International Banking and Finance (English)

The part-time Master’s degree programme in International Banking & Finance combines in-depth financial expertise with current developments in global financial markets and a compact study format.

Financial decisions are not made in isolation. That is why the degree programme combines Banking & Finance with relevant content from economics, law and data analytics. These subject areas are interconnected across modules and semesters and placed within a broader economic context.

Students learn to assess financial questions from different perspectives, identify interdependencies and think beyond the boundaries of their own specialist field. This enables them to better understand cross-departmental responsibilities and organisational interconnections, and to incorporate different perspectives into their decision-making.

Especially in the age of AI, this kind of interconnected thinking is becoming increasingly important. Specialist knowledge is becoming more readily available, but the key lies in correctly interpreting relationships and connecting knowledge from different fields. This interdisciplinary understanding prepares graduates for demanding specialist and leadership roles in finance, making them sought-after experts in the job market.

The programme’s international orientation is reflected at several levels: from English as the language of instruction and the programme content to Vienna as an international study destination and the diverse experiences of students and lecturers. Many students already have international experience and contribute a range of economic and cultural perspectives, enriching academic exchange and opening up new ways of approaching financial questions. The lecturers’ international professional experience, partnerships with globally active companies and cross-university formats further promote this exchange.

The curriculum incorporates current economic, technological and societal developments as well as changes in international financial markets. This focus on current issues is supported by dynamic teaching materials that continuously integrate new developments, data and market changes, ensuring that the programme content remains up to date.

A particular focus is placed, besides topics like International Capital Markets, Corporate Finance or Sustainable Finance, on Emerging & Frontier Markets. Students examine the economic, financial and institutional characteristics of emerging markets – from growth markets in Central and Eastern Europe to regions of the Global South. In doing so, the programme expands traditional Banking & Finance content to include markets that are becoming increasingly relevant to internationally active companies.

The compact three-semester format and part-time structure enable students to gain a specialised qualification within a short period of time while continuing to advance their professional careers.

• • Work effectively in interdisciplinary, international, and intercultural teams and communicate clearly to professional audiences
  • Demonstrate competitive edge through application of data analytics and emerging technologies, including AI, across the banking/finance value chain
  • Enhance the quality of business decisions in banking/finance by applying economic concepts
  • Mitigate risks by compliance with laws and ensuring proper documentation
  • Develop investment and asset management decisions based on key drivers of market participants and trends
  • Analyse financial key performance indicators to support strategic decision-making
  • Integrate sustainability and ethics into financial decision-making for long-term value creation
  • Create research papers demonstrating high academic standards and up-to-date expert knowledge

• • Asset-Liability Management Analyst
  • Treasury Analyst
  • Risk Analyst
  • Sustainable Finance / ESG Specialist
  • Regulatory Reporting Specialist Compliance / AML (Anti-Money-Laundering) OfficerInternal Auditor
  • Corporate Controller
  • M&A / Corporate Finance Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Financial Data / Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Financial Services Consultant
  • Institutional Relationship ManagerAdvisory roles in both for-profit and non-profit institutions

Magdalena Schlichtinger

Coordinator
magdalena.schlichtinger@hwg.at
+43 1 720 12 86-231