Are you interested in the link between finance and modern business? Are you curious about the specific financial issues facing start-ups as well as large multinationals? Do you want to know how financial decisions are made by corporate managers and what effect managerial behaviour can have on a company, its performance and finances? Then the specialisation in Strategic Corporate Finance could be right for you. The specialisation is part of the master's programme in International Business and is for students interested in understanding the strategic corporate finance involved in international business.

The programme covers essential finance topics such as corporate and entrepreneurial finance, governance, and risk management, examines the interaction between companies and financial markets, and introduces you to financial research methods. In today’s global economy, where finance and business are inextricably linked, studying strategic corporate finance will make you an asset to almost any organisation.

In a global economy, business and finance are inextricably linked. As a result, business professionals today need to be able to understand, analyse and manage financial problems. Issues ranging from formulating attractive salary structures for employees and identifying new investment opportunities to raising capital and communicating with stakeholders all require both business and financial knowledge. In the Strategic Corporate Finance specialisation, you will explore core financial issues from a business perspective. Many of the courses within the specialisation are taught by lecturers who also work in the industry. In addition, you will receive training in financial research methods and will gain skills for your future career.

Finance is an analytical and logical topic, but it's also a highly interactive one. You should step into and out of groups with ease and be able to operate in a highly international and multicultural environment. At the same time, you should be highly self-motivated and able to put forth your perspective and analysis with confidence. Your interests should lie at the intersection of business and finance, and you should want to look at questions such as: 'How do companies manage finance to manage growth?'.

Your future

It’s been said that if you want to get to the root of any issue, follow the money. With the skills to tackle a wide range of financial problems from a strategic business perspective, the Finance specialisation will place you in high demand internationally in a range of sectors after graduation. Your ability to understand financial processes and decision-making while maintaining a strategic overview will make you an important asset at the senior level of any organisation, including multinational corporations, consultancy firms, financial institutions and regulatory bodies.