciting opportunities in organisations operating worldwide across the public and private sectors.

Job examples

  • Financial and general management roles in companies and organisations: trainee (financial) management, corporate finance specialist, and CFO;
  • Treasury and risk management: from trainee to treasurer;
  • Financial institutions: all roles in banking, insurance, fintech, and private equity;
  • Consulting or in-house: consultant, M&A advisory, restructuring specialist, valuation expert;
  • Small businesses: entrepreneur, consultant, venture capital manager; and
  • Investment industry: financial analyst or portfolio manager.

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society. Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:

  • How can firms access funding and choose between equity and debt? And how are different types of debt chosen, such as short-term versus long-term and corporate bonds versus loans from intermediaries?
  • How do firms make large investment decisions, including M&A? What are the key strategic considerations and which valuation methods are applied?
  • How can management teams sustainably run companies, creating value for all stakeholders?
  • What is the optimal governance structure of a company, in terms of board composition, executive compensation and shareholder/stakeholder rights?
  • What determines stock returns, and how can investors build optimal portfolios of investments?
  • What is the role of financial intermediaries in financial markets, and how has this role been disrupted by fintech innovations?
  • How can firms and financial institutions design risk management systems, including the use of derivative instruments (forwards, futures, options, swaps)?
  • How do entrepreneurs secure funding to start a business? What is the role of private equity, and how can entrepreneurs cash in via an IPO?
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Study associations

Financial Study Association Groningen

Financial Study Association Groningen, FSG, is the study association for the financially interested student at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
FSG is, with over 1800 members, one of the most active and professional study associations of the Netherlands. The goal of FSG is to close the gap between theory and practice that exists in the areas of:* Accountancy & Controlling (A&C)* Finance* International Financial Management (IFM)* Management Accounting & Control (MAC)
https://fsgroningen.nl/

Follow us!

Follow the UGfacebook linkedin rss instagram youtube
Functional
Provides basic functions and uses anonymized cookies.
Standard
Provides optimal operation and uses video cookies, among others.
Complete
Provides personalized content and uses marketing cookies.
Set your cookie preferences. Read our privacy and cookie disclaimer for more information.