The highly international Master in International Finance and Economics (MIFE) is tailored towards above average graduates from all over the world with a first academic degree in business and previous work experience in either Finance or Economics. 

The 3-semesters, full-time English-language program provides you with an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of international Finance and Economics. The  program allows for specialization by choosing special electives in Finance and Economics. Furthermore, the program  offers both practical and international experience and prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, e.g. in the global financial industry.

News
Degree
Master of Science
Program duration
3 Semester
Admission restrictions
restriction-specific
Candidates are selected based on their academic profile, achievements and suitability
Language of instruction
English
Students can take some required electives in German.
Special features

MIFE offers a comprehensive, integrated curriculum in Finance and Economics based on core modules and electives to choose from. The program is entirely taught in English.  

Lectures tend to be in a participative lecture-style with a strong involvement of students. Classes frequently incorporate case analyses and group discussions. There will also be joint work sessions and opportunities for supervised project work, field investigations and company visits, as well as individual research. Small classes allow for close personal contacts.  

We are committed to an academic, yet practice-oriented approach. Our experienced professors have an extensive academic as well as strong practical background in Finance/Economics. We are all working together to deliver a professional and internationally-oriented education which enables students to cope with a vast, continuously changing global environment.  

Furthermore, students may broaden their horizon by spending a semester at one of our 80+ partner universities, by participating in our Double Degree programs or by doing an internship abroad.

Interesting numbers and statistics

Only about 40 new students per year

Small classes of around 20 - 30 students

Approx. 80% of the students do not come from Germany but from around 30 different countries worldwide. The multi-cultural study environment is a true highlight of the program for many.

The vast majority would recommend the study program (recent years' Alumni surveys: 100 %)

Admission semester
Winter semester or Summer semester
Application period
For the winter semester: 02.05.2024 to 15.06.2024
For the summer semester: 15.11.2023 to 15.01.2024
Faculty
Business administration
Accreditation

Specialization in International Finance or Economics

The compulsory modules include both, finance modules (18 ECTS) and economics modules (18 ECTS).

A specialization in the fields of international finance or economics is possible by taking corresponding elective modules. Students can, for example, take between six and up to a maximum of 24 ECTS in finance-related elective modules in addition to the compulsory modules. The same applies to a specialization in international economics.  

The standard period of study is three semesters (90 ECTS).

Students have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad: either at one of our partner universities (also as part of a double degree program) or in the form of an internship abroad. Depending on the progress of your studies, this may mean an additional semester.

Module overview

Detailed course descriptions can be found in our Module Catalogue.

Modules

Submodule 1: International Financial Accounting

Learning Objectives and Skills

The module provides advanced knowledge and analytical capabilities in International Accounting for consolidated entities based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). One of the main learning outcomes of the course is to enable students to understand and to apply IFRS in group accounting. On the other hand this understanding should help them to interpret financial numbers in consolidated financial statements of international corporations. For these purposes, students learn about the initial and subsequent consolidation process and alternative approaches to goodwill accounting. They learn how to look at and analyze a company from a group perspective, getting to know the fundamentals of debt and earnings consolidation. Accounting for joint ventures and associated companies helps them to understand the alternatives to full consolidation in order to make economically advantageous decisions in later professional life. Understanding the principles of segment reporting in a group prepares the students for in-depth analysis of both the entire company and its individual operating segments. Course participants are able to analyze consolidated financial statements and can draw practice oriented conclusions from their analysis. They can present and evaluate relevant information in written form. They are able to answer questions on this matter comprehensively and can explain relevant interrelationships

Module Content

The course covers the amongst other the following topics:

  • Essentials of Accounting & Summary of IFRS Basics 
  • IFRS Financial Statements (IAS 1/IAS 7)
  • Business Combinations (IFRS 3)
  • Consolidated Financial Statements (IFRS 10)
  • Joint Arrangement (IFRS 11) 
  • Investments in Associates (IAS 28)
  • Operating Segments (IFRS 8)
  • Income taxes (IAS 12)
  • The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates (IAS 21)

 

Submodule 2: Intermediate Microeconomics

Learning Objectives and Skills

This module enables students to apply the economic tool kit of (rational) decisions making in order to describe and evaluate decisions under 1) certainty, 2) uncertainty and/or 3) asymmetric information.

Students will be capable of:

  • analyzing the risk-return trade-off,
  • analyzing the functioning of competitive insurance markets,
  • assessing market failure arising from asymmetric information
  • solving basic problems of incentive compatibility.

In addition to the classical rational choice theory this module will enable students to understand and assess basic features of prospect theory (reference points, endowment effect and loss aversion), the most important concept in the field of Behavioral Economics.

Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • Review: Decisions under Certainty
  • The Risk-Return Trade-Off
  • Loss Aversion and the Endowment Effect
  • Decisions under Uncertainty
  • The Economic Rational for Securities and Insurance Markets
  • Pitfalls for the Expected-Utility Maximizer
  • Adverse Selection 
  • Moral Hazard
  • Cases studies: Asymmetric Information on Insurance and Credit Markets
Learning Objectives and Skills

One of the main qualification targets of the course is to enable students to analyze the generation of value in enterprises for a single period (Value Based Management), leading as an accumulation to the enterprise value (Corporate Valuation). In order to generate a structured and detailed approach students are able to use value drivers and to separate between current and future value to structure the evaluation tools. Therefore, students learn to develop and apply comprehensive excel tools with high sophisticated value driver analysis on several companies from different industries supported with a company specific comprehensive research reports, allowing students to deeply understand and perform the process themselves. They are able to answer questions on this matter comprehensively and can explain the value generating process with a periodical and an accumulated view on value of companies.

Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • Analysis and evaluation of shareholder and stakeholder approaches
  • Description and differentiation of corporate valuation and value based management
  • Foundation of the theoretical background of valuation
  • Foundation of the theoretical background of financial planning for valuation and its practical application
  • Theoretical and practical determination of cost of capital incl. risk and taxes
  • Comparison of the different valuation approaches and their obstacles in applying on different kind of companies
  • Application of value based management on practical examples and their limits with the extension of future potentials
  • Application of corporate valuation on practical examples
  • Cases
Learning Objectives and Skills

After successful participation in this module the students can: 

  • describe the institutional framework of international capital market.
  • name different the different investor and debtor types on in-ternational capital markets and explain their different goals.
  • develop valuation formulas based on arbitrage principles in order to determine the fair value of derivatives (especially exchange rate derivatives).
  • interpret the most popular formulas for option pricing mentioned below.
  • apply the CAPM using real life data in order to calculate fair market prices for securities. 
  • develop solutions to problems arising from the application of the CAPM in an international context.
  • describe the most important heuristics occurring in financial decision making in order to explain mispricing on interna tional capital markets.
  • explain herd behavior using different theoretical models in order to understand market bubbles on international capital markets.
Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • International capital market participants
  • The banking system
  • Exchange rate risk, political risk and cultural aspects on in-ternational capital markets
  • Valuation of foreign exchange derivatives
  • Garman-Kohlhagen formula
  • Risk neutral valuation
  • Black-Scholes formula
  • Valuation of interest rate options using binomial trees
  • Portfolio Theory and the CAPM
  • The International CAPM
  • Application of the CAPM in an international context
  • Information efficiency on capital markets and behavioural finance
  • Heuristics and their impact on financial decision making
  • Informational cascades
Learning Objectives and Skills

The main learning outcomes of the course are to enable students to analyze and assess types and business models of global financial institutions, with a particular focus on investment banking activities, and to evaluate regulatory requirements for banks and insurance companies. Seminar participants are able to analyze drivers, critical factors and risks of the most important types and business models of global financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies and asset managers. They understand the institutional setup, and evaluate purposes and challenges of these global financial institutions. Students assess opportunities, constraints and problems regarding each single business model. In particular, students explain and evaluate the areas of investment banking and capital markets activities of banks. Furthermore, seminar participants distinguish between different capital concepts for financial institutions, and they evaluate respective impacts on business decisions. In particular, students analyze and apply regulatory requirements for banks under Basel III. Furthermore, they discuss and evaluate the capital requirements for insurance companies under Solvency II.

Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • Banking business: retail banking, commercial banking and investment banking
  • Insurance business: life insurance and non-life insurance
  • Asset management business
  • Capital concepts: IFRS accounting capital versus regula-tory capital
  • Bank capital requirements under Basel III and capital requirements for insurance companies
  • Equity & Debt Capital Markets
  • Financial Advisory: M&A and Corporate Restructuring
  • Sales & Trading
Learning Objectives and Skills

The major focus of this course is to enable students to analyze quantitative data and to interpret results derived from the application of quantitative analytical methods. Quantitative data analysis has become the backbone of much what is being done in economics as well as in finance because much of decision making in these fields is based on the results generated by applying quantitative analytical tools.

Emphasis in this course is therefore placed on inferential methods as commonly applied in modern micro-, macro-, and financial economics. Students construct quantitative models and apply each analytical approach discussed using the statistical software package Stata. In addition, students will discuss crucial underlying assumptions involved in the models applied.

Students are thus enabled to critically assess the reliability of the results they have generated and apply appropriate solutions. For this, a solid theoretical background is provided in the course necessary for the critical evaluation of the generated results. By applying the quantitative tools using Stata, students demonstrate and test effects of and causes leading to violations of underlying assumptions. In the exam, students need to demonstrate their capability to identify and solve problems using the approaches they have been working on throughout the course.

Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • Introduction to Stata
  • Simple and multiple regression
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Model building
  • ARIMA
  • GARCH
  • Limited dependent variables
Learning Objectives and Skills

Students can describe the fundamental components of the economic globalization process. They understand and are able to explain the constitutional complexity of the world economy. Course participants are able to analyze international economic developments and can draw practice oriented conclusions from their analysis. They can present and evaluate relevant information in written form. They are able to answer questions on this matter comprehensively and can explain relevant interrelationships.

Module Content

The course covers the following topics:

  • Globalization in historical context
  • Foreign exchange markets and exchange rate concepts
  • Balance of Payments Mechanics
  • Exchange Rate Dynamics
  • Exchange Rate Arrangements
  • Currency Crises
  • Financial Market Globalization and Economic Growth
  • Current Issues in International Economics
Learning Objectives and Skills

The key objective is provision of applied research capabilities in international finance and economics. Develop skills on how to search for, evaluate and analyse primary and secondary information, with the aim of arriving at meaningful, objective results for a realistic project, with a focus on finance and economics. Students work in small teams, with an emphasis on understanding how to structure and carry out the project within the team, including managing their own deadlines. Students apply their academic theoretical knowledge to practical applications via real case-based research projects with companies (including the diverse functions in business opera-tions) and/or academic-based research projects. During the course students carry out desktop research and/or interviews and/or process analyses in the companies or the academic environment of the applied research topics. In this respect, they create added value for the applied research projects with the companies or the research in theory.

Module Content

Students carry out independent and applied research on a specific topic in the area of international finance and economics. The exact contents depend on the specific research stream selected but will include a critical review of the state of art information/literature sources on the chosen topic. Guidance is given in terms of academic writing, presentation and data visualisation, as well as coaching during the project.

Finance (at least 6 ECTS)
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Innovation Financing and Venture Capital
  • Equity and Bond Investments
  • Case Studies Fintechs and Financial Innovation
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Portfolio Management and Risk
  • Bank and Credit Risk Management
  • Derivatives
Economics (at least 6 ECTS)
  • Economics of Emerging Markets and Development
  • Economics of European Integration
  • Using Big Data to solve Problems in Business Administration and Economics
  • Behavioral Economics
General Management (max. 6 ECTS) 
  • Strategic Management in a Global Context
  • Negotiation Strategy:
    a) Basis and application of negotiation strategies
    b) Cross-cultural Negotiations and Relationship Management
  • Management Accounting (Controlling)
  • Data Analytics with Python
Learning Objectives and Skills

Students are able to perform academic work and research related to a specific and complex academic or practical problem related to international finance or economics. They apply appropriate research methods and draw their own conclusions within a limited time period. Students relate and apply their acquired academic understanding to a practical and/or academic issue.

After successfully completing the thesis, students gain the following competences:

  • Plan, organize and structure a scientific research project related to a complex topic.
  • Acquire specialized knowledge in the student´s chosen focus area.
  • Independently conduct high-quality scientific research.
  • Employ appropriate research methods and analytics.
  • Apply academic writing skills.
  • Finalize a scientific document including correct citations, adherence to formal requirements and fulfilling high standards of academic writing.
Module Content

In-depth analysis of a specific research topic to be assigned to the student by the thesis supervisor. The topic must be related to the area of international finance or economics. The thesis can also be prepared in co-operation with a company

Sample study plan

Fields of work, Job profiles

The mandatory and elective modules of the Finance and Economics Master program allow students to focus on segments in Finance and Economics which interest them most .Our alumni are employed at finance departments of companies, financial institutions (banks, insurance companies, asset management) as well as public entities (i.e. organizations for economic development). They work in various areas like corporate finance, trading, risk management, advisory, M&A or similar at companies such as Bosch, Siemens, Eurex, BNP Paribas, Unicredit, KfW or in organisations specialized in financial and economic policy.

Academic options after you've earned your master’s degree

Although not being the main focus of the MIFE program, in general the M.Sc. enables students to continue their studies in a Ph.D. program of German universities. A few of our alumni continue their studies in qualified Ph.D. programs.

Information on admission

Applicants have to pass through a rather competitive admission process which selects candidates based on their academic profile, past performance and professional aptitude. 

The most important criteria are the bachelor's degree and English language skills.

To apply, you need a bachelor's degree in Business with 210 ECTS and a major in finance/economics. An application with 180 ECTS (3 years of study) is also possible.

A detailed description of the admission procedure can be found on our admission page and in the FAQs.

 

Do you have any questions regarding your application, admission, or the degree programme? Do not hesitate to contact us!

We can advise you on the recognition of (foreign) degrees, your application, the admission procedure, and the content of the degree programme.

International Business Office:

Telephone: +49 911/5880-2721
Email: IB-master-ifeatth-nuernbergPunktde
www.th-nuernberg.de/ib

Student Counseling Portal

Would you prefer to get information and advice anonymously, online and independently of office hours?

Faculty advisor

Would you like more detailed information about the content of individual subjects within the International Finance and Economics master’s degree programme? Then the Faculty Advisor is your next port of call.