MBF Curriculum

The Master's Programme in Banking and Finance offers a high-quality graduate education in Finanical Markets, Institutions, Corporate Finance, and Quantitative Methods.

Language/length/credits
The core studies comprise the compulsory courses and the core electives, including a research seminar and the Master's thesis. The MBF programme has been structured in such a way as to ensure that students are able to acquire their basic knowledge in the compulsory courses of the first semester. In the second and third semesters, students select core electives according to their individual preferences and thus determine the orientation of their studies themselves.

The MBF programme requires a total of 90 ECTS and takes three semesters, i.e. it is a full-time study program.

Core studies
MBF students may earn 12 credits in independent elective courses which offer additional choices. Students may either attend other core electives of the MBF or courses from other Master's programmes (provided that the course is open to students of other programmes). A third option is to attend specific independent elective courses of the Department of Management.

Contextual studies
We strongly encourage you to gain practical experience during your Master's studies and to contact potential employers. Practice credits are awarded for practical activities which are closely related to the MBF.
As first priority, practice credits are credited for leadership skills; second priority is given to independent electives. A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 practice credits can be awarded. Practice credits will not be graded.

Practice credits may also be awarded for practical work you have completed no more than a year before you begin to study at the University of St.Gallen. In this case they can be awarded for activities only if you have a recognized Bachelor's or equivalent degree when you began the activity or, if you are an HSG Bachelor's HSG candidate, when you have fulfilled all requirements for the bachelor's degree.

Master's thesis
Your Master's thesis in the MBF programme is graded and weighted with 18 ECTS. You may take your topic from the Master's major or from a contextual field. However, it must be related to banking, finance or insurance. Since the MBF is a programme entirely taught in English, the Master's thesis must be written in English.