MBA Financial Management

Representative of the MBA program

Prof. Dr. Victor J. Randall

Director of the MBA program Financial Management

What are the Unique Selling Points of the MBA Financial Management at Coburg University?

On the one hand, I'd like to answer the question with regard to Coburg University. There are three points I would like to mention. First, the high quality professors. Our instructors are highly qualified with substantial industry and practical experience outside university. Second: small classes. In our academic setting as a dynamic, small Bavarian university, our students get lots of individual attention and support. Third, students' involvement. We reward and motivate our best students by engaging them as tutors and as teaching assistants. These are the USPs for the academic environment of our MBA program at Coburg University.

Now I would like to talk specifically about five USPs for the MBA program Financial Management at Coburg University. Number one, it is a fully international MBA program. Most of our students come from abroad. Number two: our flexible curriculum. Where possible, we constantly implement new courses on market innovation reflecting changes in the financial environment. Three, an A2 Goethe language certification is part of the program, so the students are able to communicate in German within a year. Four: low tuition fees. With total fees below 12,000 Euros for the 2-year program, our MBA is highly competitive compared to our peers in Germany and the EU. And finally, it has an integrated 20-week internship. More often than not, the internship at a listed German company will kick-start the financial career of our graduates in Germany.

In sum: Our program is the only English taught international full-time MBA program in Germany with a dedicated focus on finance. In addition to the practical and theoretical foundations of financial management, strong emphasis in our program is also given to students' development of social, IT and technical competencies. We also propagate high ethical standards in finance. Given the recent research project in corporate governance, we like to see our students dedicate themselves to related topics during their master thesis.

Which persons fit best in this program?

Our target group are young professionals from all over the world with proven intellectual vitality and leadership potential. So, our target group has an innate curiosity and openness. They feel the strong desire to expose themselves to European business practices and German culture. For German students, the MBA program Financial Management represents a unique opportunity to profit from a friendly, cross-cultural and international learning environment. Usually, our MBA students have at least two years of professional experience after obtaining their bachelor's degree in the fields of commerce, humanities or natural sciences. About three quarters of our graduates find their first position in Germany in the area of financial services, management accounting or consulting. It is always fascinating to see how our students flourish and which professional paths they take after the MBA.

Our students are outgoing and interested in different cultures, hungry for knowledge and highly motivated to succeed. The majority of students is not primarily focussed on the MBA title. They want to experience something new and accumulate additional finance know-how. From our students we expect commitment and dedication to their studies. They are characterized by application-oriented thinking and are invariably very pleasant and sociable students.

There is one point I would like to add. Due to the strong internationality of our program - you realize this when you collaborate with African, Asian and South American students - how enriching this experience can be for all of us in the faculty. Since the creation of the program 18 years ago, we have seen around 380 MBA graduates from 75 nations. So, I think we bring Germany and Europe closer to our international students from abroad.

What are the differences of the program in comparison with similar programs in Germany or Europe?

The program is internationally oriented and geared to the requirements of foreign students. German language skills are not required since the language of instruction is English. The academic program represents a unique opportunity to study in a charming Bavarian city with exceptional recreational facilities. An internship at a German listed company is an integral part of the study program. The majority of our graduates remains in Germany after completing their MBA at Coburg University, often obtaining a position at a global Player in their area of specialization. At Coburg University, we are focussed on students, not research. We value the personal touch. In our program, the professors know all students by name!   

Which universities are your competitors?

With our specific academic focus and curriculum, we regard ourselves as offering a rather unique combination of technical and professional competencies in the fields of general and financial management. Our particular profile in terms of facilities and program design does not exist, to our mind, elsewhere in Germany. So, we don't see a direct competitor.

The number of applications far outnumbers the admissions. Most students who are offered a place in our program, accept it. So, we don't see a university in Germany which has the same profile as we do.

Why do students choose your program?

The MBA program Financial Management is ideal for applicants interested in both general management and finance. The quality of our program, our campus and our mission, positions us very well to attract a distinct type of student to Coburg. Currently, we have 68 students from 22 countries enrolled learning cutting-edge models and management techniques to solve real life business problems with a special focus on finance. We have low administrative overheads, operate efficiently and do not make a profit. We are hence able to concentrate our budget resources on the provision of outstanding teaching.

In our view, the degree program not only offers a unique academic profile, but also constitutes excellent value. Some of our students come from professional backgrounds other than business, such as engineering, and use our program to widen their scope and  advance their careers. 

What do you expect in the near future (in the next five years) of the program?

The program aims to expand and grow its international reputation. More specifically, the program aims to get a second international accreditation and also expects to complete a dual degree program in cooperation with a partner university of the EU. Our timeline is to achieve these goals within the next two years.

Experiences of students and alumni

Umut Kiyak (Turkey, class of 2018, PhD student)

Why did you decide to take part in the MBA Financial Management at Coburg University?

I was an internal audit professional in Turkey working in an instruction company. I wanted to develop myself academically. That's why I was looking for opportunities to do so. I wanted it to be in Europe because it is the nexus of academic life. Germany was the best option. It has good universities but I had the language barrier. So I was looking for a program with English as the teaching language. I found this MBA Financial Management at Coburg University because I think it is still the only one in Germany which is totally taught in English.

Where and for which company did you work before you joined the program?

I was working as an internal auditor at a instruction company called Yüksel Holding in Turkey.

Were the expectations you had regarding the program fulfilled? Were there any (positive) surprises?

I can summarize it in two points: My biggest expectation was the focus on finance, especially in the risk management. Regarding an applied focus in the field of finance, normally at university you only have the academical perspective. I expected that the focus here would be much more on the practice. I was more than 100 per cent satisfied. Second, I really wanted to study in an international environment. Also in this field, Coburg University provided much more than I expected.

How would you describe the students at Coburg University and in your program?

We were 30 students in our class. One came from Germany, the rest from all over the world – Ethiopia, Romania, India, Colombia or Vietnam. Everyone came here for slightly different reasons. But all were highly motivated. Their background was quite diverse: engineering, architecture, economics. There were two more auditors in my group.

In which ways can a MBA help to promote your job career?

The highlight of my studies was the internship at BMW.  I wrote me thesis there as well. That is important because there is a really high frequency that a student who does the internship at a Company, will end up working there full-time. But right now, I'm pursuing a PhD. Second, whatever we learn at university we can apply in the daily office work.

Are you still in contact with students, professors or other alumni?

Of course, we keep in touch and build up our professional and personal network.  

What should future students know about Coburg University and the MBA Financial Management?

You require a high level of motivation to become a finance specialist. There are three pillars which you are taught in a real practical manner: risk management, financial markets/institutions and accounting/controlling. From the social and daily life side, it has to be said that Coburg is relatively small. Therefore you have a much higher chance of running into a professor. They are much more approachable than at other universities.

How much time did you spend for the program in a week?

Officially, it is a full-time program. The weekly workload is is up to 20 hours of classes. On top comes your personal study time which consists of maybe five or ten more hours. So, you still have time to visit the town or Bavaria.

Which persons would you recommend the program?

Professionals with at least two years of working experience in finance or related fields who also want to specialize in finance and have a real international experience.

Shilpa Pandeshwar (India, class of 2019)

Why did you decide to take part in the MBA Financial Management at Coburg University?

I looked for an opportunity to do an MBA in Germany. There were a couple of reasons why I decided to choose the MBA financial management at Coburg University: Not only the English medium of instruction and lower tuition fees were attractive, but it is also the only general management program in Germany that specializes in finance.

Where and for which company did you work before you joined the program?

Before, I worked in my home country India for German companies. First as a team leader at Bosch, later at the German Embassy and at the DAAD as a manager.

Were the expectations you had regarding the program fulfilled? Were there any (positive) surprises?

I did not expect the program to be so intense. I took this as very positive, because you are occupied the whole time and learn much. I like very much that the professors come from different countries like the US so that you get teaching impressions not only from Germany but also from all over the world. The internship semester surprised me as well. This isn't usual in my home country. But it is very good because I could implement what I have learnt before.

How would you describe the students at Coburg University and in your program?

Except for me all of my colleagues in class have backgrounds in finance or accountancy. 96 per cent of them are from abroad, there is only one German student. Most of them have worked in the Big Four accounting companies.

In which ways can a MBA help to promote your job career?

The MBA really helps you to get a job in one of the bigger companies and banks in Germany and home country because we receive a sound knowledge in finance and we possess the relevant prior work experience.

What should future students know about Coburg University and the MBA Financial Management?

Students who want to apply should have an undergraduate degree in business administration or economics, relevant work experience in finance or management of at least two years and be fluent in English. Then there is an interview with the staff of the program where the motivation is tested. If someone is focussed on finance and wants to progress in their career, the program is ideal. Coburg is a small city so the attention is totally focussed on the program. Different to other universities, here you not only write papers but also do presentations. Not many universities offer an internship at German companies, too.

How much time did you spend for the program in a week?

The program ensures that you are always occupied. There are many weekly classes but you also need to study before and after the classes.

Which persons would you recommend the program?

Students who have a undergraduate degree in Business Administration or similar and who know want to aim a career in the field of finance, accountancy and economics.

Facts

Degree

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Dual Degree (optional)

Master of International Business from USC Australia (MIntBus)

Standard period of study

Four terms including internship

Full-time, part time or both

Full-time residential program

Costs

13,800 € in total. Tuition fees are 3,450 € per term plus around 130 € enrollment fee per term.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor degree
• Work experience of at least two years 
• Proficiency in English
• Selection interview

Accreditation

FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) until 2030

How many professors, members of the MBA team, students and alumni are involved?

25 professors / instructors, 3 teaching assistants (MBA graduates), 68 students currently enrolled and 400 alumni.

Additional Information

The university

Coburg University has its origins in the year 1814 and has grown significantly over the last ten years. Coburg University is a public university financed by Bavarian State Ministry of Education, Science and the Arts. Currently, there are about 5,500 students enrolled. Applicants can choose between 20 Bachelor and 18 Master programs in the fields of economy, natural  and computer sciences, health and design. 

As its English translation “University of Applied Sciences and Arts” suggests, a Hochschule is characterized by practice-related teaching and research as well as a strong practical bias. Its educational philosophy is designed to enable its students to apply their theoretical knowledge and methodological know-how to solve concrete problems in their professional careers.

Coburg is a city with around 41,000 inhabitants in the northern part of Bavaria. It is characterised by a historic old town, the Veste Coburg and the Hofgarten, a large landscape park.

If you are interested in art and culture, this is the right place, because there are many museums, our theatre, concerts, but also music events. We also like to celebrate festivals in Coburg. Maybe you know our Samba Festival?

Why should you study at Coburg? https://www.coburg-university.de/about-us/the-city-of-coburg.html

Location

Coburg, Bavaria

Friedrich-Streib-Straße 2, 96450 Coburg, Germany

Contacts

Ms Christin Fichtmüller Phone: +49 9561 317 636
Ms Annelie Herold Phone: +49 9561 317 325
Email: mbafm@hs-coburg.de

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