Curriculum

The Master of Science in International Finance (MIF) programme at EDHEC is created to give students the fundamental abilities required for success in the challenging and cutthroat corporate world. Students will gain analytical thinking skills, real-world knowledge, and innovative approaches to prospering in the fast-paced field of international finance through a thorough curriculum.

The MIF programme has a strong emphasis on advanced valuation, corporate risk management, and financial accounting & analysis, preparing students to manage major organisations’ finances with ease. The programme also emphasises developing soft skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, which are essential for succeeding as a professional in international finance.

Incorporating the most recent technical developments and remaining attentive to market trends, EDHEC’s methodology guarantees that students receive cutting-edge education co-developed with illustrious industry partners. Techniques for blended learning, including tutorials, lectures, workshops, and seminars, enable a comprehensive and interesting learning environment.

With business simulations, case studies, and entrepreneurship projects, applied learning plays a vital role in reinforcing theoretical knowledge by helping students to gain real-world experience and practical insights.

The programme also provides personal performance coaching, assisting students in developing critical skills like interviewing techniques, teamwork improvement, and cross-cultural communication abilities, all of which are essential for succeeding in an international profession.

Foundation Courses

The Master in Finance (MIF) program at EDHEC is a highly regarded 18-month full-time program that aims to provide students with an extensive and cutting-edge education in finance. With its holistic approach to learning, the program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to excel in the competitive finance industry.

The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, commencing with three foundational courses offered online during the July/August period prior to the commencement of on-campus academic courses. These courses are carefully chosen to provide students with essential knowledge and skills that form the basis of their finance expertise.

• Strategic Management: This course takes students on an explorative journey into the intricacies of strategic decision-making. It equips them with the tools and frameworks needed to address critical questions faced by companies and organizations, such as defining their core business, gaining a competitive edge in resource allocation, and assessing performance effectively. Through case studies and practical exercises, students develop the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions that align with organizational goals.
• Financial Analysis and Valuation: In this course, students delve into the world of financial accounting and statement analysis. They learn to decipher financial statements, interpret essential data, and evaluate a company’s financial health using various analytical methods and ratios. Moreover, students gain expertise in assessing the value of publicly traded organizations, linking financial performance to market valuation. This knowledge proves invaluable for making informed investment decisions and evaluating potential business opportunities.
• Corporate Finance and Financial Assets: The course serves as a comprehensive guide to finance principles and practices, offering students a robust understanding of financial management in corporate settings. Topics covered include capital budgeting, risk management, financing decisions, and financial market operations. By examining the interplay between corporate finance and the financial asset market, students develop a well-rounded perspective crucial for making optimal financial decisions in diverse scenarios.

The curriculum further encompasses a diverse mix of core courses and elective modules, allowing students to customize their learning experience based on their specific interests and career aspirations. These courses cover a wide range of topics, such as investment banking, risk management, financial derivatives, and sustainable finance, catering to different areas of specialization within finance.

To foster a global outlook and enhance cross-cultural communication skills, the program includes French classes. These language sessions not only facilitate students’ integration into French society but also prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

The distinguishing feature of the MIF program is its emphasis on practical exposure and industry-relevant experience. From June onwards, students embark on a 4-6-month internship or work placement, providing them with a real-world platform to apply their theoretical knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and build valuable professional networks. This “Career Booster” component significantly enhances students’ employability and often serves as a stepping stone to permanent job opportunities upon graduation.

In the final stages of the program, students undertake a challenging Master’s project, where they demonstrate their ability to conduct in-depth research and address complex financial issues. This capstone project showcases their analytical prowess, critical thinking abilities, and capacity to propose innovative solutions, consolidating their learning journey and preparing them to become future leaders in the finance industry.

Core Courses:

The Master in Finance (MIF) program at EDHEC offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses various core modules designed to provide all students with a solid foundation in finance. These core modules are carefully crafted to equip students with essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of finance.

• Corporate Finance: In this module, students delve into the principles and strategies of corporate financial management. They learn to analyze investment decisions, capital structure, and financial risk management for corporations, enabling them to make informed financial decisions in real-world business scenarios.
• Financial Accounting & Analysis: This core module focuses on the understanding and interpretation of financial statements. Students gain expertise in financial reporting, analysis of financial data, and evaluation of a company’s financial performance, which is crucial for effective decision-making and investment analysis.
• Advanced Valuation: Through this module, students explore advanced techniques and methodologies used in valuing companies and financial assets. They learn to assess the intrinsic value of securities, equities, and complex financial instruments, honing their valuation skills essential for various financial roles.
• Corporate Risk Management: This module addresses the identification, measurement, and management of financial risks faced by corporations. Students learn about risk assessment, risk mitigation strategies, and the implementation of risk management frameworks to safeguard companies from adverse market conditions.
• Portfolio Management: In this module, students gain insight into portfolio construction and optimization techniques. They understand how to design investment portfolios that align with clients’ risk profiles and financial goals, and they learn to manage portfolios efficiently to achieve maximum returns.
• Empirical Methods in Finance: This core module introduces students to quantitative methods used in financial research and analysis. Through statistical tools and empirical techniques, students learn to analyze financial data, test hypotheses, and draw meaningful conclusions, contributing to evidence-based decision-making.
• Fixed Income & Derivatives Part 1: This module covers fixed income securities and derivatives, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of bond pricing, interest rate risk management, and various derivative instruments used in hedging and speculating financial risks.
• Regulation & Ethics in Finance: Students explore the regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations prevalent in the finance industry. They gain insights into the importance of adhering to ethical practices and compliance with financial regulations to ensure the integrity and stability of financial systems.
• VBA Programming for Finance: This core module equips students with practical programming skills using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). They learn to build financial models and automate repetitive tasks, enhancing their efficiency and problem-solving abilities in finance-related roles.
• Leadership and Managerial Skills: Beyond technical knowledge, this module focuses on developing essential leadership and managerial skills in students. They learn effective communication, teamwork, and leadership principles, preparing them to lead and collaborate in diverse financial environments.
• Research Methodology: This module emphasizes the research process and methodologies relevant to the field of finance. Students learn to design and conduct research projects, analyze data, and present their findings, fostering critical thinking and research capabilities.

Tracks:

Corporate Finance Track:

The Corporate Finance track at EDHEC’s Master in Finance (MIF) program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic field of corporate finance. This track focuses on three specialized areas: International Financial Management, Merger & Acquisitions (M&A), and Private Equity (PE).

• International Financial Management: This elective delves into the complexities of managing financial operations in a globalized business environment. Students gain insights into foreign exchange risk management, international capital budgeting, cross-border financing, and the evaluation of international investment opportunities. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in the international arena, students can make informed decisions that enhance a firm’s global competitiveness.
• M&A and PE: This elective provides an in-depth analysis of merger and acquisition strategies and the role of private equity in the corporate landscape. Students learn about deal structuring, valuation techniques, due diligence, and post-merger integration. Additionally, the course covers private equity fundraising, investment strategies, and portfolio management, enabling students to evaluate and execute value-generating investments in privately held companies.

Market Finance Track:

The Market Finance track offered in the MIF program at EDHEC is tailored for students seeking a career in financial markets. This track comprises three specialized electives: Fixed Income & Derivatives – Part II, Python for Finance, and a Core Module.

• Fixed Income & Derivatives – Part II: Building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part I, this elective delves deeper into fixed income securities and derivatives. Students learn advanced valuation techniques, risk management, and trading strategies for fixed income instruments and various derivatives such as options, futures, and swaps. The course equips students with the necessary tools to navigate and analyze complex financial products.
• Python for Finance: In this elective, students develop programming skills in Python and apply them to finance-related problem-solving. Through hands-on projects and simulations, students learn to manipulate financial data, build analytical models, and automate tasks such as portfolio optimization and risk analysis. Proficiency in Python enhances their employability in the finance industry, where quantitative skills are increasingly in demand.

Both tracks within the MIF program at EDHEC offer students an opportunity to tailor their education to specific areas of interest within the finance industry. By combining core modules with specialized electives, students graduate with a diverse skill set, positioning them for successful careers in various financial roles.

Additionals

The Master’s Project at EDHEC offers students an opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills through high-quality academic research. Under the guidance and supervision of experienced faculty members or research centers, students engage in rigorous and original empirical research in the field of finance. The primary goal of this course is to support students in identifying relevant research questions for both business and public policy, demonstrating a deep understanding of specialized areas, designing and executing sound research projects, and presenting their findings in accordance with industry standards.

The Academic Research Certificate program is specifically designed for students enrolled in the research thesis track. Throughout the program, students will be challenged to undertake comprehensive research projects under the guidance of experts. By completing this certificate, students enhance their ability to critically analyze financial concepts, propose innovative research ideas, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the finance domain.

The Project Management Certificate equips students with essential theoretical and practical knowledge in project management. The curriculum covers a wide range of project management tools and techniques, including Project Charter, Project Plan, Stakeholder Analysis, and Schedule Development. The certificate program draws on best practices from professionals worldwide, as documented by the Project Management Institute (PMI®) through the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®). Recognized by the French government, this certification prepares students to excel in leading and executing projects effectively, adding value to their future careers.

The 4-6 month internship is a vital component of the Master’s in Finance program at EDHEC. This opportunity allows students to gain invaluable personal and professional experiences in a real-world business environment. By interning abroad, students have the chance to expand their global network and develop essential business relationships, which can significantly enhance their career prospects. Many students find permanent employment opportunities through the connections they establish during their internships at EDHEC.