Study finance in Groningen and learn about corporate finance, asset management and what drives investment decisions of companies.
The MSc in Finance teaches you the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to analyse and evaluate real and complex financial problems of companies and institutions and to design solutions for these problems. This programme focuses on critical analysis and assessment of key issues in corporate finance and portfolio management, combining an academic perspective with a practical orientation. You will specialise in a broad range of areas such as corporate valuation, derivatives, institutional investing, banking and insurance, corporate governance, responsible financing, and development finance.
You are also trained to develop the academic skills to analyse important questions in each of these areas. By analysing (applied) research questions in the field of finance you learn to analyse and solve complex financial problems encountered by companies, investors, governments and international organisations. In addition, you will develop professional skills such as giving public presentations, working in teams and building computer models for business decisions.
The programme offers dedicated profiles to specialize in Corporate Finance, Investment & Risk Management, Sustainable & Responsible Finance, and Development Finance.
All students of the MSc Finance take the Research Methods in Finance Course, a course in quantitative research in finance that focuses on the knowledge and techniques that are necessary to conduct a research project in finance. As such, it provides a good background for the final research project, i.e. writing a master's thesis of 20 ECs. You also take the courses Corporate Finance and Portfolio Theory as mandatory courses.
Next to these three mandatory courses, the MSc Finance offers three profile-specific courses and two electives. You may choose one course outside the Finance domain.
You will have advanced knowledge in a selected number of specific sub-fields in finance, such as derivative instruments, corporate finance, corporate valuation, responsible finance and investment, banking and insurance, portfolio theory, institutional investment management, corporate governance, behavioral finance, and finance and development.
The programme focuses on collecting and analysing data, planning and designing a research project and academic writing. Examples of professional skills are computer model building for business decisions, presenting in public, identifying and analysing problems and working in teams.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | ||
| Corporate Finance (5 EC) | ||||
| Portfolio Theory (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Methods in Finance (5 EC) | ||||
| Five electives MSc Finance (25 EC) You have to choose 25 five electives. Some examples: Corporate Governance, Corporate Valuation, Institutional Investment, Energy Finance, Banking Insurance & Risk. For the full list, please the course catalog. | ||||
| Master's Thesis Finance (20 EC) | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| Double Degree Master Chinese Economy 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. |
| Double Degree Master Finance (Lund) (specialization) What drives investment decisions of companies and investors and how should they finance their operations? In this double degree programme, you obtain two master's at two renowned universities: MSc Finance from the University of Groningen (UG) and MSc Finance from Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM). Both programmes are research-driven. 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. |
| Sustainable Society 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. |
| Finance & 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. |
| 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. |
| Energy 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. |
| 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced a 45 EC Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
| Fiscale Economie | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
No additional requirements More information:For profiles Econometrics and Quantitative Finance. |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Additional requirements More information:For profiles AORL and BAQM: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economics | Erasmus University Rotterdam | No additional requirements |
| International Business Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Additional requirements More information:For profile Analytical Decision-makers: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Additional requirements More information:For profile Analytical Decision-makers: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Administration | Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Business Economics. |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:For students with completed courses: Intermediate Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance for E&BE. |
| Business Administration | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have completed the minor Finance successfully. |
| International Business | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:For students who have completed successfully the minor Finance. |
| Economics and Business Economics | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:For profile Economics and Economic Development and Globalization: you need to complete the courses: Intermediate Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance for E&BE. |
| Industrial Engineering and Management | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of You need to have completed the minor Finance successfully. |
| Sociology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
| Psychology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Research | Tilburg University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Administration | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 | Tilburg University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economie | Tilburg University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Governance | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
| Management and Consumer Studies | Wageningen University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Econometrics and Data Science | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economie | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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. |
| Actuarial Science | University of Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Analytics | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economics | University of Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration Science | Leiden University |
Additional requirements More information:For profile Economics, PA and Management: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Computer Science | Leiden University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Maastricht University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Maastricht 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 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 Engineering | Maastricht University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Research | Maastricht University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economics | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economie | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Studies | Maastricht University |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen |
No additional requirements More information:For profile Financial Economics. |
| Business Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Additional requirements More information:For profiles BA and BE: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Administration | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Additional requirements More information:For profile Business Economics: you need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Economics | Radboud University Nijmegen |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Analytics | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Research | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:Econometrics and Data Science: You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Research | VU University Amsterdam |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and 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 Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 Administration | VU University Amsterdam |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Nyenrode New Business School |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Accountancy | Nyenrode New Business School |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Administration | University of Twente |
Via a pre-master with a maximum of 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 programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Economics and Business Economics | Utrecht University |
Additional requirements More information:You need to have proven equivalent academic knowledge in Intermediate Asset Pricing and Corporate Finance. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. |
| Specific requirements | More 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. |
Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 | |
| EU/EEA students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 |
| Specific requirements | More 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 . |
Students have to apply 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.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 | |
| EU/EEA students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 15 October 2023 | 01 February 2024 |
| 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
| 15 October 2024 | 01 February 2025 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 2314 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 17800 | full-time |
Practical information for:
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.
As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.
FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the
faculty, we want to
support you
in developing your career and strengthening your employability
skills.
You can count on a
dedicated on-campus
Career Services
team offering you a wide range of courses,
workshops, events and career-related support during your studies.
Everything you need to enter the labour market.
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:
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.
(Pavel Borschjov | MSc Finance)
Did you know you can study international financial management in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc International Financial Management.
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.
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