How to follow a Master’s degree in finance ?

Home » FAQ: all the answers to your questions » How to follow a Master’s degree in finance ?

Contact us to learn more about our programs

Would you like to join us?

Are you passionate about finance in all its aspects? You are motivated and want to learn quickly and in the best way? Are you focused on getting a master’s degree, but also on getting a job that lives up to your expectations? Opt for a master’s degree in finance and find out everything you need to know in this article.

In summary:

Master of Finance in alternating years:

  • gives you the opportunity to master the practice and the theory faster;
  • allows you to be operational at the end of your training;
  • offers excellent academic and professional opportunities.

Why choose to do a master’s degree in finance ?

Do you like finance and can you imagine yourself one day holding an important position in this field? You are not afraid of work and are organized? Taking a master’s degree in finance can help you achieve your goals as a student and as a professional.

Indeed, the choice to do a work-study program implies a lot of motivation and a great capacity of organization on your part. You have to manage your time between the mandatory theoretical courses and the practical work in a company that can offer you your first job opportunity.

In any case, you have everything to gain by doing a master’s degree in finance as a work-study program since you will quickly gain experience. You also have the opportunity to assimilate what you learn in class more quickly since your daily life consists of practicing it.

How does a work-study Master’s in Finance differ from a traditional Master’s in Finance?

Unlike a traditional master’s degree in finance, which focuses more on the theoretical part, a master’s degree in finance in a work-study program introduces you to the world of work by imposing practical work. However, even in an apprenticeship, you are required to complete your course hours to learn the theory.

Like any student in a traditional master’s program, you also have to choose a thesis topic that you will have to present and defend in order to obtain your degree. However, at the end of your training, you will have the advantage of being immediately operational and ready for the professional world. In many cases, the host company can offer you a fixed-term or permanent contract at the end of your work-study program.

Where should I register for a Master’s degree in finance?

To follow a master’s degree in finance, the ideal is to integrate a school of business, finance or management insofar as these branches are linked. ESCE, for example, is a business school that offers a master’s degree in finance and excels in teaching all related fields.

We offer 4 finance specializations, including 3 in the Grande École program and one in the Master of Science program. Some of these specializations can be followed in alternation within ESCE.

Apprenticeship or professionalization, which contract should you choose for your master’s degree in finance?

If you want to start a master’s degree in finance, you can opt for an apprenticeship contract or a professionalization contract. These two contracts allow you to be employed by a company during your studies. However, they do have some differences:

  • the apprenticeship contract is possible in the context of initial training leading to a diploma, whereas the professionalization contract can be considered in the context of continuing education leading to a qualification;
  • the duration of an apprenticeship contract can be between 6 and 36 months, whereas a professionalization contract lasts between 12 and 24 months;
  • In the case of an apprenticeship, the student can start his or her contract 3 months before the beginning of the training, compared to 1 month for a professionalization contract.

If you are a business school student in a traditional program, you are most often offered an apprenticeship.

Is it possible to do a Master’s degree in finance in a sandwich course at ESCE?

At ESCE, you have the opportunity to follow a master’s degree in finance in alternating years. This is the management control/finance specialization of the Grande École Program. Offered in both French and English, this course allows students to integrate serenely into a company. It is ideal for students wishing to work in a financial department. Thus, by following this specialization, students can consider becoming Management Controllers, Financial Auditors or Risk Managers.

ESCE offers experienced teachers and an international environment for your development.

To consult the terms of admission and to learn more about the training program, please visit our website. We will also be happy to answer your questions in our FAQ section.

What are the professional or academic opportunities for a master’s degree in finance?

By opting for a master’s degree in finance and choosing the apprenticeship contract, you have the opportunity to continue your studies after obtaining your degree. You can then choose either a doctorate or a specialized master’s degree.

That said, if you choose to enter the workforce immediately, you also have a wide range of opportunities. By doing a master’s degree in finance at ESCE, you can become in particular :

  • business analyst ;
  • financial planner ;
  • performance manager,
  • organizational consultant ;
  • financial or legal auditor.
Updated 17 April 2023