Bank, Finanzdienstleistungen (weiterführend)

Studies take place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, and libraries. At home, you will prepare for and follow up on courses, complete assignments, and potentially participate in online courses.

The standard duration of study is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). If applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second Studium (degree program), or after exhausting a set study credit. There will also be expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required if you exceed the age of 25 or certain income limits. For information on funding opportunities, please refer to the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German Student Union) and the BAföG (Federal Education Assistance Act) regulations.

Modules include, for example: Advanced Financial Analysis, Business Economics, Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Tax, Data Science, Empirical Analytics for Finance, Fixed Income Securities, Global Finance, Innovation Management & Digital Transformation, International Economics, International Investment, Portfolio/Asset Management, Risk Management in Capital Markets, Sustainability & Biodiversity in Finance. Depending on the university, practical study content may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in consulting and sales companies within the financial sector).

You should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participating in online courses from home. If pursuing a Berufsbegleitendes Studium (part-time study while working), you will work during the day on weekdays and attend university in the evenings or on weekends. Independent work involves preparing for and following up on courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). You will deepen your skills in scientific work. You must independently plan your studies, adhere to given study periods, and submit study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). You may also complete internships (e.g., in consulting and sales companies in the financial sector) to prepare for your career entry.

The following Studium (degree programs) can be alternatives for Bank, Financial Services (advanced): Management and Corporate Leadership, Insurance Business Administration (advanced), Finance and Accounting, Controlling (advanced), Taxes, Auditing (advanced), Risk Management (advanced), Corporate Management, Management (advanced), Business Administration (advanced), Management Consulting (advanced), International Economics (advanced), Economics (advanced). Commonalities include acquiring business knowledge and expertise in cost and performance accounting, investment and financing, and balance sheet preparation.

Universities typically require degrees such as Banking, Financial Services (undergraduate) or Business Administration (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as intercultural team leadership, language, and communication skills are important. Internships, for example in consulting and sales companies in the financial sector, specifically prepare individuals for professional life. Information on acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at university Career Centers (see contact details of the respective university) and the Hochschulkompass for universities in Germany.

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from the undergraduate program and, if applicable, from professional experience. The program leads to a second university degree. Banking and Financial Services is also available as a distance learning or part-time program.

Examples include Banking and Finance (Master), Digital Finance and Banking (Master), Financial Engineering (Master), Global Finance (Master), Management of Financial Institutions (Master), Money, Macro and Finance (Master).

For Master's graduates in Banking and Financial Services, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as insurance and financial services, controlling, or finance and accounting. Those aiming for an academic career at a university usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate can also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the 19th century, business schools were founded in Leipzig, Aachen, and Vienna. The scientific investigation of economic decision-making processes began, and business administration emerged as an independent discipline. In the mid-20th century, specialization by functional areas and types of businesses occurred. The first institutes for monetary and banking economics and banking management were founded, leading to the emergence of independent study programs for banking. From 1990 onwards, the private financial sector established its own training institutes, such as the Hochschule für Bankwirtschaft (HfB). In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degrees vary depending on the study program, for example, Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during the Studium (university studies). However, payment can be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

Legal regulations are determined at the federal level by the Hochschulrahmengesetz (HRG - Higher Education Framework Act) and at the state level by the Hochschulgesetze (Higher Education Acts). Additionally, there are inter-state structural requirements for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs, and a qualification framework for German higher education degrees. At the university level, the university's own statutes, along with the study and examination regulations for the respective subject's Studium (university studies), apply.

A prerequisite for the Studium (university studies) is a first professionally qualifying university degree; usually, an undergraduate Studium (university studies) in Banking and Financial Services is required. For advanced Studium (university studies) programs, at least one year of professional experience is necessary. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria may include performance in the first professionally qualifying Studium (university studies). English language skills may need to be proven.