Sponsored by NEOMA Business School
Challenging, constantly evolving and highly paid, finance is one of the most popular industries to work in. However, careers in finance are known for being incredibly competitive, particularly if you’re looking to work at globally renowned company.
One way to set yourself apart from other applicants is by obtaining a master’s in finance. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have an inquisitive, analytical mindset a master’s in finance could be a good option for you.
Which master’s in finance should I study?
If you’re considering studying a master’s in finance, there are several excellent options available to you, allowing you to specialise in your area of interest.
At NEOMA Business School in France, there are three master’s in finance programmes to choose from: MSc Corporate Finance; MSc Finance, Investment and Wealth Management; and MSc Financial Markets and Technology.
Each of the programmes are career orientated, helping students build up transferable skills and offering the opportunity to complete work placements
Here are the key differences between the programmes:
MSc Corporate Finance
Corporate finance is concerned with managing an organisation’s money, aiming to maximise the value of the business, while balancing risk and profitability.
The MSc Corporate Finance is designed to give students the versatile set of skills needed to work in the corporate and investment banking or build a career in financial advisory.
It focuses on two main fields of finance: corporate finance and financial engineering.
What will you learn?
During the degree, you will learn how to assess a company’s risk levels and implement hedging strategies; master the techniques of corporate finance operations; understand complex financial modelling and leverage financial data for strategic decision-making.
At NEOMA Business School, the MSc Corporate Finance is a 15-month, full-time programme taught in English, with a long track two-year option available.
Students will learn primarily through practical application, with case studies, business games and a mandatory four-month professional placement, which can be completed either in France or abroad.
What are some typical career paths?
The degree can lead to a wide range of career paths, including:
- Banker, advising on mergers and acquisitions transactions
- Analyst, working in mergers and acquisitions
- Business officer or director of investment, in private equity
- CFO
- Financial auditor
- Equity research analyst, sell-side and buy-side in financial institutions
- Credit analyst
- Financing manager
- Cash manager
Who should study the MSc Corporate Finance?
Corporate finance is for individuals who have a strong grasp of mathematics, are good at problem-solving and have excellent commercial awareness.
MSc Finance, Investment and Wealth Management
A career in finance, investment and wealth management revolves around financial planning for an individual or family. This may involve managing personal finance, credit and investment.
The MSc Finance, Investment and Wealth Management degree is an internationally focused finance degree intended for ambitious students who want to work in investment, private equity and asset management.
What will you learn?
In the MSc Finance, Investment & Wealth Management, students will gain the skills they need to properly manage portfolios and risks in order to satisfy clients’ concerns.
During this degree, you will develop a strong knowledge of private wealth management, an understanding of the real estate market; and relevant skills in all aspects of an investment decision process, including planning, legal and tax impacts and performance.
At NEOMA Business School, students can choose to follow one of two tracks as part of the 15-month programme: the real estate and wealth management track, or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) track. However, the CFA track is only open to students who have already completed the CFA level one qualification.
NEOMA Business School is one of the few French business schools that is an official partner of the CFA Institute in France. Students on the CFA track will also have the option to earn a double degree with the University of San Diego (USA).
The school also has a partnership with PwC Luxembourg – a member of the ‘Big Five’ accounting films – which works directly with NEOMA Business School to offer relevant training.
What are some typical career paths?
Typical careers with this degree include:
- Portfolio manager, working in equities, fixed income, alternatives and real estate
- Asset manager
- Research analyst
- Private equity
- Chief executive
- Risk manager
- Financial advisor
- Corporate financial analyst
Who should study the MSc Finance, Investment & Wealth Management?
MSc Finance, Investment & Wealth Management students typically have a finance-related undergraduate degree and are looking to gain further specialisation in real estate and wealth management, or investment
For this programme you will need excellent communication skills, a proactive mindset, the ability to adapt to changing situations, a strong interest in the financial market and excellent analytical skills.
MSc Financial Markets & Technology
By studying the MSc Financial Markets & Technology you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the technological tools revolutionising the finance industry today, and an insight into risk management.
The programme prepares students to work in risk management banks and a wide range of financial institutions. It will give you a strong foundation in data science for finance, behavioural finance and fintech.
What will you learn?
Students will gain an in-depth expertise on the main concepts, theories and practices in finance related to equity, bonds, currencies, derivatives and other alternative investments.
By the end of the programme, you will be able to perform a functional analysis and implement and action plan that incorporates digital and international components. You will also have the ability to conduct a scientific study and issue a recommendation.
At NEOMA Business School, you will focus on two major components of financial markets: financial risk management; and new technologies and their financial industry applications.
As part of the MSc Financial Markets & Technology, students will work towards the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification: a professional certification for financial risk professionals. This is a challenging, rigorous course that assesses candidate’s ability to manage risk in a real-world environment.
What are some typical career paths?
Career paths this degree can lead to include:
- Financial investment manager
- Investment portfolio manager
- Risk manager
- Risk analyst
- Financial advisor
- Compliance manager
- Quantitative analyst
- Financial investment manager
- Investment portfolio manager
Who should study the MSc Financial Markets & Technology?
This programme is aimed at students looking to begin a career in the financial technology (Fintech) sector. The master’s degree will help you develop the right mix of technical and non-technical skills needed to succeed in the sector.
To succeed in this degree, you will need advanced mathematical and quantitative skills, logical thinking and the ability to quickly adapt to change.
