Master in Finance (M.Sc.)

Full-time Study Program

Master in Finance: Building financial expertise to accelerate your career

Embark on a transformative journey at one of the best business schools in Germany with our full-time Master in Finance program. Designed to deepen your knowledge in corporate finance, investment strategies, and financial decision-making, the program will open doors to exciting new career opportunities tailored to your aspirations. Become an expert in finance and advance your career with the support of our renowned career counseling. Located in the heart of Leipzig, the HHL campus offers an inspiring, multicultural atmosphere, providing the perfect environment for your study experience.

At a glance

The program is currently in the process of being accredited by ACQUIN and the Akkreditierungsrat.

  • Degree: M.Sc. | 90 ECTS
  • Location: Leipzig
  • Language: English
  • Start: September
  • Duration: 15 months
  • Application Deadline: June 30 (non-EU candidates: May 31)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree in any field with at least 180 ECTS and 6+ months of work experience
Two HHL students smiling.

Five Reasons for HHL’s Master in Finance

  • Perfect preparation for careers in investment banking, private equity, strategy consulting or financial management
  • Focused program structure allows for completion within 15 months
  • Graduate salaries are among the highest in the world –
    #1 in Europe (Financial Times MiM Ranking 2024)
  • Highly motivated and supportive peer group
  • Excellent support from HHL faculty, career service, and a strong alumni network

The HHL Master in Finance: Program Overview

1. Welcome Weeks

Kicking off a new life chapter at HHL

New students are welcomed with open arms during the vibrant Welcome Weeks. It’s more than just an introduction – it’s a celebration of #hhlspirit. From program introductions to on-campus adventures, these weeks forge friendships that span programs and continents. Events like the Welcome BBQ, an exciting dragon boat tour, the city-wide team rally and the Campus Games not only foster togetherness but also help to strengthen our unique HHL community.

 

    2. Finance Prep

    Get fit for Finance

    Our blended learning modules on the basics of studying finance allow you to self-assess your expertise, refresh acquired skills, and fill gaps. All modules are optional and can be taken according to your individual needs.

    • Fundamentals of Accounting
    • Business Modelling in Excel
    • Mathematics and Statistics
    • Fundamentals of Finance

      3. Basics

      Basics: Lay the foundation

      This is where you start your HHL journey and take a deep breath of our school’s DNA. The “Basics” (30 ECTS) equip you with essential skills needed for success in your future career. First, you’ll enhance your problem solving & communication abilities and hone your negotiation skills. Next, you’ll expand your management expertise in one or two management courses of your choice. Finally, you’ll build a solid foundation in finance by completing two or three finance courses.

      Management Essentials (Select 1 or 2 courses)Soft Skills (Both required)Finance Essentials (Select 2 or 3 courses)
      Economics (5 ECTS)Problem Solving & Communication (5 ECTS)Financial Analysis & Modelling (5 ECTS)
      Global Strategy (5 ECTS)Negotiation (5 ECTS)Coding & Data Literacy (5 ECTS)
      Competitiveness (5 ECTS)Econometrics (5 ECTS)
      International Macroeconomics (5 ECTS)Restructuring (5 ECTS)

        4. Finance Deep Dives

        Finance Deep Dives: Become an expert that stands out!

        Tailored to your interests, goals, and career aspirations, the Finance Deep-Dives (30 ECTS) offer the opportunity to specialize in the financial topics that best support your personal and professional development. You can select 3 out of 5 deep dives:

        ValuationFinancingAlternative InvestmentsCapital MarketsReporting
        Corporate Valuation and M&A (5 ECTS)Advanced Corporate Finance (5 ECTS)Entrepreneurial Finance (5 ECTS)Capital Market Theory and Investments (5 ECTS)IFRS Reporting and Business Combinations (5 ECTS)
        Advanced Asset Pricing (5 ECTS)Risk Management (5 ECTS)Private Equity & Hedge Funds (5 ECTS)Financial Engineering (5 ECTS)Stakeholder Communication (5 ECTS)

          5. Case Study Seminar with Finance Executives

          Applying your finance expertise to real-world challenges

          The final capstone seminar (5 ECTS) will perfect your learning experience in the Master in Finance. On three intensive days, you will revisit key financial concepts, apply them to real-world practitioner cases, and present and defend them in front of a panel of finance experts. In previous years, senior industry professionals from renowned firms such as EQT, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Procter & Gamble, Roland Berger, and others have participated in the seminar, offering valuable mentorship and challenging students with their expertise.

            6. Master Thesis

            Putting the theories into context

            In your master thesis (25 ECTS), you will have the chance to make a valuable contribution to contemporary finance literature. By conducting an empirical study, developing a financial model, or creating a practice-oriented case study, you will address existing research gaps and provide new insights to the field. You will then present and defend your thesis in front of a committee, demonstrating your expertise and analytical skills. In certain cases, your thesis may even form the basis for potential publications in leading finance journals. In recent years, our students have successfully published their work in journals such as Qualitative Research in Financial Markets (Ranked B), Corporate Finance (Ranked D), and Die Wirtschaftsprüfung (WPg) (Ranked C).

              Programe Schedule

              HHL´s Master in Finance program revolves around your interests and career goals. Its focused structure allows you to deep dive into your financial interests, while completing the program in just 15 months*.
              Master Finance Program Schedule

              *Optional intership before or after the Master Thesis.

              Our Class Profile*

              20

              Targeted class size

              24

              Average age

              2 years

              Average work experience

              Icon that shows the earth.

              10

              Nationalities

              * The statistics refer to the Full-Time Master in Management program, as the Master in Finance program is newly introduced.

              A Master’s Program that pays off!

              #1
              For graduates' salaries in Europe

              Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2024

              98%
              Employment success within 3 months after graduation

              Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2024

              81,6k
              Average starting salary after graduation (EUR)

              HHL M.Sc. Employment Report 2024

              128k
              Average salary 3 years after graduation (EUR)

              Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2024

              #4
              Career Service worldwide

              Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2024

              It’s an easy climb up your career ladder with our HHL Career Service

              In the recent Financial Times Master in Management Ranking, our Career Development Team was ranked 4th worldwide! This outstanding achievement is no coincidence, as our team of experienced psychologists and career experts offers students a tailored mix of 1-to-1 coaching, personality assessments, workshops, and more. The Career Development Team will be your guide throughout your job search, working with you to create a personalized career plan and supporting you with CV reviews, interview preparation, and salary negotiation guidance. They’ll connect you with alumni, provide access to job postings, and invite you to exclusive on-campus recruiting events with leading companies, helping you land your dream job!:

              Your networking opportunities with our partner companies are manifold and diverse

              HHL FinNights - Your Fast Track to Finance Career Opportunities

              To provide our students with insights into the diverse career paths available in the finance industry, we organize regular career events called “FinNights”. During these events, which take place 3 times a year on the HHL campus, 5 companies present themselves as potential employers with a short pitch. In an informal get-together that follows, students have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with company representatives and make valuable contacts. Past participating companies include Deutsche Bank, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Bridgepoint, Waterland, Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, and many others.

                Company Visits - HHL on Tour

                • 2024
                  • Berlin, January 2024: Point Nine (Venture Capital), Antler (Venture Capital), KPMG (Deal Advisory)
                  • Frankfurt, October 2024: Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley & Lincoln International (Investment Banking), Ardian & One Equity Partners (Private Equity), FTI Andersch (Consulting – Focus Restructuring), Accuracy (M&A and Dispute Consulting)

                  2023

                  • Frankfurt, September 2023: Deutsche Bank (Investment Banking), Nordic Capital (Private Equity), Ardian (Private Equity), Procter & Gamble (Consumer Goods), Morgan Stanley (Investment Banking), Danone (Consumer Goods)
                  • Hamburg, September 2023: Grant Thornton (M&A Advisory)
                  • Berlin, March 2023: N26 (FinTech), Antler (Venture Capital), KPMG (Deal Advisory), BCG (Consulting)
                  • Frankfurt, March 2023: Rothschild (Investment Banking), One Equity Partners (Private Equity)

                  2022

                  • Berlin, April 2022: N26 (FinTech) and Antler (Venture Capital)
                  • Munich, May 2022: FINN (Mobility) and Early Bird (Venture Capital)
                  • Frankfurt, June 2022: Deutsche Bank (Private Banking) and Ardian (Private Equity)
                  • Hamburg, September 2022: Grant Thornton (M&A Advisory)

                  HHL Finance Case Challenges - Practical Insights and Networking before your Master studies

                  The HHL Finance Case Challenges, held in collaboration with our esteemed corporate partners, offer a unique opportunity for Bachelor students with an interest in finance. They gain invaluable insight into the projects and working methods of leading companies, while also learning more about HHL and the content of our Master’s programs. The challenges also provide a platform for participants to expand their professional network and make valuable contacts.

                  Previous events:

                  HHL Finance Case Challenge, Leipzig Edition, November 2024

                  Topic: Corporate Valuation and M&A
                  Partners: Ardian and Oliver Wyman

                  HHL Finance Case Challenge, Berlin Edition, May 2024

                  Topic: Corporate Finance – “Make or Buy”
                  Partner: Deloitte

                  HHL Finance Case Challenge, Cologne Edition, January 2024

                  Topic: Restructuring and Transformation
                  Partner: Structure Management Partners

                  HHL Finance Case Challenge, Leipzig Edition, November 2023

                  Topic: Corporate Valuation and M&A
                  Partners: Ardian and Roland Berger

                    Typical Career Paths after Graduation

                    Career Path Master Finance

                      Max Dolata | HHL Alumni
                      Max Dolata
                      Class of 2012

                      Private Equity

                      Director Expansion
                      Ardian
                      2016 – Present

                      Associate Director M&A/ECM
                      UBS Investment Bank
                      2014 – 2016

                      Analyst M&A/ECM
                      UBS Investment Bank
                      2013 – 2014

                      Interships
                      Ardian, HSBC, pwc
                      2011 – 2012

                      Harsimrat Chahal | HHL Alumna
                      Harsimrat Chahal
                      Class of 2018

                      Strategy Consulting

                      Manager
                      Bain & Company
                      2023 – Present

                      Consultant
                      Bain & Company
                      2021 – 2023

                      (Senior) Associate Consultant
                      Bain & Company
                      2019 – 2021

                      Interships
                      Simon-Kucher & Partners, eccelerate, Westwing, Lecturio
                      2017 – 2018

                      Frederic v. Dallwitz | HHL Alumnus
                      Frederic v. Dallwitz
                      Class of 2009

                      Corporate Finance

                      Finance Director DACH & BENELUX
                      Danone
                      2019 – Present

                      Brand Finance Director DACH
                      Coty
                      2017 – 2019

                      CFO Italy and Greece
                      Coty
                      2016 – 2017

                      Financial Analyst / Manager
                      Proctor & Gamble
                      2010 – 2016

                      Malte Paul | HHL Alumnus
                      Malte Paul
                      Class of 2002

                      Investment Banking

                      Managing Director
                      Morgan Stanley
                      2020 – Present

                      Executive Director
                      Morgan Stanley
                      2016 – 2019

                      Vice President
                      Morgan Stanley
                      2013 – 2015

                      Various Roles
                      Morgan Stanley, Drueker & Co., wwg worldwidegames GmbH
                      2003 – 2012

                      What our alumni say

                      With its interdisciplinary and practical approach, HHL equipped me with a holistic toolset which helps me to thrive early in my career. Rationalizing situations with quantitative models, analyzing challenges from various perspectives, and deriving business-critical solutions are only a minor selection of the skills I refined during my time at HHL. Beyond the skill set, I am fascinated about the high-quality profiles in our HHL network and their openness to step into a dialogue.

                      Elton Bursuk
                      Private Equity Associate | BC Partners (Ex-Goldman Sachs)
                      Two female MBA students from HHL.

                      Start your HHL educational journey now!

                      Take the first application step without the HHL Entry Test or GMAT

                      Our student community is a carefully selected network of motivated, like-minded peers. We consider not only hard facts, such as bachelor grades or the HHL Entry Test/GMAT, but also your personality, motivation, and ambition.

                      Are you unsure if your profile fits with our admission criteria?
                      Please contact us and we will help you.

                      Free Profile Check  Further application information

                       

                      Benefit from our Early Bird discount. Apply by January 31.

                      We are looking forward to your application.


                      Tuition Fees and Financing Options

                      The investment in a Master in Finance degree at HHL is definitely worth it. With an average starting salary of EUR 81,600 and a salary of about EUR 127,500 just three years after graduation, HHL graduates from our Master in Management rank among the best-paid Master’s graduates in the world (#4th worldwide in the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2024)!

                      Tuition Fees

                      The tuition fees for the complete program amount to EUR 31,500. We offer a tuition fee reduction if you submit your complete application by the following Early Bird deadline*:

                      Early Bird: January 31 – Discount: EUR 1,500 

                      This fee covers all tuition and examination costs and, of course, does not have to be paid in one lump sum. You will pay your tuition fees in three installments, spread out over the study period. For further details, see our payment terms. One more important note: Your tuition fees are tax-deductible as an anticipated income-related expense. Check out our brochure (in German) on this topic for tips. Please contact your tax consultant for more information.

                      * In order to receive the early bird discount, you will need to submit your application by the above deadlines, as well as submit all missing documents and tests (including GMAT/GRE or HHL Entry Test) and successfully pass the HHL admissions interview until March 31.

                        Scholarships

                        Additionally, we support you in financing your Master studies. Aside from our range of financing options, we award scholarships to outstanding and particularly driven applicants.

                        How can you secure a scholarship? Convince us of your excellent record and your exceptional personality. Contact us to learn more, we will be happy to advise you!

                        Scholarship Overview

                          Payment Policy

                          Pay your tuition fees in installments!

                          After being admitted to HHL, you are required to pay a down payment of EUR 3,000. The remaining fees will be paid as follows: the first installment is payable on October 1, the second installment on March 1, and the third installment on July 1.