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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Finance
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Finance

Study finance in Groningen and learn about corporate and sustainable finance, asset management, and what drives the investment decisions of companies.

What role do financial institutions play in supporting sustainable development and responsible investing? And how do you decide at what price can a company be acquired or sold? In the MSc Finance, you analyze and evaluate real and complex financial problems faced by companies and institutions. For example, you learn to manage the financial risks of banks and pension funds, which contributes to reliable banking services and pensions. You also learn to include information on business sustainability next to financial information in order to help contain climate risks.

What’s unique about the programme in Groningen is the possibility to tailor your programme based on your interests (a wide range of elective courses) and specialize in five different fields: sustainable finance, development finance, corporate finance, investment and asset management, and general finance. You will learn about how to use data science and machine learning techniques, gaining essential skills for the future. The theory is also put into practice with our many real-life investment games, business cases from companies, and the opportunity to connect with future employers.

We provide you with the tools and knowledge to develop highly relevant skills in this field. After graduation, you can work for example as a portfolio manager, financial analyst, financial consultant, risk manager, or sustainability officer.

The programme offers dedicated profiles to specialize in:
  • Corporate Finance teaches you about strategies for investing and financing business business projects. Are the future revenues from investments sufficient to cover its current investment? How much equity and debt should be used in the balance sheet?
  • Investment and Risk Management is a profile for students who want to work in the investment industry, banks, pension funds or other financial institutions. It teaches about creating financial investment portfolios, managing financial risks in financial institutions, and the valuation of complex financial instruments.
  • Sustainable Finance, you will answer questions like what are the key principles of sustainable finance, and how do they differ from traditional finance practices? How do sustainable finance strategies affect risk management and long-term financial performance for investors?
  • Development Finance is unique in the Netherlands and it focuses on the role of financial markets in low-income countries with a strong focus on microfinance and financial inclusion. This is a perfect programme for those who want to work in a microfinance institution, or as a policy officer in NGOs and government.
  • General Finance allows you to create your own selection of courses from the four profiles specified above.
Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Finance
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60046
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme is recognized as one of the top programmes in the Netherlands in Finance, both in the NSE and the Keuzegids rankings. The programme has a diverse set of students with about 25% international students and 50% of our staff is international. We offer a double degree programme with the University of Lund.
  • There is great flexibility to choose your own content for the programme that fits your interests (via elective courses) and to specialize in issues related to corporate finance, sustainable finance, development finance, investment and risk management, and general finance.
  • The Development finance profile is unique in the Netherlands and it focuses on topics such as economic development and sustainability, analysis of growth, and implications for inequality.
  • The courses Corporate Valuation and Institutional Investment Management provide a unique interaction between theory and practice by involving managers from the industry in the programme. You will see the value of the theories in finance and it will help you to deal with the limitations. You will also learn how to negotiate in M&A deals.

  • Employers highly esteem the Corporate Valuation course offered in Groningen. In this course, students engage in a hands-on business case focused on company transactions. The knowledge and experience acquired through this course are in great demand among prospective employers.
Programme

During the one-year programme, you can specialize in various fields, which gives you the opportunity to pick courses and electives according to your interests and job aspirations. In all profiles, you have a wide variety of electives and work on research thesis papers.

In Sustainable Finance, you learn about the drivers of responsible finance, banking, and investing. You will also carry out an input-output analysis of a real-world problem in the areas of trade, environment, and growth.

In Development Finance, you study current theories on the economics of microfinance, finance and development, inequality, and financial inclusion. You join debates on the importance of financial inclusion in the process of economic development.

In Corporate Finance, you learn about practices to value a company and how to analyze financial decisions and strategies of businesses. A few examples of topics discussed are value maximization for the shareholders, principal-agent problems, and behavioral finance.

In Investment and Asset Management, you can further develop your understanding of portfolio management and investment. You study valuation, pricing models, and applications of derivative instruments and get to put theory into practice in a real-life investment game.

General Finance is for students who wish to create their own selection of courses from the four profiles specified above.

Important to know:

General Finance profile: When taking this profile, we advise you to start in September. It is technically possible to complete the MSc Finance - General Finance profile within one year. However, we do not recommend this as it restricts the freedom of choice by excluding some of the most interesting courses. However, if you want to do so, please consult the coordinator of the MSc Finance programme on the implications of this choice and how to implement it.

For students intending to enrol in February, be aware that the programme can only be completed within 12 months for the General Finance profile, and that the offering of courses is restricted relative to students enrolling in September. Please check the details of course offerings in Ocasys.

All the other profiles: While the MSc Finance offers two start moments, September and February, we advise you to consider starting in September. Due to the way the programme is now structured, it is impossible to successfully complete the programme in one year if you decide to start in February.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Advanced Corporate Finance (5 EC)
Portfolio Theory (5 EC)
Research Methods for Finance (5 EC)
Corporate Finance - Electives A MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Derivative Instruments; Sustainable Finance; International Finance and Development; Regulating Energy Markets. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Corporate Finance - Electives B MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Business Ethics; Strategic Collaboration in Healthcare; Microeconomics of Household Behaviour; Business Research and Consulting. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Development Finance - Electives A MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Date Analytics for Finance; Sustainable Finance; Corporate Governance for MSc Finance; Regulating Energy Markets. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Development Finance - Electives B MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Business Research and Consulting; International Financial Reporting; Economic Evaluation in Healthcare; Economic Development. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

General Finance - Electives A MSc Finance (20 EC)

A few examples are: Financial Reporting and Risk Management; Sustainable Finance; Corporate Governance for MSc Finance; Behavioural Finance. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

General Finance - Electives B MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Business Ethics; Health Economics and Policy; Monetary Policy, Strategy and Operations; Challenges in Healthcare. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

I&RM - Electives A MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Inclusive Finance; Asset and Liability Management; International Finance and Development; Quantitative Finance. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

I&RM - Electives B MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Emerging Markets (MSc); Strategic Collaboration in Healthcare; Energy Transition & Innovation; Challenges in Healthcare. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Sustainable Finance - Electives A MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Financial Reporting and Risk Management; Derivative Instruments; International Finance and Development; Behavioural Finance. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Sustainable Finance - Electives B MSc Finance (5 EC)

A few examples are: Healthcare Purchasing and Supply Chains; World Economy in Historical Perspective; Energy Transition & Innovation; Economic Development. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Corporate Finance - Corporate Valuation for MSc Finance (5 EC)
Corporate Finance - Theoretical Corporate Finance for MSc Finance (5 EC)
Development Finance - Inclusive Finance (5 EC)
Development Finance - Trade, Environment and Growth (5 EC)
I&RM - Derivative Instruments (5 EC)
I&RM - Institutional Investment Management (5 EC)
Sustainable Finance - Financing the Energy Transition (5 EC)
Sustainable Finance - Sustainable Finance (5 EC)
Corporate Finance - Corporate Governance for MSc Finance (5 EC)
Development Finance - International Finance and Development (5 EC)
I&RM - Banking, Insurance and Risk Management (5 EC)
Sustainable Finance - Corporate Governance for MSc Finance (5 EC)
Corporate Finance - Master's Thesis Finance Corporate Finance (20 EC)
Development Finance - Master's Thesis Finance (20 EC)
General Finance - Master's Thesis Finance (20 EC)
I&RM - Master's Thesis Finance (20 EC)
Sustainable Finance - Master's Thesis Finance (20 EC)
Programme options
Double Degree Master International Business and Finance (Shanghai) (specialization)

Are you interested in an international career in or involving China?

Study in Shanghai after your FEB Master's programme in Groningen and gain first-hand knowledge and experience of China and the economy, finance and culture.

More information about this option

Double Degree Master Finance (Lund) (specialization)

Study finance in Groningen and Lund and learn about corporate and sustainable finance, and what factors drive the investment decisions of companies.

What role do financial institutions play in supporting sustainable development and responsible investing? What drives the investment decisions of companies and investors and how should they finance their operations? And how do you decide at what price can a company be acquired or sold? You address issues like these in this double degree programme by analyzing and assessing actual, complicated financial issues that businesses and institutions encounter. In your first year, you will study the MSc Finance from the University of Groningen (UG) and in your second year the MSc Finance from Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM). Yet, whereas the programme in Groningen is more practically oriented with courses such as company valuation, institutional investment management and banking, insurance and risk management, the programme at LUSEM goes deeper into theoretical modelling and applying econometric techniques.Once you have completed this double degree you will have academic knowledge and expertise in solving complex financial problems and understanding contemporary international literature in finance. You will learn how to apply this academic knowledge when you're analyzing new or unknown financial problems.

More information about this option

Finance and Development Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the blended realms of Finance and Development. Explore the dynamic relationship between empowering individuals as micro-entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable growth and engage in the ongoing discussion about the role of financial development in enhancing growth and reducing poverty. Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to contribute to the debates on these topics and to work at national and/or multilateral development banks.

More information about this option

Healthy Society Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on tackling problems that impact healthcare providers and their societal partners in their day-to-day work. Issues such as scarce human resources combined with a higher, more complex demand for care, and more demanding citizens require solutions, which you will think about and design.

More information about this option

Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

Students can choose from two Double degree master options: Lund and Shanghai. If you are being selected for these programmes, you will study abroad.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have completed the courses: Intermediate Asset Pricing or Finance Theory and Modelling and Intermediate Corporate Finance.

Business AdministrationUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have completed the minor Finance successfully.

International BusinessUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have completed the minor Finance successfully.

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have completed the courses: Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance.

Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have completed the minor Finance successfully or follow a Pre-MSc of 45 EC. For more information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Psychology (NL)University of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University Rotterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

For profiles AORL and BAQM: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University Rotterdam

No additional requirements

More information:

For profiles Econometrics and Quantitative Finance.

Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

For profile Analytical Decision-makers: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this tab

International Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profiles Performance Analysts, Behavioural Experts, Global Thinkers and Business Developers: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

For profile Analytical Decision-makers: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this ta

Business AdministrationErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profiles Performance Analysts, Behavioural Experts, Global Thinkers and Business Developers: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

Additional requirements

More information:

For profile Economics, PA and Management: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this

Computer ScienceLeiden University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profile Informatica & Economie: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business EngineeringMaastricht University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht University

Additional requirements

More information:

For profiles Emerging Markets, Economics and EMI: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication i

Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profile International Business Economics: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business School

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University Nijmegen

Additional requirements

More information:

For profiles BA and BE: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AdministrationRadboud University Nijmegen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profile International Business Administration: You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

Additional requirements

More information:

For profile Business Economics: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Financial Economics.

Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University Nijmegen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

For profiles International Econ. and Business, International Econ. & Policy and International Bachelor in E&M: you need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

EconomicsTilburg University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationUniversity of Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Business AnalyticsUniversity of Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of Twente

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Industrial EngineeringUniversity of Twente

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht University

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

Econometrics and Data Science: You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Economics and Business EconomicsVU University Amsterdam

Additional requirements

More information:

You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Intermediate Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

International Business AdministrationVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationVU University Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Economics and GovernanceWageningen University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following fields: Economics and Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics of Taxation, International Business and Technology Management (with additional requirements).

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the  steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

While the MSc Finance offers two start moments, September and February, we advise you to consider starting in September. Due to the way the programme is now structured, it is impossible to successfully complete the programme in one year if you decide to start in February.

For students intending to enroll in February, be aware that the programme can only be completed within 12 months for the General Finance profile, and that the offering of courses is restricted relative to students enrolling in September. Please check the details of course offerings in Ocasys.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following fields: Economics and Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics of Taxation, International Business and Technology Management (with additional requirements).

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes .

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, 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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

While the MSc Finance offers two start moments, September and February, we advise you to consider starting in September. Due to the way the programme is now structured, it is impossible to successfully complete the programme in one year if you decide to start in February.

For students intending to enroll in February, be aware that the programme can only be completed within 12 months for the General Finance profile, and that the offering of courses is restricted relative to students enrolling in September. Please check the details of course offerings in Ocasys.

Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

As a graduate of the MSc Finance you will be trained for positions in which you contribute as a specialist in finance to decision-making in private (multinational) companies and financial institutions, consultancy firms, (international) institutional organizations such as the IMF, World Bank, ECB, etc. and governmental institutions.

The curriculum of the programme offers you several options to develop a specific labour market orientation by selecting specific sets of courses. You may focus on a career in corporate finance, investing, banking, or finance and development.

Students who choose the Sustainable or Development Finance profiles can align financial decisions with corporate social responsibility goals. You can help investors make ethical and sustainable choices by assessing the impact of investments on issues like climate change, renewable energy, microfinance, and corporate governance.

Job examples

  • (Sustainable) financial analyst
  • Impact investment analyst
  • Consultant in corporate governance
  • Banking
  • Stock trading
  • Investment banking associate
  • Microfinance consultant
  • Finance manager
  • Portfolio manager
  • Asset management analyst
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and professional development since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to.

Research institutes related to the MSc programme:

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I like that the teachers really know how to inspire and motivate students (Pavel Borschjov)

The programme allows students to tailor their degree and the theoretical framework as they desire. I could select the courses that match my field of interest and that I believe prepare me best for my future career. The study gives me a well-defined picture of possibilities that I can pursue when searching for a suitable career. I joined the RISK investment team which helped me to gain more knowledge in investing and to meet new people. It is a great way to employ my theory in practice.

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What is the difference between MSc International Financial Management and MSc Finance?

Did you know you can study international financial management in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc International Financial Management.

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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/home
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Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.