Program Overview

Introduction to the DDM International Financial Management Program

The Double Degree master's program in International Financial Management is a full-time, two-year degree that combines strategic thinking and innovation to solve real financial challenges faced by companies and investors. This program is offered by the University of Groningen and the School of Banking, Finance and Insurance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan.

Program Overview

• The program is designed to provide students with essential skills required to navigate the world of international finance.
• Students will learn to make decisions at the strategic level in many private and public organizations that are internationally oriented.
• The program covers various aspects of international financial management, including financial markets, data analysis, and risk management.
• By the end of this double degree program, students will graduate with two diplomas from two highly ranked universities: MSc International Financial Management from the University of Groningen and Laurea Magistrale in Banking and Finance from the School of Banking, Finance and Insurance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan, Italy).

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in International Financial Management
• Course type: Double Degree master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 60683
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September
• Faculty: Economics and Business

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• This master's program combines strategic thinking and innovation to solve real financial challenges faced by companies and investors.
• Engage in interactive, discussion-driven classes that highlight diverse perspectives.
• Study global financial challenges, including political risks and intercultural perspectives.
• Learn from finance professionals who bring real-world cases and practical insights into every course.
• Become a professional who can understand and apply the latest finance and risk management tools to manage financial activities, build investment portfolios, work for financial intermediaries, and provide consultancy services to different organisations.

Program Structure

• Year 1: Students gain advanced knowledge in several specific fields in financial management.
• Year 2: Students spend the second year in Milan, taking nine courses (in total 61 CFU).
• The courses of MSc IFM in year 1 are counted by UCSC as 59 CFU for the Laurea Magistrale in Banking and Finance degree.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is required for this program.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma
• Specific requirements:
  • Previous education: The DDM program consists of two phases: Phase 1 is the first year at UG in Groningen, and Phase 2 is the second year at UCSC in Milan.
  • Students at University of Groningen (UG) need to meet the entry requirements for the MSc IFM program in Groningen.
  • Candidates that want to progress to Phase 2 of the program at UCSC, starting in September, need to apply for admission to UCSC's Laurea Magistrale degree program in Banking and Finance by the end of April.

Registration Procedure

• Students have to first apply to the MSc International Financial Management program via Studielink and the Online Application System (OAS) of the University of Groningen.
• After applying for the program, the Admissions Office will evaluate the student's educational background and assess their eligibility.

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 01 May 2026
• Start course: 01 September 2026

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year:
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 21400 (non-EU/EEA)
• Program form: full-time

After Your Studies

• Job prospects: As a graduate, you will be ready to take on roles in financial management in various settings, from start-ups to multinational companies, financial institutions, and consultancy firms.
• Job examples:
  • Financial and general management roles in companies and organisations
  • Treasury and risk management
  • Financial institutions
  • Consulting or in-house
  • Small businesses
  • Investment industry

Research

• In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics, and society.
• Some key areas of research you might explore as a student are:
  • How can firms access funding and choose between equity and debt?
  • How do firms make large investment decisions, including M&A?
  • How can management teams sustainably run companies, creating value for all stakeholders?
  • What is the optimal governance structure of a company, in terms of board composition, executive compensation, and shareholder/stakeholder rights?
  • What determines stock returns, and how can investors build optimal portfolios of investments?