Do you follow the latest news on stock markets, derivatives, interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates? Are you intrigued by the role of central banks, for example, the part the ECB played in saving the financial system? Or would you like to come up with new business models that can be introduced in the financial sector, since the old ones no longer seem to work? If so, the master's in Financial Economics can be your passport to the world of financial markets. It brings together expertise in finance, general economics, and quantitative techniques in a unique, multidisciplinary approach not found elsewhere. Together with industry experts, you will explore the world of financial economics and will specialize in one of the following:
Asset Pricing
Banking
Financial Analysis
Fast facts
three specializations: Asset Pricing, Banking, and Financial Analysis
learning methods: Problem-Based Learning, guest lecturers, presentations, assignments, papers
1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
starts in September and February
weekly: 8 hrs classes, 12 hrs group work, 20 hrs independent study
Double Degree available
you’ll get an MSc in Financial Economics
"I found the path that fits my personality and Maastricht played a big role in that"
--- Sebastian Preuss (25, Germany), Financial Economics
Why this program?
The master's program in Financial Economics at Maastricht University is on the rise. The number of students is rapidly growing and, for two years running, the program has shared first place in the national Keuzegids ranking of finance master’s programs in the Netherlands. It unites the expertise from Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics in finance, general economics, and quantitative techniques in a unique, multidisciplinary approach not found elsewhere. This ensures that you receive broad and thorough training on the one hand, and the opportunity to specialize on the other.
Problem Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative, student-centered instructional method widely used at Maastricht University. You will work in small tutorial groups of 12 to 15 students, and collaboratively seek practical solutions to real-world problems. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it’s needed. This allows you to build independence and develop research skills. As opposed to lectures – which are still the primary teaching method at most universities – PBL is dynamic, requiring active participation in a variety of tasks such as:
deciding how to approach a given problem
setting learning goals
organizing tasks to achieve those goals
sharing your findings with one another
Amazing education opportunities
Premium honors program
Premium gives you that extra edge by offering real-world experience during your studies. As part of a team of students, you’ll build the experience and skills employers are looking for. Work on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO, or educational institution. Create a personal development plan. Participate in intensive individual coaching, masterclasses, and workshops.
Internships
Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Many graduates often end up working at the organization where they intern. SBE encourages master’s students to do an extracurricular, 8-26 week internship. The SBE Internship Office has an extensive database of internship opportunities and is on hand for guidance and counseling.
Combine thesis & internship
Rather than face a trade-off between finishing their studies and doing an internship, SBE students have the option of combining the two. During the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), your thesis will be written on a topic relevant to a company or organization during a part-time internship. This gives your thesis focus and applicability and gives you practical work experience.
Specializations
During the first block, all Financial Economics students take the same courses. This gives you a solid footing from which to proceed with your specialization, which begins in the second block. During the specialization phase, you will take courses related to your chosen field and have the chance to choose an elective.
Would you rather design your own specialization? You can apply to follow a ‘free specialization’, in which you compose your own curriculum from two elective courses plus one specialization (integration) course. The integration courses you can choose between are Empirical Analysis of Financial Markets (EBC4010) or Global Banking (EBC4060).
You can choose one of three specializations:
Asset Pricing
Banking
Financial Analysis
Courses & curriculum 2022 - 2023
Through elective courses, company internships, and a study abroad program, you have plenty of opportunities to tailor the program to your preferences and interests. Have a look below for an overview of the courses you’ll take.
EBC4023 ECB and Monetary Policy
EBC4097 Quantitative Techniques for Financial Economics
EBC4060 Global Banking or Elective
Elective
EBS4029 Writing a Master’s Thesis Proposal
EBC4058 Fixed Income Management
Master's Thesis or Thesis Internship Programme
EBC4010 Empirical Analysis of Financial Markets or Elective
Rankings & recognition
Triple Crown accreditation - School of Business and Economics
UM is the ninth-best Young University in the world
Financial Times lauded SBE in best practice examples of sustainability, ethics, and social purpose in teaching and education methods
Your future
Specialization: Asset Pricing
Our graduates have found positions in:
banks
pension funds
risk analysis and risk management departments
fund management companies
Ph.D. programs and academic research
Specialization: Banking
Our graduates have found positions in:
investment banking – advising companies on how to manage their finances
management of share issues and bond issues
research departments of banks – using quantitative techniques
risk management – involved in granting loans to larger companies and hedge funds
Specialization: Financial Analysis
Our graduates have found positions in:
sell-side analysis – working for investment banks, advising the public
buy-side analysis – working for pension funds, banks, and other financial institutions
transaction services departments – advising on mergers and acquisitions
universities, doing academic research
